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21st Century Bard #1
Sweet Nothing
Is something always better than nothing?
Ben Messina is a certified maths genius and romance sceptic. He and Trix met at university and have been quarreling and quibbling ever since, not least because of Ben’s decision to abandon their relationship in favour of … more maths! Can Trix forget past hurt and help Ben see a life beyond numbers, or is their long history in danger of ending in nothing?
Charming and sensitive, Claudio Messina, is as different from his brother as it is possible to be and Trix’s best friend, Henrietta, cannot believe her luck when the Italian model of her dreams chooses her. But will Claudio and Henrietta’s pursuit for perfection end in a disaster that will see both of them starting from zero once again?
This is a fresh and funny retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, set in the present day.
Ben Messina is a certified maths genius and romance sceptic. He and Trix met at university and have been quarreling and quibbling ever since, not least because of Ben’s decision to abandon their relationship in favour of … more maths! Can Trix forget past hurt and help Ben see a life beyond numbers, or is their long history in danger of ending in nothing?
Charming and sensitive, Claudio Messina, is as different from his brother as it is possible to be and Trix’s best friend, Henrietta, cannot believe her luck when the Italian model of her dreams chooses her. But will Claudio and Henrietta’s pursuit for perfection end in a disaster that will see both of them starting from zero once again?
This is a fresh and funny retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, set in the present day.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2013
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 20, 2013
I bought this book because I heard that it had a proper maths geek as the hero. I have a soft spot for a clever man. Also, I met Alison May through the RNA and she makes me laugh, so I figured her books might too.
Trix is bright, capable and angry. Man, is she angry. The person that winds her up to this anger is Ben, aforementioned maths genius and social disaster. I love that Trix is strong, professional, clever and...well, normal (if angry). I like reading about women who don't make me despair for the species. Nice one. Ben does make you despair for the species, but in a eye-rolling, 'what are you like' sort of way. He's a nice bloke with a slight glitch the Ben's brain/ real world interface. I loved this couple so very much.
There's a sub plot involving Claudio (idiot) and Henrietta (damaged, but likable). The ending to that story, which I can't elaborate on without spoiling it, was interesting.
If there were a way to give this book 4.5 stars, I would do. This is Alison May's first book. I am really looking forward to her later ones. If they are as good as this one, they'll be stellar.
Trix is bright, capable and angry. Man, is she angry. The person that winds her up to this anger is Ben, aforementioned maths genius and social disaster. I love that Trix is strong, professional, clever and...well, normal (if angry). I like reading about women who don't make me despair for the species. Nice one. Ben does make you despair for the species, but in a eye-rolling, 'what are you like' sort of way. He's a nice bloke with a slight glitch the Ben's brain/ real world interface. I loved this couple so very much.
There's a sub plot involving Claudio (idiot) and Henrietta (damaged, but likable). The ending to that story, which I can't elaborate on without spoiling it, was interesting.
If there were a way to give this book 4.5 stars, I would do. This is Alison May's first book. I am really looking forward to her later ones. If they are as good as this one, they'll be stellar.
May 9, 2014
Sweet Nothing is told from multiple viewpoints and the technique's used to good effect, adding both to the humour and the tension. The reader is occasionally allowed to peak back in time, to see the history of the characters, which definitely adds to the story, as motivations are revealed, bit by bit. I found the novel by turns laugh-out-loud funny and moving. Meanwhile the hero is pleasingly unconventional; I had no trouble at all believing in him!
July 30, 2017
Much Ado...and much to love!
Trix isn't in the market for love. Definitely not. Especially not with Ben Messina, the man who broke her heart at university years ago. But when Ben's brother Claudio falls in love with Trix's friend Henri, the two are thrown together as wedding plans get underway. A retelling of Shakespeare's Much Ado with a twist, this is a fabulous, character driven story that explores not just the twists and turns of love, but also the motives and drivers of people in love.
