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Abhorrence and Affection: A Jane Austen inspired romance
Bethany Benedicts; smart, beautiful, and terribly single… but she won’t let that little bump in the road get her down. She has plans, you see… to be married by the end of the year to a rich, handsome gentleman… but those plans are ruined when her father informs her she must marry her childhood rivalry, Mr. Nicholas Oakley, to help her family out of their terrible debt. Though Mr. Oakley is certainly rich enough, Beth cannot bring herself to like him, let alone love him as a good wife would. This is the story of true love and how life doesn’t always turn out the way you expect it. Inspired by Jane Austen.... with a sensual twist.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2015
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 14, 2015
This book far exceeded my expectations. I say that because I am a huge fan of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice with which this book loosely pairs its timeline. I deem Pride and Prejudice, rare art. It has become challenging to find any linked works that compare to it, especially not any that are break out novels!
Madeline Courtney's Abhorrence and Affection rises to the occasion.
This is the story of Beth, a beautiful young lady of late 18th century England's high society. To Beth's dismay (and confusion), she has found herself out, about and without any noteworthy suitors. All of this making her a near spinster at the ripe age of 23. Of course in that time, there was nothing worse than a single woman of Beth’s age except an absolutely wealthy, gorgeous AND single woman of that age. Obviously, there was something wrong with her, right? Wrong.
Beth comes off as a low key snob and she has an ego larger than her circumstances can afford. Also, she’s completely rude to her childhood friend, the only man of status, who is willing to give her the time of day. But those things don’t make Beth a flawed character. They make her layered (something that I love). Truth is, Beth knows her worth. She refuses to settle for anything less than a love match. That is until she is unexpectedly knocked off the shelf.
That’s when all the challenges begin!
This book combines old school romance with new school story telling. The author will have you to the point, pass the conflict and at the resolution in no time flat. And it will all be worth the journey as Beth is a lively, realistic and consistent character.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh read from a new author. Someone who likes a little twist to their historical romance, lovers of Jane Austen and anyone looking to read an entertaining book.
Glad, I added it to my favs collection this year. Hope you all find it as enjoyable as I did.
Madeline Courtney's Abhorrence and Affection rises to the occasion.
This is the story of Beth, a beautiful young lady of late 18th century England's high society. To Beth's dismay (and confusion), she has found herself out, about and without any noteworthy suitors. All of this making her a near spinster at the ripe age of 23. Of course in that time, there was nothing worse than a single woman of Beth’s age except an absolutely wealthy, gorgeous AND single woman of that age. Obviously, there was something wrong with her, right? Wrong.
Beth comes off as a low key snob and she has an ego larger than her circumstances can afford. Also, she’s completely rude to her childhood friend, the only man of status, who is willing to give her the time of day. But those things don’t make Beth a flawed character. They make her layered (something that I love). Truth is, Beth knows her worth. She refuses to settle for anything less than a love match. That is until she is unexpectedly knocked off the shelf.
That’s when all the challenges begin!
This book combines old school romance with new school story telling. The author will have you to the point, pass the conflict and at the resolution in no time flat. And it will all be worth the journey as Beth is a lively, realistic and consistent character.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh read from a new author. Someone who likes a little twist to their historical romance, lovers of Jane Austen and anyone looking to read an entertaining book.
Glad, I added it to my favs collection this year. Hope you all find it as enjoyable as I did.
April 27, 2017
I've usually only ever read stories pertaining to Harry Potter fan-fiction, and i've read plenty of Madeline's work to know that every word would be anything but a disappointment. The story was brilliant and she puts so much thought and imagery into her writing, it felt like the story could have been a movie! (I totally think it should be by the way!) I loved every seconds right up until the end and I hope everyone makes the decision to read this wonderful story because it's worth it!
December 4, 2017
Abhorrence and Affection, written by Madeline Courtney is a new addition to the Historical Romance Fiction genre. The novel is a short read at 176 pages, once you start it you won’t want to put it down, I read it in one sitting. The story is beautifully written with paced tension, struggles of love, the pains of growing up and learning to trust and be vulnerable.
The main character Bethany, is a smart, witty and beautiful 23-year-old. At the beginning of her story we see her desire to find a relationship with a well-respected man within society because that is what women are expected and obligated to do. Bethany’s character is well written, although I have to admit I had a slight hate for her at first. She was snide, self involved and overly dramatic through her comments and actions, we see that it is her fear of affection and being vulnerable which is her main character flaw only to be reflected in her actions.
Bethany’s story really begins to develop when her duty to her family is challenged. She has a sense of responsibility to protect her family as they have provided her with such a lovely upbringing never wanting for anything. This sense of duty is the catalyst for an arranged marriage to Nicholas.
