Pars and Prejudice

by Emma Jane

She can’t stand him. He can’t stay away.

Ellie Benton knows exactly where she stands at The Ledges Golf and Country on the outside.

As a small-town golf coach surrounded by old money and polished smiles, Ellie has learned not to expect acceptance from the club’s wealthy families. But when her older sister catches the eye of one of its most eligible bachelors, Ellie is pulled into a summer of social rivalries, backhanded compliments, and Will Pemberley.

Confident, privileged, and infuriatingly attractive, Will is everything Ellie has sworn she doesn’t want. Their first meeting leaves her convinced he’s just another arrogant outsider looking down on her. Will should be equally eager to keep his distance.

Instead, he can’t seem to stay away.

Summer keeps throwing them together, on the golf course, at tournaments, aboard Lake of the Ozarks boat parties, and within a social circle neither of them can escape. As sharp words turn into lingering glances and dockside confessions, Ellie begins to wonder whether she misjudged the man beneath the privilege.

But Will’s summer in Missouri was never meant to last, and Ellie knows better than to fall for someone whose life exists a world away from hers.

With the end of summer approaching, can Ellie risk her heart on the man she once wanted nothing to do with, or will she walk away before Will has the chance to prove her wrong?

Pars and Prejudice is an Austen-inspired contemporary romance featuring opposites attract, forced proximity, small-town charm, wealthy-family drama, and a love neither of them saw coming.

The Ledges Series
Book 1: Pars and Prejudice
Book 2: The Mulligan
Book 3: Chloe

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2026

Reviews

[Kirstin Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had all I look for when selecting a romance; charm, competitiveness, family, girl power, and a little spice (🌶️🌶️). Emma Jane’s writing pulled me into the story and I was easily able to immerse myself in the story. I’m a novice golfer but I was still able to enjoy the story line and relate to the themes of class and drama between women.
Being a “townie” and marrying in to a farm family, I could sympathize with Will and the shock of Midwest activities like the county fair and raising cattle.
The banter between the characters was amazing and had me giggling. I appreciated the way Ellie spoke her mind and how close she was with her sister and family.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would recommend this to someone if you are looking for a cute summer read! As someone who has never golfed, I did have to google a few things/terms along the way, but that didnt stop me from understanding the book. However, I do know you dont tee off with a putter, so that scene had me laughing out loud! This book was genuinely funny, had some spice, and a storyline that pulled me in from the start. It was a hard book to put down. I enjoyed *most* of the characters, their chemistry and humor, and the storyline! I can't wait for book 2!

[Mere · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an hole in 1 of success! Chipping away prejudice in to love. This was a modern day version of “Pride and Prejudice” with Ellie’s as Elizabeth and Will as Darcy. Ellie is a very independent, strong minded, sharp-witted protagonist and Will is the son of a wealthy real estate entrepreneur. From the start, Ellie initial prejudice against Will’s ego and arrogance and Will seeing women in that area like Ellie and Josie, her sister as opportunists creates a lot of tension and misunderstanding. There are humorous moments in the book like when Ellie is hiding and she overhears Chase who is head over heels in love with Josie suggests that Will partners with Ellie in an upcoming golf tournament. At that moment, Will tells him he doesn’t want to play “with someone who will be chatty entire time” and when Chase comments then about her beauty, Will calls Ellie “passable.” At that point, Ellie is wondering to herself who does this guy think he is!
They are both very defensive and competitive about their golf swings and golf game which it makes it fun to watch through out the book. There is so much tension between the two while they play golf that it makes you wonder if they are going to kill each other or end up together. There are also sweet and romantic moments in the book between the two.
Through out the book, the author shows how all the characters have their own personal flaws and obstacles that they overcome to find real love and maturity.
The author does a great job of describing the golf course, the mechanics of golf, and the game. Even if you don’t know a lot about golf, you can still easily follow the setting. If you are a fan of golf, and like romance and theme of “Pride and Prejudice” then this is for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elisasreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first golf-themed book, so there were definitely some golf phrases and words that were new to me! I had to reread a few lines here and there, but it didn’t take away from the story at all. The storyline kept me interested, and I especially loved the country club setting and the dynamic between the staff and members. My first golf/country club romance, and I really enjoyed it!

I loved Will & Ellie’s little bit of spice - it felt natural and real. 👀 And Ellie was such an amazing character! I also really liked how the author brought pieces of Josie’s life into the story without taking away from Ellie’s storyline or making it confusing. And Ellie’s mom… I definitely know a couple ladies like her 🫣

Overall, such a fun read with great characters, a unique-to-me setting, and a storyline that kept me turning the pages! 💕

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pars and Prejudice by Emma Jane is an intriguing start to The Ledges series, offering readers a romance that promises emotional tension, complicated relationships, and plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages. With a title that hints at both golf and the classic theme of overcoming prejudice, the book immediately sparks curiosity about the characters and the assumptions they must confront. One of the most appealing aspects of a romance like this is the opportunity to watch the characters navigate their differences, challenge their first impressions, and discover what lies beneath the surface. These elements can make for an entertaining and engaging read for fans who enjoy romance with a little bite and a lot of heart. Overall, Pars and Prejudice is a title worth exploring for readers drawn to contemporary romance, relationship drama, and stories about looking beyond first impressions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never golfed a day in my life, so I was a little hesitant that I wouldn’t fully enjoy a golf romance book but dang, was I wrong!

The author’s descriptive writing had me so immersed in the story that I’m now convinced I could hop in a golf cart and actually have some basic knowledge of the game.