I adore Much Ado, and I was really intrigued when I picked up this novel to see which direction Alison May would take with the story. The characters of Ben and Trix were fabulously drawn, and I really connected with the two of them throughout. There are subtleties in their presentation that allude to the themes of Shakeseare's original, and often twist them slightly to fit an updated context. Ben's flashback to the tree incident is one such moment that will have fans of the play smiling in recognition. The rather more passive Henri was frustrating at times, but then Hero in the original play evokes exactly the same response, so I knew this was bound to be intentional. In fact, Henri's layers, once revealed by Alison May, mean the character makes perfect sense. The two women could not be more different, and their contrasts play beautifully off one another. Claudio is also a well rounded and believable character, and the two couples have contrasting, but convincing story arcs. I really enjoyed the POV switches between chapters, as all four characters had very distinct voices. Furthermore, the supporting characters of John and Danny are also brilliant additions, and provide an original spin on the Shakespearean voices.
As a graduate of York University, I loved the setting of this novel, too. It's a worthy place to set a retelling/reinterpretation of Much Ado, and I loved reading about the landmarks I knew so well - at times, the city becomes a character in itself, much as Kenneth Branagh brings Italy to life in his screen adaptation of the play. I could see the city, hear it and feel it! All in all, this is a great book to lose yourself in, and I'd highly recommend it, whether you know the Shakespeare play or not.
Trix isn't in the market for love. Definitely not. Especially not with Ben Messina, the man who broke her heart at university years ago. But when Ben's brother Claudio falls in love with Trix's friend Henri, the two are thrown together as wedding plans get underway. A retelling of Shakespeare's Much Ado with a twist, this is a fabulous, character driven story that explores not just the twists and turns of love, but also the motives and drivers of people in love.
I adore Much Ado, and I was really intrigued when I picked up this novel to see which direction Alison May would take with the story. The characters of Ben and Trix were fabulously drawn, and I really connected with the two of them throughout. There are subtleties in their presentation that allude to the themes of Shakeseare's original, and often twist them slightly to fit an updated context. Ben's flashback to the tree incident is one such moment that will have fans of the play smiling in recognition. The rather more passive Henri was frustrating at times, but then Hero in the original play evokes exactly the same response, so I knew this was bound to be intentional. In fact, Henri's layers, once revealed by Alison May, mean the character makes perfect sense. The two women could not be more different, and their contrasts play beautifully off one another. Claudio is also a well rounded and believable character, and the two couples have contrasting, but convincing story arcs. I really enjoyed the POV switches between chapters, as all four characters had very distinct voices. Furthermore, the supporting characters of John and Danny are also brilliant additions, and provide an original spin on the Shakespearean voices.
As a graduate of York University, I loved the setting of this novel, too. It's a worthy place to set a retelling/reinterpretation of Much Ado, and I loved reading about the landmarks I knew so well - at times, the city becomes a character in itself, much as Kenneth Branagh brings Italy to life in his screen adaptation of the play. I could see the city, hear it and feel it! All in all, this is a great book to lose yourself in, and I'd highly recommend it, whether you know the Shakespeare play or not.
June 5, 2017
Beatrice and Benedick are the original bickering couple; two of the most original characters in the romance genre. It's hard to do an interesting re-telling featuring these characters while adding something new to their story. I believe Alison May has done exactly that with Ben and Trix. They're very different from Beatrice and Benedick, and yet the same in spirit. Both are a hoot for starters! Both have emotional depth but do not take themselves too seriously. Both do not bicker just for the sake of it (as many romance couples are wont to do) but actually seem to enjoy it. Their romance is laced with humor as it is an essential part of their personalities. Ms May has done an excellent job with this Much Ado re-telling. I think I might love Ben and Trix more than their original counterparts.
October 25, 2022
A fun modern twist on one of Shakespeare's best plays and most iconic couples. Without spoilering anything, I particularly loved Henrietta/Hero's ending, which never quite sat right with me in the original play.
July 20, 2015
A modern-retelling of 'Much Ado About Nothing', with a geeky Benedict? Yes, please!
I loved Alison May's retelling of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and was excited to see how she approached this other well-known Shakespeare comedy. Needless to say, she nailed it.