Nicholas who was Bethany’s childhood friend brings the abhorrence into play. We see throughout the rest of the novel the tension between Nicholas & Bethany take place as they adapt to their new situation, adjusting to a marriage out of obligation and fighting the impending feelings of affection. The passion between Bethany and Nicholas is palpable throughout the novel from abhorrence to affection, and back again.
As the story progresses you can see that Bethany develops into a caring woman and I genuinely fell in love with her and the motivations of her character. This journey with Bethany demonstrates the skills the author possesses and utilizes within her writing. This is Madeline Courtney’s first published novel, I know she will be an author to watch.
The story was perfectly paced, enchanting, endearing, and romantic.
The main character Bethany, is a smart, witty and beautiful 23-year-old. At the beginning of her story we see her desire to find a relationship with a well-respected man within society because that is what women are expected and obligated to do. Bethany’s character is well written, although I have to admit I had a slight hate for her at first. She was snide, self involved and overly dramatic through her comments and actions, we see that it is her fear of affection and being vulnerable which is her main character flaw only to be reflected in her actions.
Bethany’s story really begins to develop when her duty to her family is challenged. She has a sense of responsibility to protect her family as they have provided her with such a lovely upbringing never wanting for anything. This sense of duty is the catalyst for an arranged marriage to Nicholas.
Nicholas who was Bethany’s childhood friend brings the abhorrence into play. We see throughout the rest of the novel the tension between Nicholas & Bethany take place as they adapt to their new situation, adjusting to a marriage out of obligation and fighting the impending feelings of affection. The passion between Bethany and Nicholas is palpable throughout the novel from abhorrence to affection, and back again.
As the story progresses you can see that Bethany develops into a caring woman and I genuinely fell in love with her and the motivations of her character. This journey with Bethany demonstrates the skills the author possesses and utilizes within her writing. This is Madeline Courtney’s first published novel, I know she will be an author to watch.
The story was perfectly paced, enchanting, endearing, and romantic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2019
Un ouvrage qui se réclame de Jane Austen mais qui en est hélas assez éloigné. Certes, Bethany, l'héroïne, est une contemporaine des soeurs Bennet et vit à Meryton mais la parenté s'arrête là. L'auteure cite toutefois plusieurs fois les Bennet et Beth participe au bal de Netherfield mais cela s'arrête là. Beth est donc une jeune femme magnifique (plus jolie que Jane Bennet), encore célibataire et dotée d'un caractère "fort". Elle se voit obligée d'épouser son ami d'enfance pour sauver sa famille de la ruine. A partir de là, on devine ce qui va se produire... Ce qui est moins évident c'est le côté très antipathique de l'héroïne qui est capricieuse, égoïste et simplement bête. La suite est à la hauteur de l'héroïne et le pauvre Nicholas (d'une rare fadeur) a bien du courage pour supporter une femme pareille. Le tout est agrémenté de scènes érotiques assez brèves et d'un viol pour faire bonne mesure (pas par Nicholas hein). Au final, je n'ai pas apprécié ma lecture que j'ai trouvé ennuyeuse
Ce que j'aime : les mentions des personnages d'Orgeuil et Préjugés, la patience de Nicholas
Ce que j'aime moins : la rare bêtise de l'héroïne, l'intrigue cousue de fil blanc et mal approfondie
En bref : Une romance bien loin de la finesse de Jane Austen portée par une héroïne aussi bête qu'antipathique. Dispensable sauf si vous êtes ultra fan de romances historique
Ma note
4/10
Ce que j'aime : les mentions des personnages d'Orgeuil et Préjugés, la patience de Nicholas
Ce que j'aime moins : la rare bêtise de l'héroïne, l'intrigue cousue de fil blanc et mal approfondie
En bref : Une romance bien loin de la finesse de Jane Austen portée par une héroïne aussi bête qu'antipathique. Dispensable sauf si vous êtes ultra fan de romances historique
Ma note
4/10
May 25, 2017
"Abhorrence and Affection" exceeded my expectations, by far! Madeline Courtney crafted relatable and interesting characters, in a modern-Jane Austen environment. The plotline is very well thought out and continuously draws the reader in. Please read this exciting novel and experience Bethany Benedict's world.
February 6, 2018
WONDERFUL
It is definitely worth 5 stars and so much more. Madeline Courtney is an amazing writer and a very dear friend. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book and blessing is with your amazing stories...
It is definitely worth 5 stars and so much more. Madeline Courtney is an amazing writer and a very dear friend. Thank you for writing such a beautiful book and blessing is with your amazing stories...
October 9, 2021
A cute historical romance. With some spice.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews