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Pemberley House #2
If I Loved You Less
She's not supposed to think he's hot.
Em has known Ward Knightley all her life, and she's never thought he was hot before. He's always been only a family friend--thirteen years older than her and far too bossy. He gives her brotherly advice and lectures her when she does something silly, and the rest of the time he just laughs at her. Sure, he's smart and handsome and funny and kind. But he's not hot.
He's really not.
He's not supposed to be anyway. But once Em starts seeing him in a new way, she can't think about him the way she did before. She's usually good at arranging the world around her. She helps her friends find jobs and romantic partners, and she always has herself under control. But nothing is controlled about the way she's now wants Ward as so much more than a family friend.
If only he didn't still think about her as a little girl.
Pemberley House is a series of modern reimaginings of Jane Austen novels, and the books are set in a historic mansion in Virginia that has been converted into condos. If I Loved You Less is loosely inspired by Emma.
Em has known Ward Knightley all her life, and she's never thought he was hot before. He's always been only a family friend--thirteen years older than her and far too bossy. He gives her brotherly advice and lectures her when she does something silly, and the rest of the time he just laughs at her. Sure, he's smart and handsome and funny and kind. But he's not hot.
He's really not.
He's not supposed to be anyway. But once Em starts seeing him in a new way, she can't think about him the way she did before. She's usually good at arranging the world around her. She helps her friends find jobs and romantic partners, and she always has herself under control. But nothing is controlled about the way she's now wants Ward as so much more than a family friend.
If only he didn't still think about her as a little girl.
Pemberley House is a series of modern reimaginings of Jane Austen novels, and the books are set in a historic mansion in Virginia that has been converted into condos. If I Loved You Less is loosely inspired by Emma.
158 pages, ebook
First published April 30, 2019
133 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Adams
137 books2,670 followersNoelle handwrote her first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and currently resides in Virginia, where she teaches English, reads any book she can get her hands on, and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 23, 2021
Reread review:
I loved rereading this one again. Ward was a great hero and watching him and Em see each other in a new light and making something out of it was fun and smexy. I had forgotten about how much Em liked trying to fix everything and everybody. Great reread!
Original review:
Ward has known Em since she was born. Thirteen years older with a divorce behind him, he carries the weight of the Knightley’s on his shoulders.
But Em’s newest task to help a friend find her way in life has him trying to get her to see that she’s forcing her own expectations on the girl. And as their confrontations grow more and more heated, he’s beginning to see Em in a different light.
”He’d wanted her so much. Now that he was conscious of it, he couldn’t make himself forget or ignore it. And it seemed to get stronger every time he saw her.”
Em is everyone’s friend. She’s caring and giving and is always willing to help someone in need. When her latest project causes a clash between Ward and herself, she is fed up with the way he always views her. She is not a child and should not be lectured to, but that’s how Ward has always seen her. But when she suddenly sees him in a different light, things begin to change.
I really enjoyed getting to know Ward. He is very controlled and definitely bossy, but he’s also determined to change his lecturing ways if it will keep Em in his bed. His divorce has left him scarred and therefore he tends to cut Em out before she can do the cutting. This added to the angst between these characters.
The fact that Em had her mind set on how her life would play out was another hurdle that they had to overcome. She did grow and develop to the point that she was able to see what she was doing with some of her good deeds and it was heartbreaking when she realized it. Both Em and Ward evolved into individuals that were ready to take the next step in a relationship.
The age issue was never really a problem, for which I’m glad as this couple had enough to contend with to throw that into the mix. As all of this author’s books, this is fast paced without long drawn out inner monologues. The steam level here was more than I was expecting, I’m not complaining, and showed that Em and Ward definitely had the chemistry thing down.
Overall, this is a great book that will leave you with a smile on your face and “feel good” vibes in your heart.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I loved rereading this one again. Ward was a great hero and watching him and Em see each other in a new light and making something out of it was fun and smexy. I had forgotten about how much Em liked trying to fix everything and everybody. Great reread!
Original review:
Ward has known Em since she was born. Thirteen years older with a divorce behind him, he carries the weight of the Knightley’s on his shoulders.
But Em’s newest task to help a friend find her way in life has him trying to get her to see that she’s forcing her own expectations on the girl. And as their confrontations grow more and more heated, he’s beginning to see Em in a different light.
”He’d wanted her so much. Now that he was conscious of it, he couldn’t make himself forget or ignore it. And it seemed to get stronger every time he saw her.”
Em is everyone’s friend. She’s caring and giving and is always willing to help someone in need. When her latest project causes a clash between Ward and herself, she is fed up with the way he always views her. She is not a child and should not be lectured to, but that’s how Ward has always seen her. But when she suddenly sees him in a different light, things begin to change.
I really enjoyed getting to know Ward. He is very controlled and definitely bossy, but he’s also determined to change his lecturing ways if it will keep Em in his bed. His divorce has left him scarred and therefore he tends to cut Em out before she can do the cutting. This added to the angst between these characters.
The fact that Em had her mind set on how her life would play out was another hurdle that they had to overcome. She did grow and develop to the point that she was able to see what she was doing with some of her good deeds and it was heartbreaking when she realized it. Both Em and Ward evolved into individuals that were ready to take the next step in a relationship.
The age issue was never really a problem, for which I’m glad as this couple had enough to contend with to throw that into the mix. As all of this author’s books, this is fast paced without long drawn out inner monologues. The steam level here was more than I was expecting, I’m not complaining, and showed that Em and Ward definitely had the chemistry thing down.
Overall, this is a great book that will leave you with a smile on your face and “feel good” vibes in your heart.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
avoid
April 25, 2019FFS leave Austen alone!
May 21, 2020
Un po' meno appassionante degli altri due romanzi della serie, In Want of a Wife e Loved None but You (ma del resto, si sa, anche Emma per me è un pelino indietro nelle preferenze rispetto a Persuasione e Orgoglio e pregiudizio), questo modern retelling di Emma versione Pemberley Hall è comunque ben congegnato e pieno di sensualità come gli altri due episodi.
Un po' mi dispiace aver finito la serie, ma non credo di poter sperare che Noelle Adams scriva altri tre episodi correlati agli altri romanzi canonici di Jane Austen...
Un po' mi dispiace aver finito la serie, ma non credo di poter sperare che Noelle Adams scriva altri tre episodi correlati agli altri romanzi canonici di Jane Austen...
May 18, 2021
ספר שני בסדרה הרומנטית של נואל אדאמס, שהיא עיבוד מודרני לספריה של ג'יין אוסטן. הספר הזה שואב השראה מ"אמה".
אמה וודסון מטפלת באביה המבוגר וכל חייה סובבים סביבו, והיא אינה מעיזה לקוות לזוגיות או רומנטיקה.
וורד נייטלי הכיר את אמה כל חייה, אך מעולם לא חשב עליה בצורה רומנטית, עד שיום אחד...
ספר מאוד נחמד וקליל, אבל די שטחי. נהניתי לקרוא אבל הוא לא טוב כמו הראשון שמבוסס על "גאווה ודעה קדומה".
ממשיכה לספר השלישי.
אמה וודסון מטפלת באביה המבוגר וכל חייה סובבים סביבו, והיא אינה מעיזה לקוות לזוגיות או רומנטיקה.
וורד נייטלי הכיר את אמה כל חייה, אך מעולם לא חשב עליה בצורה רומנטית, עד שיום אחד...
ספר מאוד נחמד וקליל, אבל די שטחי. נהניתי לקרוא אבל הוא לא טוב כמו הראשון שמבוסס על "גאווה ודעה קדומה".
ממשיכה לספר השלישי.
May 22, 2020
Contemporary Romance
An engaging read, inspired by Jane Austen's Emma. Ladled with sexual tension (and the relief of the tension ;)
Some scenes were familiar while others were new and fresh, I liked the unpredictability of having to guess rather than knowing it all from the start...
A clever mashup with characters from PnP and Persuasion, this had a more adult feel than many of the "college" variations which were another trait I highly appreciated.
A tightly written story of how Em and Ward overcome their self-imposed limitations and open up to love and happiness. I found it thoroughly entertaining and I will definitely read more books by this author.