My favourite aspect of the original play was seeing how Benedict and Beatrice's relationship played out. Alison May went the extra mile with these characters. With flashbacks we see the start of Ben and Trix's relationship years before when they were at University, and how Ben's choices then affected everything between them in the present day. Trix was a definite favourite character of mine. Her constant back-and-forth banter with Ben, and their mutual hate-turned-love was one of the most thrilling relationships to witness. I laughed out loud and cheered as they continued to be the same argumentative, passionate people I'd rooted for from the beginning, whilst they still grew as individuals and as a couple. With the addition of Ben's abysmal social skills, their scenes together made my heart feel lighter as we see see just how imperfectly perfect they are together.
But it was the other couple of this story that surprised me with how they made my heart race! Claudio and Henrietta were the sweet, perfect couple who everyone thought were made for each other. Whilst this would normally be the relationship less focused on, Alison May brilliantly developed their story together, and I really connected to their struggle in a way that I didn't in the original play. Seeing Henrietta's thoughts, and witnessing her gradual mental decline was utterly heartbreaking and I teared up as I saw just how much she struggled, believing as she did with her mother's death, that Claudio's abandonment of her at the altar, must be her own fault. It was beautifully written, and I was swept away in the sheer emotion of Henrietta's ordeal.
This was a wonderfully written retelling of the much-loved Shakespeare play, with a brilliant host of secondary characters that you will recognise from the original story, but grow to love in a very different, yet just as exciting way.
5 Stars!
I loved Alison May's retelling of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and was excited to see how she approached this other well-known Shakespeare comedy. Needless to say, she nailed it.
My favourite aspect of the original play was seeing how Benedict and Beatrice's relationship played out. Alison May went the extra mile with these characters. With flashbacks we see the start of Ben and Trix's relationship years before when they were at University, and how Ben's choices then affected everything between them in the present day. Trix was a definite favourite character of mine. Her constant back-and-forth banter with Ben, and their mutual hate-turned-love was one of the most thrilling relationships to witness. I laughed out loud and cheered as they continued to be the same argumentative, passionate people I'd rooted for from the beginning, whilst they still grew as individuals and as a couple. With the addition of Ben's abysmal social skills, their scenes together made my heart feel lighter as we see see just how imperfectly perfect they are together.
But it was the other couple of this story that surprised me with how they made my heart race! Claudio and Henrietta were the sweet, perfect couple who everyone thought were made for each other. Whilst this would normally be the relationship less focused on, Alison May brilliantly developed their story together, and I really connected to their struggle in a way that I didn't in the original play. Seeing Henrietta's thoughts, and witnessing her gradual mental decline was utterly heartbreaking and I teared up as I saw just how much she struggled, believing as she did with her mother's death, that Claudio's abandonment of her at the altar, must be her own fault. It was beautifully written, and I was swept away in the sheer emotion of Henrietta's ordeal.
This was a wonderfully written retelling of the much-loved Shakespeare play, with a brilliant host of secondary characters that you will recognise from the original story, but grow to love in a very different, yet just as exciting way.
5 Stars!
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I enjoy retellings of classics, plays and fairy tales – what’s not to love about putting a modern day spin on a well known and well loved tale. Sweet Nothing a retelling of the Bard’s Much Ado About Nothing is no exception to that standard of mine. First of all, a geek hero? Why yes, thank you very much! I’ll enjoy a geeky hero any day of the week. Unfortunately Trix doesn’t seem to agree with me.
Trix and Ben had been in love, or so she had thought until she got her heart broken and swore never, ever again. To say that Trix is a tad bit angry at Ben, and perhaps life in general would be a major understatement. Also to admit that Ben even has a clue would also be an exaggeration of the facts.
When Ben’s brother begins to romance Trix’s best friend – well look out, because the fur is going to fly. We see why Trix and Ben ended up as they are today through flashbacks that reveal misunderstandings and the obvious fact that these two do belong together. It has been said that there is a thin line between love and hate – and do we ever love to hate the one who hurt us.
I adored these couples, even when I sorely wanted to slap some people upside the head – believe me, they would have deserved it. But in the end this is a sweet, funny, sad at times retelling of Shakespeare’s tale.