But the romance is what really had me hooked. The shared love of golf, mixed with their little game of hard-to-get, kept me turning page after page just to see what would happen next. The chemistry, the tension, and the romance made this one so much fun to read.

Turns out you definitely don’t need to know a thing about golf to fall in love with a golf romance! 💚📖⛳️.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte Saluk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun, cute, quick read! I always love a romance that is “unexpected” because of differences, and this book is just that! I usually don’t read sport-based romance books often because of my lack on knowledge on rules and specifics. However, the writing of the golf scenes was easy to follow, even for someone with minimal knowledge like me. I found myself loving Ellie’s character. I loved how she was written as a strong female character who wasn’t afraid to stick up for herself, and give sass right back! I think that this book would be a great beach or pool read, especially if you love a romance with tension and some spice!

I received a free copy of this book via Virus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Makaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a cute summer read! A classic boy meets girl, HOA romance.

If I had to choose something to criticize, it would be the amount of technical jargon about the game of golf. The characters obviously adore it, but as someone who doesn’t have an interest in the game, it did get a bit too technical at times. It was hard to stay in the story when you didn’t understand what they were referring to.

That was easy to get over, though, and it was otherwise a great story.

*I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Capritiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This is a modern day take of Pride and Prejudice with Ellie as Elizabeth and Will as Darcy. Ellie is strong minded, fiercely independent and sharp witted, with Will the son of a wealthy real estate mogul in California. There are many fun moments throughout the book, and I appreciated how it did not follow the original story line to the letter. Yes, there were similar elements and I loved how they got together early on in the book, with a little spice thrown in too. Great book and I could not put this down.

I will definitely be reading other books by Emma Jane.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Ashley Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, reviewing voluntarily.

I simply could not put this book down. I was hooked from the beginning!! I read this book in less than 24 hours and it was just what I needed to get out of a reading slump. Equally lovable and hate able characters throughout. Having worked in a Country Club it brought me back to those days & the fun it would be with the many dynamics and personalities. This book had me laughing out loud, to eyes welling up at times. Seeing it listed as Book #1, I cannot wait for a Book #2 to be back in the world of The Ledges.

[Bailey Schildberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin?!? Such a fun, quick, witty read that was the definition of a page turner! Being a brutally honest person that also kinda enjoys confrontation myself, I loved Ellie’s character. Also totally here for the spice 🔥🔥

I JUST WANTED MORE!!! And I NEED to know what happened to Ian’s dumbass, and whether Aaron and Sutton ever got the karma they deserved?!? 😂 I was so invested that I just wasn’t ready for it to end!

P.S. I hate Mrs. Benton.. shallow bitch

Emma, you killed this! Sign me up for 10 more

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down! Literally had to read it all in one day. I fell in love with the characters and the plot had me captivated. I wished Ellie & Josie were my BFF's and had to know how the summer played out. This book has it ALL! Emma Jane is such a talented author. Definitely a MUST READ!.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start?! Will and Ellie had me HOOKED from the very beginning! Ellie is a no-nonsense girl with a golf swing that puts most men to shame and then along comes Will.
The tension between these two from the start was addicting. The banter and the chemistry had me invested as if I knew Will and Ellie on a personal level. I could not put this book down!.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Kading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was such an easy, enjoyable read, and I thought the author did a great job with the character development. I’m not a huge golfer, but I still really enjoyed the golf setting and storyline. The characters kept me interested, and I found myself wanting to keep reading. Definitely a fun read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bailey Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love wit, romance, spice and women fighting for space in rooms made for men, this is the book for you! Emma's writing perfectly captures what it feels like to excel in a male dominated field and to conquer it through grit and humor. You don't have to be a golf lover to find Pars & Prejudice the perfect read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Ellie is a golf pro for an elite country club. When Will comes to stay at his friend's house on the golf course, he meets Ellie. Ellie wants nothing to do with him since he thinks he is better than anyone one else. It drives him nuts when she beats him. It was fun to see the rich California guy be introduces to a country fair and a cattle ranch. This is a great book about truly looking at the person before making judgements. Most of Will's were wrong.

[Macy Emgarten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. The book flows so smoothly and you really get a good understanding of the characters and their past experiences that make them who they are. I loved the plot of this book and I would highly recommend to anyone!.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I started this I knew I was going to have a hard time putting it down. It was addicting and I felt like I was right there with the characters. When I wasn’t reading.. I was counting down the minutes until I could pick it back up! (Dang, work really got in the way) I am already looking forward to the next book! 10/10!

[Chelle Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptionally well written book. Par and Prejudice is the perfect blend of romance, fun, and heart. I loved the sweet moments, the chemistry, and the way the story pulled me in. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling and reminds you why we love a good romance. If you’re looking for a cozy, uplifting read with a little swoon-worthy magic, this one is definitely worth picking up! ⛳️📚

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect quick read to end summer! Great characters with a little bit of drama and spice 🌶️ mixed in. Can’t wait for the next one!.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan E. Bjelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

I never liked golf but I loved it in this book. I couldn’t put this story down. It was unbelievably compelling in its story line between haves and haves not. Can’t wait to read another book from this author!

[Kelsey Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This opposites attract story was everything I hoped it would be. An absolute gem and page turner. Looking forward to more from Emma Jane, a fresh new voice in contemporary romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Varus Publishing Core Readers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Justice Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Review of advanced copy)
A fun Midwest romance!!! Perfect amount of character plots and 🌶️ 🌶️