Recommend
Rated: Mature
An engaging read, inspired by Jane Austen's Emma. Ladled with sexual tension (and the relief of the tension ;)
Some scenes were familiar while others were new and fresh, I liked the unpredictability of having to guess rather than knowing it all from the start...
A clever mashup with characters from PnP and Persuasion, this had a more adult feel than many of the "college" variations which were another trait I highly appreciated.
A tightly written story of how Em and Ward overcome their self-imposed limitations and open up to love and happiness. I found it thoroughly entertaining and I will definitely read more books by this author.
Recommend
Rated: Mature
January 5, 2020
3.5-3.75 MA
February 17, 2020
So good!!
These variations are fantastic!! I love the modern twist to some of my favorite stories ever. I can't wait to continue with this series!
These variations are fantastic!! I love the modern twist to some of my favorite stories ever. I can't wait to continue with this series!
May 2, 2019
I was not able to love the adapting of a Jane Austen book here. The characters could be so annoying, including the dad.
Em was ridiculous most of the time. I don't think here that Jane Austen translates into modern story. I finished book but didn't feel like clapping.
Em was ridiculous most of the time. I don't think here that Jane Austen translates into modern story. I finished book but didn't feel like clapping.
May 12, 2019
Per the author, this series is inspired by Austen, but the books are not retellings. Which did allow some interesting choices, like Harriet/Lydia seem to be the same character. Emma thinking she knows best was toned down a little. Maybe TOO much because it made the conflict between her and "Knightley" never quite gel for me.
(The romance was fine?)
(The romance was fine?)
July 9, 2025
A modern twist on Emma by Jane Austen, If I Loved You Less brings together two people who have always been in each other’s orbit but never imagined the quiet, familiar thread between them could ignite into something far more intense.
26 year old Em Woodson, is a vibrant, compassionate, and fiercely loyal daughter to her dependent father, and quite used to managing everyone’s lives—except her own. In contrast, 39 year old Ward Knightley, her longtime neighbor and her father’s close friend, has always been the calm in the storm—blunt, steady, and somewhat aloof and a rather critical presence in her life at times. But everything shifts when the low thrum of awareness between them begins to rise into something neither can ignore.
Neither Em no Ward start off pining for each other—this is no case of unrequited love on either side. Rather, it is a slow build-up of awareness between the two that seemingly springs out of nowhere, forcing them to confront their burgeoning feelings for one another. Em, who has sworn off marriage because it is not for the likes of her, but still hangs a wedding dress in her room, and Ward who has never thought beyond his failed marriage to moving onto greener pastures—neither is ready for the avalanche of feelings that catches them unawares.
While Ward is older, controlled, and more mature when it comes to Em, who at certain times comes off as rather bratty in my opinion—beneath that restraint is a man who has been waiting, even if he did not know it. He does not fall in love with Em because she has been in his life since childhood, but rather because of the woman she became: generous and thoughtful—even though at times, her meddling nature does more harm than good. Even if Em feels as if he does nothing but criticize her for her life choices, in truth, Ward has admired her long before desire entered the equation.
Em, for her part, is one of those heroines who gets under your skin without even trying. She’s loving but not naïve, self-aware but not jaded. Though she tells herself that she is not spoiled, there is a part of her that is, and seeks to get away with what she wants—the way she wants it. She may have never broken free of her family’s grasp, but she has carved out a life full of purpose for herself as much as she can under the circumstances. Her relationship with Ward feels like a natural extension of who she is—it grows organically from admiration, banter, comfort… and then something hotter and far more dangerous.
The real tension when it comes to how Em and Ward’s relationship evolves lies in the emotional shift—the moment they start to see each other differently for the first time. Neither of them pursues the other outright; instead, the tension builds through shared moments, moments in which they are caught unawares, which blooms slowly and then there is no forcing back the tidal wave that hits. It’s restrained, but thrilling—and somehow more electrifying for that matter.