Love rarely runs smoothly, but when the bumps are smoothed out it is well worth the gamble. Pick this one up and indulge yourself with a charming retold love story that is as old as time. Modern day couples haven’t changed all that much over the years, we simply have more technology to add into the mix.
The earlier title in this series, Midsummer Dreams, was a delightful retelling of another Bard’s tale. If you enjoyed that story by Alison May, you will definitely have fun with this one… and if you haven’t read it, well now you know to look for it once you’ve devoured Sweet Nothing.
*I received an e-ARC of Sweet Nothing from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
I enjoy retellings of classics, plays and fairy tales – what’s not to love about putting a modern day spin on a well known and well loved tale. Sweet Nothing a retelling of the Bard’s Much Ado About Nothing is no exception to that standard of mine. First of all, a geek hero? Why yes, thank you very much! I’ll enjoy a geeky hero any day of the week. Unfortunately Trix doesn’t seem to agree with me.
Trix and Ben had been in love, or so she had thought until she got her heart broken and swore never, ever again. To say that Trix is a tad bit angry at Ben, and perhaps life in general would be a major understatement. Also to admit that Ben even has a clue would also be an exaggeration of the facts.
When Ben’s brother begins to romance Trix’s best friend – well look out, because the fur is going to fly. We see why Trix and Ben ended up as they are today through flashbacks that reveal misunderstandings and the obvious fact that these two do belong together. It has been said that there is a thin line between love and hate – and do we ever love to hate the one who hurt us.
I adored these couples, even when I sorely wanted to slap some people upside the head – believe me, they would have deserved it. But in the end this is a sweet, funny, sad at times retelling of Shakespeare’s tale.
Love rarely runs smoothly, but when the bumps are smoothed out it is well worth the gamble. Pick this one up and indulge yourself with a charming retold love story that is as old as time. Modern day couples haven’t changed all that much over the years, we simply have more technology to add into the mix.
The earlier title in this series, Midsummer Dreams, was a delightful retelling of another Bard’s tale. If you enjoyed that story by Alison May, you will definitely have fun with this one… and if you haven’t read it, well now you know to look for it once you’ve devoured Sweet Nothing.
*I received an e-ARC of Sweet Nothing from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
October 16, 2015
3.5 Stars
I am convinced I never noticed the bit about this being a retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, when I originally bought this book. It is not one of Shakespeare's plays that I know anything about, and I can't work out whether this put me at an advantage or disadvantage as I started this book.
At least I had no pre-conceptions as to the story, and was happy to go with the flow. We have best friends Trix and Henri, who work and live together. We also have brothers of Italian descent Ben and Claudio.
Henri and Claudio had one date a year ago and then Claudio spent the year in Italy, and they emailed each other daily. She is very excited about seeing him again. Trix though doesn't really appear to get on with Ben, and it turns out he broke her heart when they were at uni.
The story is split into the various points of view, of the girls and the boys, and we also jump back and forth in their timeline, to up to twenty years previous, to get insights into Trix and Ben's previous relationship, and all of their childhoods. We discover something upsetting that has clearly had a long term affect on Henri and definitely explains some of her personality traits.
I enjoyed the way Alison May crafted the story, and you really got a feel for the four main characters distinctive personalities, and seeing Ben's thoughts were as awkward as seeing him in conversation. He is a maths geek, and just slightly socially awkward. Henri is a people pleaser, Claudio is I would say manipulative towards woman, but charming with it, and Trix seems like a regular girl.
This is a cleverly interwoven tale of the protaganists, as we see if they will or won't get together. It is well paced, although I felt the book finished a bit abruptly. I would have loved more of a feeling of knowing the overall outcomes.
Overall it was an enjoyable story and one that has made me very curious about Alison's Christmas books, as I think I would love them even more.
I am convinced I never noticed the bit about this being a retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, when I originally bought this book. It is not one of Shakespeare's plays that I know anything about, and I can't work out whether this put me at an advantage or disadvantage as I started this book.
