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Just Jayne
Jayne Burns has come too far in her life to look back. An orphan, she's used to being no one's choice.
Not anymore.
When she lands a job as a private tutor for the adopted daughter of a world famous guitarist, everything changes. The rock gods of Rochester's Pathos, Tennyson, Lee, Klaus, and Diego set their sights on her, and sweep Jayne off her feet.
But the band has a secret, and if it comes to light, they'll lose Jayne.
They refuse to give her up, and they'll tell any lie, barricade any door, and fight any foe to keep her.
**Just Jayne is a full-length, stand-alone reverse harem romance**
Not anymore.
When she lands a job as a private tutor for the adopted daughter of a world famous guitarist, everything changes. The rock gods of Rochester's Pathos, Tennyson, Lee, Klaus, and Diego set their sights on her, and sweep Jayne off her feet.
But the band has a secret, and if it comes to light, they'll lose Jayne.
They refuse to give her up, and they'll tell any lie, barricade any door, and fight any foe to keep her.
**Just Jayne is a full-length, stand-alone reverse harem romance**
408 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2019
599 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Ripley Proserpina
50 books520 followersRipley Proserpina spends her days huddled near a fire in the frozen northern wilds of Vermont. She lives with her family, two magnificent cats, and one dog who aspires to cat-hood.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 162 reviews
April 8, 2019
Abused at every turn of her childhood Jayne grew up expecting the worst. Overlooked, underestimated, she is plain Jayne. However, she's a wonderful teacher determined to show each of her students how special they are. When she is hired as the private tutor to the only daughter of one of the world's biggest rock bands, it doesn't take long for the guys in the band to realize just how special Jayne is. Tennyson, Lee, Klaus, and Diego make up Rochester's Pathos. Four men, closer than regular bandmates, closer than brothers. They have an unbreakable bond and they share everything in their lives. From the moment they meet the little teacher they are enamored and want to make her their own but they have a secret that has the power to destroy their world. And Jayne's.
This is a contemporary, reverse harem retelling of the classic Jane Eyre. I will never be satisfied with the original again. So cleverly written. So beautifully executed. This is a remarkable story. Ripley Proserpina has created a fascinating group of characters; a band of four creative masters complete with secrets and demons; an adorable child who wants nothing more than a home and love; a discriminating young lady who bears the scars of her upbringing; and a haunted shell of an unlucky woman who lived too hard. The varied supporting cast brings echoes of the original book into this contemporary one, each with their own subtle twist.
I enjoyed every second of this book. I am slightly bewildered that a book I am so intimately familiar with can retain its integrity and yet be so significantly changed. This book walks a fine line with the characters. The men are rock gods yet relatable, talented and successful, yet troubled and vulnerable; they make mistakes, lie, and sometimes treat Jayne poorly yet they are still sympathetic. Jayne herself is also a contradiction. She considers herself plain yet the men find her beautiful, she's intelligent yet doubts herself, she's easily triggered yet a pillar of strength. She is their answer. She is exactly what each of the men and their daughter needs. I didn't realize it until I got my hands on this book but it's exactly what I needed as well! Now I'm somewhat obsessed considering other classics that could be turned into RHs!
This is a contemporary, reverse harem retelling of the classic Jane Eyre. I will never be satisfied with the original again. So cleverly written. So beautifully executed. This is a remarkable story. Ripley Proserpina has created a fascinating group of characters; a band of four creative masters complete with secrets and demons; an adorable child who wants nothing more than a home and love; a discriminating young lady who bears the scars of her upbringing; and a haunted shell of an unlucky woman who lived too hard. The varied supporting cast brings echoes of the original book into this contemporary one, each with their own subtle twist.
I enjoyed every second of this book. I am slightly bewildered that a book I am so intimately familiar with can retain its integrity and yet be so significantly changed. This book walks a fine line with the characters. The men are rock gods yet relatable, talented and successful, yet troubled and vulnerable; they make mistakes, lie, and sometimes treat Jayne poorly yet they are still sympathetic. Jayne herself is also a contradiction. She considers herself plain yet the men find her beautiful, she's intelligent yet doubts herself, she's easily triggered yet a pillar of strength. She is their answer. She is exactly what each of the men and their daughter needs. I didn't realize it until I got my hands on this book but it's exactly what I needed as well! Now I'm somewhat obsessed considering other classics that could be turned into RHs!