I enjoyed the second installment in the Pemberly House series on so many levels. I loved both Em and Ward individually and together — how they both just fit right in with each other as if they had been waiting to call each other their home. I loved that both Em and Ward got the emotional space and attention they deserved. Their connection wasn’t a lightning bolt—it was the kind of slow ignition that feels inevitable and completely right.
Ward was definitely the highlight of the story. He was a man who had put his romantic life to sleep and suddenly found it stirred awake by a woman who had always been there. I loved that Ms. Adams did not try to fix Em’s family situation to make her more “available.” Instead, Ward fit himself into her world, accepting and embracing what mattered to her, and offering his love without conditions.
And the heat? Subtle, steady, and so well-done. That quiet, simmering sexual tension was better than many full-blown steamy scenes—it pulsed under every conversation, every look. And when it finally boiled over? Perfection.
Recommended for: Readers who love slow-burns that truly burn, age-gap romance done with emotional depth and maturity, and heroes who fall in love with the woman as she is, not as he wants her to be.
Final Verdict: Simmering tension, emotional richness, and a quietly magnetic hero who didn’t know what he was missing until she lit the spark. Ward makes this one unforgettable.
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
26 year old Em Woodson, is a vibrant, compassionate, and fiercely loyal daughter to her dependent father, and quite used to managing everyone’s lives—except her own. In contrast, 39 year old Ward Knightley, her longtime neighbor and her father’s close friend, has always been the calm in the storm—blunt, steady, and somewhat aloof and a rather critical presence in her life at times. But everything shifts when the low thrum of awareness between them begins to rise into something neither can ignore.
Neither Em no Ward start off pining for each other—this is no case of unrequited love on either side. Rather, it is a slow build-up of awareness between the two that seemingly springs out of nowhere, forcing them to confront their burgeoning feelings for one another. Em, who has sworn off marriage because it is not for the likes of her, but still hangs a wedding dress in her room, and Ward who has never thought beyond his failed marriage to moving onto greener pastures—neither is ready for the avalanche of feelings that catches them unawares.
While Ward is older, controlled, and more mature when it comes to Em, who at certain times comes off as rather bratty in my opinion—beneath that restraint is a man who has been waiting, even if he did not know it. He does not fall in love with Em because she has been in his life since childhood, but rather because of the woman she became: generous and thoughtful—even though at times, her meddling nature does more harm than good. Even if Em feels as if he does nothing but criticize her for her life choices, in truth, Ward has admired her long before desire entered the equation.
Em, for her part, is one of those heroines who gets under your skin without even trying. She’s loving but not naïve, self-aware but not jaded. Though she tells herself that she is not spoiled, there is a part of her that is, and seeks to get away with what she wants—the way she wants it. She may have never broken free of her family’s grasp, but she has carved out a life full of purpose for herself as much as she can under the circumstances. Her relationship with Ward feels like a natural extension of who she is—it grows organically from admiration, banter, comfort… and then something hotter and far more dangerous.
The real tension when it comes to how Em and Ward’s relationship evolves lies in the emotional shift—the moment they start to see each other differently for the first time. Neither of them pursues the other outright; instead, the tension builds through shared moments, moments in which they are caught unawares, which blooms slowly and then there is no forcing back the tidal wave that hits. It’s restrained, but thrilling—and somehow more electrifying for that matter.
I enjoyed the second installment in the Pemberly House series on so many levels. I loved both Em and Ward individually and together — how they both just fit right in with each other as if they had been waiting to call each other their home. I loved that both Em and Ward got the emotional space and attention they deserved. Their connection wasn’t a lightning bolt—it was the kind of slow ignition that feels inevitable and completely right.
Ward was definitely the highlight of the story. He was a man who had put his romantic life to sleep and suddenly found it stirred awake by a woman who had always been there. I loved that Ms. Adams did not try to fix Em’s family situation to make her more “available.” Instead, Ward fit himself into her world, accepting and embracing what mattered to her, and offering his love without conditions.
And the heat? Subtle, steady, and so well-done. That quiet, simmering sexual tension was better than many full-blown steamy scenes—it pulsed under every conversation, every look. And when it finally boiled over? Perfection.
Recommended for: Readers who love slow-burns that truly burn, age-gap romance done with emotional depth and maturity, and heroes who fall in love with the woman as she is, not as he wants her to be.
Final Verdict: Simmering tension, emotional richness, and a quietly magnetic hero who didn’t know what he was missing until she lit the spark. Ward makes this one unforgettable.
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
May 10, 2019
Another lovely addition to the Pemberley House series! Em has known Ward for several years; he's always been a stalwart and trusted older friend and it's his family home that's been converted to the condos where she lives with her father (Ward lives in a separate house on the grounds). Recently they've started seeing each other in a different light, which soon leads to a friends with benefits arrangement. Dealing with their new feelings for each other comes with a few challenges but eventually they get their happy ending. As always, a sweet and sexy story with likable characters by an author who never disappoints!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
June 5, 2023
I still liked this book but I didn’t think it was as strong as the first. I liked the characters and some of the modernisations but some of it felt too similar to how the first novel was modernjsed and personally that spoiled some of the great bits of this novel. Still an enjoyable read.
February 25, 2021
A story inspired by Austen? Yes please! It is a very loose inspiration, but I love the connection. I like the idea of all of these Austen inspired characters living on the same property, having their lives intertwined.
April 17, 2019
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one and i really liked Ward, Emma was a little too clueless for me at times.
We met new characters, but many of the previous characters are intertwined into this book and lent their support and added something into the mix, i still do not like Riot and hope she grows up, but it was nice seeing Liz and Jane happy with their fiancees.
We get to watch as Ward and Emma start to see each other as more than just family friends to lovers and into something more as they realize, that, yes, they can have more and that they deserve more with each other.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to Anne story with Robert with their Persuasion type modern tale.
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one and i really liked Ward, Emma was a little too clueless for me at times.
We met new characters, but many of the previous characters are intertwined into this book and lent their support and added something into the mix, i still do not like Riot and hope she grows up, but it was nice seeing Liz and Jane happy with their fiancees.
We get to watch as Ward and Emma start to see each other as more than just family friends to lovers and into something more as they realize, that, yes, they can have more and that they deserve more with each other.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to Anne story with Robert with their Persuasion type modern tale.
May 9, 2019
Unfortunately, this one hasn’t been for me. I’ll try to read it again at a later date, but I just didn’t like the two main characters. The setting—like the first one—irks me slightly, since it just doesn’t sit well with me. Em and Ward both come from wealthy families, and Em has never had to work a day in her life. She has to take care of her depending and needy father, who has bought her an apartment in Ward’s family home, which has been converted into luxury condos.
That made her come across as an entitled rich daddy’s girl. Em herself admits she likes arranging the world the way she wants, and that she usually succeeds. Such a character trait, which she already showed in the first book of the series, just annoys me. Em likes to see herself as a role model and advisor to Riot, younger sister of her friends Liz and Jane.
I just didn’t like her and the fact she seems a bit spoiled.
Ward is quite a bit older, and has known Em since she was a baby. They’ve had a sibling-like relationship, but all of a sudden, he starts seeing her as more than that. I think its kind of cute, but also a bit cringy. He also acts bossy and slightly cocky, and that just turns me off. It always bothers me when a male character acts like that, but gets away with it because he’s hot.
All of these things combined made me put this one down without finishing it. But I’ll give it another try sometime in the future, since I really like most of this author’s works. Many thanks for the provided ARC, although I’ve also purchased this book myself.
That made her come across as an entitled rich daddy’s girl. Em herself admits she likes arranging the world the way she wants, and that she usually succeeds. Such a character trait, which she already showed in the first book of the series, just annoys me. Em likes to see herself as a role model and advisor to Riot, younger sister of her friends Liz and Jane.
I just didn’t like her and the fact she seems a bit spoiled.
Ward is quite a bit older, and has known Em since she was a baby. They’ve had a sibling-like relationship, but all of a sudden, he starts seeing her as more than that. I think its kind of cute, but also a bit cringy. He also acts bossy and slightly cocky, and that just turns me off. It always bothers me when a male character acts like that, but gets away with it because he’s hot.
All of these things combined made me put this one down without finishing it. But I’ll give it another try sometime in the future, since I really like most of this author’s works. Many thanks for the provided ARC, although I’ve also purchased this book myself.
April 17, 2019
Ward is 13 years older them Em but it never put a strain on their friendship except for his lectures to her. She doesn't want him to see her as a child. But she really isn't up for more.
Em takes care of her elderly father full time, mentors her friends youngest sister, and takes care of people. But she doesn't really focus on herself, she projects. So naturally romance isn't on her radar even after buying a beautiful wedding dress- she'll never wear it. But maybe just maybe she can indulge in some physical attention...but how to go about that especially with these new thoughts about Ward going through her head- thoughts she's never had prior.
I smiled and shed a few tears during this story. It was well rounded, heartfelt and steamy. Two characters stuck thinking their life was what is was and could never give them romance and especially not a family. Watching these two shift in their feelings toward one another, never realizing that their love has grown and evolved as naturally as a garden does.
Noelle is a fantastic writer of broody emotional unsure sexy hero's and independent, strong, determined heroines. Both waiting without realizing it for their match.
I am looking forward to book three about Anne and more updates about Riot (the unpredictable and foolish one. Plus any further spin off series that may follow this series.
**ARC received direct from the author. Volunteerly providing my honest review.
Em takes care of her elderly father full time, mentors her friends youngest sister, and takes care of people. But she doesn't really focus on herself, she projects. So naturally romance isn't on her radar even after buying a beautiful wedding dress- she'll never wear it. But maybe just maybe she can indulge in some physical attention...but how to go about that especially with these new thoughts about Ward going through her head- thoughts she's never had prior.
I smiled and shed a few tears during this story. It was well rounded, heartfelt and steamy. Two characters stuck thinking their life was what is was and could never give them romance and especially not a family. Watching these two shift in their feelings toward one another, never realizing that their love has grown and evolved as naturally as a garden does.
Noelle is a fantastic writer of broody emotional unsure sexy hero's and independent, strong, determined heroines. Both waiting without realizing it for their match.
I am looking forward to book three about Anne and more updates about Riot (the unpredictable and foolish one. Plus any further spin off series that may follow this series.
**ARC received direct from the author. Volunteerly providing my honest review.
May 1, 2019
3.5 stars.
This was lovely.
This time we have Em and Ward, they’ve known each other since forever. Since Ward is much older than Em, the minute feelings for each other start changing, they rebel against them and convince themselves that nothing is there.
Thing is, feelings don’t go away and now each interaction between them gets awkward and awkward, those little banter talks start meaning something more.
I have to say, both of these guys annoyed me from time to time. She saw him making every mistake in the book, at times when all he did was make a comment; and he still treated her like a child, which was annoying.
Also, SO not a fan of her Dad, it was frustrating to see him how he manipulated Em, and she bought it all. I know it wasn’t intentional on both their parts, but their dynamics were way off.
Still, all in all it was an entertaining read and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*
This was lovely.
This time we have Em and Ward, they’ve known each other since forever. Since Ward is much older than Em, the minute feelings for each other start changing, they rebel against them and convince themselves that nothing is there.
Thing is, feelings don’t go away and now each interaction between them gets awkward and awkward, those little banter talks start meaning something more.
I have to say, both of these guys annoyed me from time to time. She saw him making every mistake in the book, at times when all he did was make a comment; and he still treated her like a child, which was annoying.
Also, SO not a fan of her Dad, it was frustrating to see him how he manipulated Em, and she bought it all. I know it wasn’t intentional on both their parts, but their dynamics were way off.
Still, all in all it was an entertaining read and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
*Thank you to the author for providing a copy for which I’m giving my honest opinion*
May 1, 2019
This is another Jane Austen's inspired book by Noelle Adams from her Pemberley House series.
Emma has been in the other book and she is so Emma! Helpful, naive, really connected to her family, friendly and mentoring. She is the essential character. But what she did not see it happen is how Ward Knightley would become so essential to her life and how she would love him despite of her loyalty to her father.