At least I had no pre-conceptions as to the story, and was happy to go with the flow. We have best friends Trix and Henri, who work and live together. We also have brothers of Italian descent Ben and Claudio.
Henri and Claudio had one date a year ago and then Claudio spent the year in Italy, and they emailed each other daily. She is very excited about seeing him again. Trix though doesn't really appear to get on with Ben, and it turns out he broke her heart when they were at uni.
The story is split into the various points of view, of the girls and the boys, and we also jump back and forth in their timeline, to up to twenty years previous, to get insights into Trix and Ben's previous relationship, and all of their childhoods. We discover something upsetting that has clearly had a long term affect on Henri and definitely explains some of her personality traits.
I enjoyed the way Alison May crafted the story, and you really got a feel for the four main characters distinctive personalities, and seeing Ben's thoughts were as awkward as seeing him in conversation. He is a maths geek, and just slightly socially awkward. Henri is a people pleaser, Claudio is I would say manipulative towards woman, but charming with it, and Trix seems like a regular girl.
This is a cleverly interwoven tale of the protaganists, as we see if they will or won't get together. It is well paced, although I felt the book finished a bit abruptly. I would have loved more of a feeling of knowing the overall outcomes.
Overall it was an enjoyable story and one that has made me very curious about Alison's Christmas books, as I think I would love them even more.
August 4, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Sweet Nothing is author Alison May’s modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, a comedy of errors where two people that are meant to be together mistakenly break up and two other people who’ve hated each other for years finally rekindle their love.
I can honestly say that, while I love Shakespeare and have read several of his plays, this isn’t one of them, so I can honestly say there’s no criticism towards someone trying to remake a book from a master. That being said, I thought the author did pretty good with this remake. Each chapter was short but went between the four primary players. Reading Claudio’s and Henrietta’s chapters during the first half of the book kind of bordered on nauseating for me as the feelings were super sugary sweet. Reading Trix’s and Ben’s POV were a lot like reading a book in Penny’s and Sheldon’s (both from Big Bang Theory) POV. Trix is a romantic cynic who, at this point in her life, is determined she’s destined to be alone. She subconsciously blames Ben for what he did in college. Ben is a mathematician who I picture a Sheldon’s double, with a bit less self-importance. He’s completely clueless on natural human interactions and think’s love is a figment of the imagination. When Ben and Trix are around each other, they can’t help but goad the other into huge arguments that never seem to end well. The story also includes a number of great side characters.
I think the book would have been great had it just been Ben and Trix (most likely 5 stars). However, it was well written and I’d still recommend it to people that like modern takes on classics and don’t mind when the POVs switch and occasional flashbacks for better understandings.
Sweet Nothing is author Alison May’s modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, a comedy of errors where two people that are meant to be together mistakenly break up and two other people who’ve hated each other for years finally rekindle their love.
I can honestly say that, while I love Shakespeare and have read several of his plays, this isn’t one of them, so I can honestly say there’s no criticism towards someone trying to remake a book from a master. That being said, I thought the author did pretty good with this remake. Each chapter was short but went between the four primary players. Reading Claudio’s and Henrietta’s chapters during the first half of the book kind of bordered on nauseating for me as the feelings were super sugary sweet. Reading Trix’s and Ben’s POV were a lot like reading a book in Penny’s and Sheldon’s (both from Big Bang Theory) POV. Trix is a romantic cynic who, at this point in her life, is determined she’s destined to be alone. She subconsciously blames Ben for what he did in college. Ben is a mathematician who I picture a Sheldon’s double, with a bit less self-importance. He’s completely clueless on natural human interactions and think’s love is a figment of the imagination. When Ben and Trix are around each other, they can’t help but goad the other into huge arguments that never seem to end well. The story also includes a number of great side characters.
I think the book would have been great had it just been Ben and Trix (most likely 5 stars). However, it was well written and I’d still recommend it to people that like modern takes on classics and don’t mind when the POVs switch and occasional flashbacks for better understandings.
September 2, 2015
I'm coming from the perspective of someone who has NOT read the Shakespeare. ;)
I had been wary to begin this book because I had noticed some of the chapters include things like "Ten Years Earlier." I don't normally do well with books that jump around the timeline, but this book does it so seamlessly that I don't get a bit lost.