April 30, 2019
Not my favorite RH book.
Just Jayne is a take on the famous book Jane Eyre. Which is also not a favorite of mine, sorry guys. I did, however, want to take a chance on this one. So I did... and it was just meh. In this book, you will meet Jayne. She's interviewing to become a private tutor to a little girl. It starts off a bit weird but then she get's whisked away to London for a personal interview.
Now I know no one that is that flexible in their lives where they can just book a plane ticket that day and fly off to wherever. No one. Not a single soul. Would I like to be that sort of person? Of course I would but I'm super poor and will never be able to do that.
Anyhoo, she's off and then gets instantly hired. Of course, the dads to little Sophie all have an insta-attraction towards her. There's some obvious sexual tension and then things start to get heated between these five throughout the book. Then there's some major bomb drops as well because these guys are already married to some crazy psycho. There's also some drama added to spice it up as well.
Overall, they end up happily ever after and the ending was kind of cute. Yet, this book just didn't do it for me.
Just Jayne is a take on the famous book Jane Eyre. Which is also not a favorite of mine, sorry guys. I did, however, want to take a chance on this one. So I did... and it was just meh. In this book, you will meet Jayne. She's interviewing to become a private tutor to a little girl. It starts off a bit weird but then she get's whisked away to London for a personal interview.
Now I know no one that is that flexible in their lives where they can just book a plane ticket that day and fly off to wherever. No one. Not a single soul. Would I like to be that sort of person? Of course I would but I'm super poor and will never be able to do that.
Anyhoo, she's off and then gets instantly hired. Of course, the dads to little Sophie all have an insta-attraction towards her. There's some obvious sexual tension and then things start to get heated between these five throughout the book. Then there's some major bomb drops as well because these guys are already married to some crazy psycho. There's also some drama added to spice it up as well.
Overall, they end up happily ever after and the ending was kind of cute. Yet, this book just didn't do it for me.
July 17, 2020
So I’m beginning to think this author and I just do not mesh. Like with the last book I read the write up was everything I wanted and more. Even the beginning of the book was captivating and I was living for it. Normally I’m not a fan of rockstar romances, but in spite of that I was really enjoying the book until the strong willed heroine suddenly turned into a stranger and pushover when one of the guys so much as rubbed their dick on her smh. This on top of the whole ridiculousness of the story just had me looking forward to the end. From the start the guys come off as super pretentious and yet still caring for their daughter. It’s all bullshit and I hate the fact that they had all these double standards and behaved like their daughter was disposable and a fun toy when they wanted to play with her. How can they justify giving Jayne the fifth degree and so much shit just interviewing to be a private teacher and then hold rockstar parties in the same house as an eight year old. We all know those aren’t tea parties they were throwing. From the start it was clear they were lying to Jayne and had no plans to ever come clean with her. They were keeping something big from Jayne and she just played the dumb blonde and ignored the million signs in front of her. The only saving grace of the story was Sophie, the daughter Jayne is teaching. Not only was she fun, the girl had multiple “fathers” lucky girl lol. But Jayne was the only one to really see her and realize she was struggling. I hated their behavior with her, it just felt like she was an accessory of theirs. Overall I just never felt one of the guys win me over and the ending was just a disappointment . The epilogue however made everything a little better but didn’t help save the overly long overblown and unbelievable relationship between the MCs.
April 9, 2019
I wanted them to grovel more, but it was good.
January 30, 2020
As every book this story held parts I liked and parts I didn't.
The narrators did a great job to express the different characters and make them real persons you'd like to meet. The history of each character was a plus, their perspectives of a family, the goodwill of the siblings who took Jayne in when she ran away... The world seems a better place knowing people like them exist.
But the menage thing was a bit too much/too unbelievable for me or at least the way it was presented in this book. And perhaps the "perfect" ending was a bit over the top.
The narrators did a great job to express the different characters and make them real persons you'd like to meet. The history of each character was a plus, their perspectives of a family, the goodwill of the siblings who took Jayne in when she ran away... The world seems a better place knowing people like them exist.
But the menage thing was a bit too much/too unbelievable for me or at least the way it was presented in this book. And perhaps the "perfect" ending was a bit over the top.
April 26, 2019
I mean if you like unrealistic soap opera plots this is your book
The grammar is decent. That's the only nice thing I have to say about the story. Every single plot point is so utterly ridiculous. Every. Single. One. spoilers. This is 100% a soap opera in book form complete with the crazy person locked in the attic, the horrible disfiguring accident, interrupted wedding days to reveal secrets, oh and blow **** bring rock stars to tears because no one has ever known what I need like you, because he NEEDED a blow ****. Ive actually injured my eyes rolling them at this book. But I've learned one thing, if you are ever in Edinburgh and pass out on the train platform without any money or id and are taken to the hospital no worries because a doctor and his two sisters who just met you will take you into their home where the three of them live and the doctor will ask you to marry him, oh and the hospital bill just doesn't exist BECAUSE THAT TOTALLY HAPPENS. Just like you pack up your entire life to fly across the ocean for an interview because of courses you will be hired on the spot and no one will even ask, hey do you need to, I don't know go home and pack up the rest of your stuff? No, they will totally assume your single suitcase contains your entire life and you are ready to get to working right away, but then again these are also people who fall in love with someone based on their resume, not even a cover letter, just the resume. And you though Elle Woods wrote an impressive CV. And it is 100% normal to not be creeped out that you have to keep the doors locked at all times in the manor and tell her she can't go to the third floor AND SHE NEVER asks and is all oh someone tried to set your room on fire and snuck into my room and shredded my veil but why on earth would I delay my quickie wedding to my employers who I've known for weeks?!?!?
The grammar is decent. That's the only nice thing I have to say about the story. Every single plot point is so utterly ridiculous. Every. Single. One. spoilers. This is 100% a soap opera in book form complete with the crazy person locked in the attic, the horrible disfiguring accident, interrupted wedding days to reveal secrets, oh and blow **** bring rock stars to tears because no one has ever known what I need like you, because he NEEDED a blow ****. Ive actually injured my eyes rolling them at this book. But I've learned one thing, if you are ever in Edinburgh and pass out on the train platform without any money or id and are taken to the hospital no worries because a doctor and his two sisters who just met you will take you into their home where the three of them live and the doctor will ask you to marry him, oh and the hospital bill just doesn't exist BECAUSE THAT TOTALLY HAPPENS. Just like you pack up your entire life to fly across the ocean for an interview because of courses you will be hired on the spot and no one will even ask, hey do you need to, I don't know go home and pack up the rest of your stuff? No, they will totally assume your single suitcase contains your entire life and you are ready to get to working right away, but then again these are also people who fall in love with someone based on their resume, not even a cover letter, just the resume. And you though Elle Woods wrote an impressive CV. And it is 100% normal to not be creeped out that you have to keep the doors locked at all times in the manor and tell her she can't go to the third floor AND SHE NEVER asks and is all oh someone tried to set your room on fire and snuck into my room and shredded my veil but why on earth would I delay my quickie wedding to my employers who I've known for weeks?!?!?
May 30, 2023
It was a cute enough book...
It was EXTREMELY reflective of Jayne Erye.
Like, it may as well have been a mirror.
I wish there had been more of an explanation of what happened with rivers family.
And I wish we saw what happened to the little boy.
What was the point of introduced my the characters without telling us what happened to them.
That's why it's a three star instead of four.
It was EXTREMELY reflective of Jayne Erye.
Like, it may as well have been a mirror.
I wish there had been more of an explanation of what happened with rivers family.
And I wish we saw what happened to the little boy.
What was the point of introduced my the characters without telling us what happened to them.
That's why it's a three star instead of four.
April 8, 2019
I absolutely devoured this book. Ok, so I'm gonna let y'all in on a little secret. I've never read Jane Eyre. Don't hate me, I'm just being honest here. It is the inspiration for this book though and now, even though I know I should have already read it, I want to go back and read Jane Eyre. That's how much I loved this book. Ripley did a phenomenal job of drawing you in, keeping you interested, and just making everything flow so smoothly.
Jayne is a private tutor who has jumped from job to job as needed. She is highly recommended, incredibly intelligent and devoted to her work. So when she gets hired for the rock band Rochester's Pathos, she barely blinks an eye. At first. This group of guys though seems to be her undoing. I can't blame her at all. These men are all something special. Unfortunately, they also come with secrets. You would kind of expect that from a rock band that's been around as long as they have but this secret, it's one that changes everything. Ripley keeps us hanging on the edge of our seat to figure out what it is. Even when I thought I had it figured out, I wasn't quite right.
To me, this book has everything you want. We've got an emotional ride, a devastating but character building past for our FMC, a dark and secret filled past for our boys, lies and deceit, mystery and angst. Just a well rounded, beautiful story that will break you apart and put you back together.
I have to say this is my absolute favorite book by this author and while I love that it's a standalone, I could have read so much more about this group. Highly recommend.
Jayne is a private tutor who has jumped from job to job as needed. She is highly recommended, incredibly intelligent and devoted to her work. So when she gets hired for the rock band Rochester's Pathos, she barely blinks an eye. At first. This group of guys though seems to be her undoing. I can't blame her at all. These men are all something special. Unfortunately, they also come with secrets. You would kind of expect that from a rock band that's been around as long as they have but this secret, it's one that changes everything. Ripley keeps us hanging on the edge of our seat to figure out what it is. Even when I thought I had it figured out, I wasn't quite right.
To me, this book has everything you want. We've got an emotional ride, a devastating but character building past for our FMC, a dark and secret filled past for our boys, lies and deceit, mystery and angst. Just a well rounded, beautiful story that will break you apart and put you back together.
I have to say this is my absolute favorite book by this author and while I love that it's a standalone, I could have read so much more about this group. Highly recommend.
April 9, 2019
That little twist near the end :O I did not see that coming!
This is a stand-alone rh that follows Jayne who gets a private tutoring job for the daughter of one of the band’s members. The band has secrets that they don’t want Jayne to find out but once she does, will they lose her? I enjoyed this book, I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what the band was hiding. When the secret came to light, it wasn’t what I was expecting! I loved how Jayne handled the guys and the little girl. The interactions between Jayne and the daughter were sweet, I loved how she protected she was of her. The guys were all great but Tennyson was on my nerves most of the time because of how he reacted at certain situations. I also wished that the epilogue was a little longer but it was a good conclusion to their story.
This is a stand-alone rh that follows Jayne who gets a private tutoring job for the daughter of one of the band’s members. The band has secrets that they don’t want Jayne to find out but once she does, will they lose her? I enjoyed this book, I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what the band was hiding. When the secret came to light, it wasn’t what I was expecting! I loved how Jayne handled the guys and the little girl. The interactions between Jayne and the daughter were sweet, I loved how she protected she was of her. The guys were all great but Tennyson was on my nerves most of the time because of how he reacted at certain situations. I also wished that the epilogue was a little longer but it was a good conclusion to their story.
May 11, 2021
So to start off within can legitimately estrangement see that plotting coming. I won't lie, I thought I had it well and truly figured out so congrats Me Proserpina on that one. One big problem I did have was that this way a good and long book but the ending felt a little rushed and I feel like it would have been a better idea to make this a duet so we could see them all in a much happier place. I did enjoy seeing the ground progress and grow up a little more.
Something that you also need to be aware of is that this is your warning!!!! There are many triggering this book through out the entire book including flashbacks of abuse and though they are not of a sexual nature they are brutal.
Having said all this, yes I would still read more books by this author.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Something that you also need to be aware of is that this is your warning!!!! There are many triggering this book through out the entire book including flashbacks of abuse and though they are not of a sexual nature they are brutal.
Having said all this, yes I would still read more books by this author.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
July 28, 2019
I haven't read Jane Eyre, still thought this was great.
Really enjoyed this book. I like that it went different places to other Rock Star romances I've read.
Definitely keen to read more from Ripley Proserpina. Recommended.
Really enjoyed this book. I like that it went different places to other Rock Star romances I've read.
Definitely keen to read more from Ripley Proserpina. Recommended.
April 28, 2019
Good but I wanted more
It was a good book, a very interesting take on Jane Eyre, but it needed more. We went from just meeting to declarations of love so quickly it made my head spin, especially with scenes of intimacy immediately after they embarrassed her. We didn't get the tale of woe scene, which was such a pivotal part of the book and relationship building. I wish the author had of taken more time and care to flesh out the relationships so the reader could feel the emotions instead of just reading them.