This is a lovely and almost historical book to read because characters are so driven by emotions that they cannot control and try very hard too! Emma wants to be a good girl and Ward does not want to trust and suffer, but in the end they are soul mates.
You will love this book!!
Emma has been in the other book and she is so Emma! Helpful, naive, really connected to her family, friendly and mentoring. She is the essential character. But what she did not see it happen is how Ward Knightley would become so essential to her life and how she would love him despite of her loyalty to her father.
This is a lovely and almost historical book to read because characters are so driven by emotions that they cannot control and try very hard too! Emma wants to be a good girl and Ward does not want to trust and suffer, but in the end they are soul mates.
You will love this book!!
May 9, 2019
After absolutely adoring the first book in this series, which was loosely based on Pride and Prejudice, I was quite antsy to dive into this one, which is loosely based on Emma. It was cute and fun - I enjoyed revisiting all of the characters from the first novella in the series and I really enjoyed Ward and Em as characters. I liked the way this was updated and modernized as an adaptation. Ultimately, it didn't quite live up to my love of the first, but I do prefer P&P to Emma quite a bit too so that's partly on me. If you are a fan of Austen retellings, these are some of the better ones I've read - I cannot WAIT for the Persuasion retelling which is next and comes out in June.
September 9, 2019
Beautiful love story
It's sad when a person puts limits on their happiness. But when that person does it to care for a loved one, with love, it doesn't seem like such a sacrifice. Em was only doing what she felt was right, for her father. Fortunately for her she found in, long time family friend, Ward, something she never dared hope for. Its a great story. I recommend this book to anyone who loves great love stories.
It's sad when a person puts limits on their happiness. But when that person does it to care for a loved one, with love, it doesn't seem like such a sacrifice. Em was only doing what she felt was right, for her father. Fortunately for her she found in, long time family friend, Ward, something she never dared hope for. Its a great story. I recommend this book to anyone who loves great love stories.
May 5, 2025
It was ok, but Em really bothered me: i thought she was immature and dramatic. That went on for too long as a conflict, and then we didn't get to explore their relationship and the age-gap. it would have been nice to talk about kids since it's something I think Ward wanted. Em's dad was also very annoying and the fact that Em just indulged him was crazy. I realize that might be Emma's setting, but it didn't work for me.
May 4, 2019
Love this series
I was so excited when I heard about this series starting. It has exceeded my expectations and I can’t put the books down when I read them. I look forward to more in the series. Thank you for your amazing work with these books.
I was so excited when I heard about this series starting. It has exceeded my expectations and I can’t put the books down when I read them. I look forward to more in the series. Thank you for your amazing work with these books.
September 1, 2025
A modern Emma variation - 3.5*
This is the second in a trilogy of modern Austen variations. This one is a modernisation of Emma and this modernisation is generally done very well indeed. The characters and situations which do not translate well into the 21st century are very sensibly left out. This is trap which writers of modern variations can easily fall into and I appreciated that this author wisely did not.
There were two reasons for the slight drop in rating from the first in the series.
There was a bizarre timezone error at the end which was surprising in such a well edited book.
This does have clear and considerable mature content.
This is the second in a trilogy of modern Austen variations. This one is a modernisation of Emma and this modernisation is generally done very well indeed. The characters and situations which do not translate well into the 21st century are very sensibly left out. This is trap which writers of modern variations can easily fall into and I appreciated that this author wisely did not.
There were two reasons for the slight drop in rating from the first in the series.
There was a bizarre timezone error at the end which was surprising in such a well edited book.
This does have clear and considerable mature content.
April 5, 2019
I really liked If I Loved You Less it reminds me Clueless a lot. I haven't read anything from Jane Austen so that is my reference.
Currently rereading it
Currently rereading it
April 29, 2019
Loved Em and Wards' story! Loved these two in the last book. Em finally found a way to stay with her father and live her life!! So glad we got to find out what happened with them. Such a good book!
May 1, 2019
Enjoyable read. I liked.
May 3, 2019
This one didn't do too much for me. Em is a spoiled princess.
May 5, 2019
This was a great book. Loved it.
May 10, 2019
Loved it.
June 20, 2019
3.5 stars
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