Ben is my favorite character from the book, and I wonder if that's normal. I'm a bit quirky, and I THINK the book is quirky, too, but maybe that's just because my perspective is quirky. I love the smart bits about Zero and Infinity and their inherent sameness. I had read some of that aloud to my 12-year-old daughter, and she lays down flat on the floor, moaning in existential crisis.
I spent a LOT of time in the last part of the book thinking something Momma taught me: "If you keep sweeping things under the rug, you'll only end up with a lumpy carpet." Have you EVER TRIED to have an existential crisis on a lumpy carpet? It's uncomfortable, to say the least. I am SO proud of Hen by the end of the Epilogue, that I am more than ready for her to make her very own decision about her two choices, and by the last sentence, I don't need to know the answer. The ending is spectacular in its quirky nothingness. I LOVE IT!
I've already read Alison May's second 21st Century Bard story. They are unrelated and can be read standalone. I'm gobsmacked that this piece of art is her debut novel. Gob. SMACKED. Knock me over with a feather. More people need to read this author. Right now.
I had been given a copy of this book from the publisher, Choc Lit, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Alison May, for sharing your talent around the world!
I had been wary to begin this book because I had noticed some of the chapters include things like "Ten Years Earlier." I don't normally do well with books that jump around the timeline, but this book does it so seamlessly that I don't get a bit lost.
Ben is my favorite character from the book, and I wonder if that's normal. I'm a bit quirky, and I THINK the book is quirky, too, but maybe that's just because my perspective is quirky. I love the smart bits about Zero and Infinity and their inherent sameness. I had read some of that aloud to my 12-year-old daughter, and she lays down flat on the floor, moaning in existential crisis.
I spent a LOT of time in the last part of the book thinking something Momma taught me: "If you keep sweeping things under the rug, you'll only end up with a lumpy carpet." Have you EVER TRIED to have an existential crisis on a lumpy carpet? It's uncomfortable, to say the least. I am SO proud of Hen by the end of the Epilogue, that I am more than ready for her to make her very own decision about her two choices, and by the last sentence, I don't need to know the answer. The ending is spectacular in its quirky nothingness. I LOVE IT!
I've already read Alison May's second 21st Century Bard story. They are unrelated and can be read standalone. I'm gobsmacked that this piece of art is her debut novel. Gob. SMACKED. Knock me over with a feather. More people need to read this author. Right now.
I had been given a copy of this book from the publisher, Choc Lit, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Alison May, for sharing your talent around the world!
November 25, 2014
I have to be honest, and admit that this is probably the first ChocLit book that I didn't adore. I found it difficult to like any of the characters, and they didn't really grow on me either. I liked Trix and I was ok with Claudio (he was hero material but just didn't pull it off), but I didn't like Ben and I found Henrietta really annoying (a bit of a wimp; she should have shouted and screamed!!!). That said, I see a number of reviews on Amazon have said that they loved the characters...and don't get me wrong, the characters are very well depicted for what they are (for example, Henri is so well written for somebody who has OCD and self-esteem problems), but the trouble was I just couldn't engage with them.
I suppose the storyline is pretty much set as I believe it is fairly true to the plot of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, so I can't really complain about things being unbelievable. I haven't read Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, but I do not think this is where the problem lay for me. I just couldn't connect, and I think I was totally lost from the moment I found myself reading about cleaning crumbs from behind the toaster!
And oh my god, the ending, that is the only sort of cliff hanger you can leave a reader on if you are planning a follow up book, which despite everything, I sort of hope there is....
I suppose the storyline is pretty much set as I believe it is fairly true to the plot of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, so I can't really complain about things being unbelievable. I haven't read Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, but I do not think this is where the problem lay for me. I just couldn't connect, and I think I was totally lost from the moment I found myself reading about cleaning crumbs from behind the toaster!
And oh my god, the ending, that is the only sort of cliff hanger you can leave a reader on if you are planning a follow up book, which despite everything, I sort of hope there is....
July 24, 2015
if Sweet Nothings was a movie it would be a Richard Curtis comedy with Colin Firth in the lead, I can even see that reindeer jumper!
i don’t usually give more than a four star to romances. Why? Because it’s very difficult to produce a plot or churn out characters that haven’t been churned out before – the rehashing of popular historical works has been done to death. One only has to look at the beloved works of Jane Austin to see that (Zombies indeed!)
That said this does get the five stars from me.
There are shades of genius here reminiscent of David Nicholls One Day. This isn’t because of the backwards, forwards plotting that moves the story forward in bite sized chunks with flashbacks, this is thanks purely to the delicious character of the male lead, Ben Messina. Ben is socially awkward, you know the type – he only opens his mouth to change feet! Here is a character we all love to hate. He’ll stand us up because he forgets the time, he won’t buy us flowers (only post-coital knickers), there’s no question he’ll remember our anniversary, maths professor notwithstanding. However he’ll do his best – a male lead that will, no, can only do his best – Pure genius!
i don’t usually give more than a four star to romances. Why? Because it’s very difficult to produce a plot or churn out characters that haven’t been churned out before – the rehashing of popular historical works has been done to death. One only has to look at the beloved works of Jane Austin to see that (Zombies indeed!)
That said this does get the five stars from me.
There are shades of genius here reminiscent of David Nicholls One Day. This isn’t because of the backwards, forwards plotting that moves the story forward in bite sized chunks with flashbacks, this is thanks purely to the delicious character of the male lead, Ben Messina. Ben is socially awkward, you know the type – he only opens his mouth to change feet! Here is a character we all love to hate. He’ll stand us up because he forgets the time, he won’t buy us flowers (only post-coital knickers), there’s no question he’ll remember our anniversary, maths professor notwithstanding. However he’ll do his best – a male lead that will, no, can only do his best – Pure genius!
February 5, 2014
Much Ado is one of my favourite plays so I was a little apprehensive about reading this modern spin on it but I needn't have worried. Alison managed to keep true to the original whilst (like an X Factor contestant) making it her own.
Told in first person present from the POV of four characters Trix, Ben, Henrietta and Claudio, Alison manages to weave a thoroughly modern comedy of errors. I particularly liked the way she handled the Henrietta/Hero storyline, always the least satisfying character/resolution in the play.
If you don't know the play then you'll enjoy this as a thought provoking romcom, if you do then you'll love seeing how adroitly this references it whilst managing to be an utterly original read.
Told in first person present from the POV of four characters Trix, Ben, Henrietta and Claudio, Alison manages to weave a thoroughly modern comedy of errors. I particularly liked the way she handled the Henrietta/Hero storyline, always the least satisfying character/resolution in the play.
If you don't know the play then you'll enjoy this as a thought provoking romcom, if you do then you'll love seeing how adroitly this references it whilst managing to be an utterly original read.
April 1, 2015
A light hearted rendering of Shakespeare's Much Ado with three different love stories entwined through the book. This is the story of maths genius Ben Messina and Trix, his one time, eminently sensible girlfriend. Ben's brother, the Italian stallion, Claudio has a swift and passionate affair with the naive and uncertain, Henrietta, and finally friend to all, Danny, has a long term on/off relationship with John.
There are some very humorous moments in this story, particularly Ben and Trix's brush with the law. The characters are well drawn, both of them plunging awkwardly on through life.
Although light hearted romance is not my favourite reading genre I enjoyed this story - Alison May has a deft touch and a good sense of humour.
There are some very humorous moments in this story, particularly Ben and Trix's brush with the law. The characters are well drawn, both of them plunging awkwardly on through life.
Although light hearted romance is not my favourite reading genre I enjoyed this story - Alison May has a deft touch and a good sense of humour.
July 13, 2015
This is the second time I've read this and I enjoyed it just as much the second time! I am a great fan of Alison's Shakespeare themed books and, although I know less about Much Ado, I was still hooked from the start.
If you know the story of Much Ado About Nothing - then you (more or less) know the story of Sweet Nothing.
It is the story of two couples, Ben & Trix and Claudio & Henri. The background characters have a great deal of influence and indeed change the whole direction of the plot. I like Alison's version because she is so good with emotions. I felt I really got to know Ben & Trix - and Henri in shock was described perfectly!
An excellent read and I do hope we will get another Shakespearean treat from Alison!
If you know the story of Much Ado About Nothing - then you (more or less) know the story of Sweet Nothing.
It is the story of two couples, Ben & Trix and Claudio & Henri. The background characters have a great deal of influence and indeed change the whole direction of the plot. I like Alison's version because she is so good with emotions. I felt I really got to know Ben & Trix - and Henri in shock was described perfectly!
An excellent read and I do hope we will get another Shakespearean treat from Alison!
August 27, 2015
This was a re-telling of Much ado about nothing (I like that Branagh movie version!)
Trix, has sworn off men. They just break your heart. You can have a lot of fun without them.
Ben is the math loving genius who broke her heart. Idiots! You are perfect for each other!
If you know the story, then you know their friends will use trickery to get these two to see the light.
Then there is lovely Henrietta who falls for Claudio. I did like how these two were portrayed. He was handsome, but did he think of others? She had some obsessions of her own. You will see.
A nice re-telling. The story is there, but in a modern setting. There characters have their quirks, and a few flashbacks made me see why.
Amusing with a dash of romance.
Trix, has sworn off men. They just break your heart. You can have a lot of fun without them.
Ben is the math loving genius who broke her heart. Idiots! You are perfect for each other!
If you know the story, then you know their friends will use trickery to get these two to see the light.
Then there is lovely Henrietta who falls for Claudio. I did like how these two were portrayed. He was handsome, but did he think of others? She had some obsessions of her own. You will see.
A nice re-telling. The story is there, but in a modern setting. There characters have their quirks, and a few flashbacks made me see why.
Amusing with a dash of romance.
January 16, 2014
It was not bad, above average ,but not brilliant. I liked The banter between Ben and Trix. He was like an Alpha nerd. They were in denial but then got it together. All the sex happens behind the scenes. Not happy.
I felt that Henrietta needed a separate story though as she had serious problems with OCD and low self esteem and her fella, who I had really liked, turned out to have commitment issues. hat he did to her was evil and I actually cried! But then she let him get away with it! There story ended on a bad note. There should be a sequel, where she learns to like herself and makes him suffer.
I felt that Henrietta needed a separate story though as she had serious problems with OCD and low self esteem and her fella, who I had really liked, turned out to have commitment issues. hat he did to her was evil and I actually cried! But then she let him get away with it! There story ended on a bad note. There should be a sequel, where she learns to like herself and makes him suffer.
July 2, 2014
I know this novel to be a modern take on Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' but, not knowing the plot behind the play, I found the book a little confusing. There is no doubt that this is clever little book with good characterisation and plenty of wit. I found the sparky relationship between Trix and Ben totally believable. Not so much the relationship between Henrietta and Claudio. To be honest, I found Henrietta irritating until she finally redeems herself at the end. As for Claudio, I saw through him almost immediately. The main good point about this book is that the author made me believe in the characters enough even to be irritated by them, hence the four stars.
August 12, 2015
Fun Book!
This is a fun book by Alison May. This is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Trix Allen is an independent single woman. Ben Messina is the man who broke Trix’s heart. When Ben’s brother sets off to win Trix’s best friend, they ending up spending time together. They realize the attraction they use to feel is still very strong. If you are looking for a fun book that has a great funny romance then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a fun book by Alison May. This is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Trix Allen is an independent single woman. Ben Messina is the man who broke Trix’s heart. When Ben’s brother sets off to win Trix’s best friend, they ending up spending time together. They realize the attraction they use to feel is still very strong. If you are looking for a fun book that has a great funny romance then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
September 4, 2016
This was a fun read. My only complaint was that I wanted Claudio to get an earful from Henri. I also would really like to read a sequel where Henri went to therapy and figured a few things out.
September 12, 2014
Great story...
November 16, 2014
enjoyable read
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