It was a good book, a very interesting take on Jane Eyre, but it needed more. We went from just meeting to declarations of love so quickly it made my head spin, especially with scenes of intimacy immediately after they embarrassed her. We didn't get the tale of woe scene, which was such a pivotal part of the book and relationship building. I wish the author had of taken more time and care to flesh out the relationships so the reader could feel the emotions instead of just reading them.
March 30, 2024
Just Jayne is a RH romance retelling of the classic Jane Eyre
Where I personally think that the "retelling part" worked so well, the RH romance failed miserably.
Jane Eyre's appeal was partly due to the fact that it was written in the first person and often addressed the reader, creating great immediacy. In addition, Jane is an unconventional heroine, an independent and self-reliant woman who overcomes both adversity and societal norms. Unfortunately, I did not see that in Jayne Burns. She appeared more as a victim rather than a survivor. She did not rise above her ordeals but rather let them dictate her personality and life.
I did enjoy reading how the author retold the story and was curious how she would overcome the plot twist, which was done rather well actually. However, the plot was a literal step-by-step Jane Eyre storyline. While the classic book worked as a first-person POV, it did not work here.
The reason is that this is an RH. To have four guys falling for one girl without seeing their in depth felt ridiculous. Although each one did get rather teeny tiny POV chapters, they were not enough to understand their connections, the reasons for them falling so fast for Jayne and their backgrounds.
I mean, how did a man from a Spanish background, one from an Asian culture, one British, and one North European I think, meet and form a band that is thicker than blood brotherhood?
Their love for Jayne felt convenient rather than natural. She is the opposite of the woman they fell for once. She is so desperate to be loved that she would forgive and stay despite all the lies.
The retelling worked somehow, but the RH romance failed. Hence, 2 stars.
Where I personally think that the "retelling part" worked so well, the RH romance failed miserably.
Jane Eyre's appeal was partly due to the fact that it was written in the first person and often addressed the reader, creating great immediacy. In addition, Jane is an unconventional heroine, an independent and self-reliant woman who overcomes both adversity and societal norms. Unfortunately, I did not see that in Jayne Burns. She appeared more as a victim rather than a survivor. She did not rise above her ordeals but rather let them dictate her personality and life.
I did enjoy reading how the author retold the story and was curious how she would overcome the plot twist, which was done rather well actually. However, the plot was a literal step-by-step Jane Eyre storyline. While the classic book worked as a first-person POV, it did not work here.
The reason is that this is an RH. To have four guys falling for one girl without seeing their in depth felt ridiculous. Although each one did get rather teeny tiny POV chapters, they were not enough to understand their connections, the reasons for them falling so fast for Jayne and their backgrounds.
I mean, how did a man from a Spanish background, one from an Asian culture, one British, and one North European I think, meet and form a band that is thicker than blood brotherhood?
Their love for Jayne felt convenient rather than natural. She is the opposite of the woman they fell for once. She is so desperate to be loved that she would forgive and stay despite all the lies.
The retelling worked somehow, but the RH romance failed. Hence, 2 stars.
April 29, 2019
Okay, I'll have to come clean. I haven't read the original classic, Jane Eyre. I know, I know that should be a given if you're a reader but alas, I didn't. However, I did watch the movie version. You know the one that stars Michael Fassbender (Edward Rochester) and may I just say, that movie is one of my favorite to this date.
I dived into this story blind, so when a few chapters in, I was thinking no freaking way is this Jane Eyre retelling. Just, no way! I loved the movie version so for me to read a retelling, I was torn apart. Literally. A lot of thoughts and questions were running through my mind as I get lost in this story. But in the author's true fashion, she put her own spin into it and I was a goner! The story in my opinion rings of Bronte in the sense that it held the same formula. The difference and what made this a great read for me is that the author let loose the restraint passion and emotion and made the ending so much sweeter. Don't get me wrong, I still love the movie and will remain as is, but this book will stay with me for a long time. What I loved more is that the story is set in contemporary scene, an RH with a bevy of moody, artistic rock stars and a heroine that clearly is not Just Jayne.
Perfect for those who loves a great retelling of an old classic with a twist!
I dived into this story blind, so when a few chapters in, I was thinking no freaking way is this Jane Eyre retelling. Just, no way! I loved the movie version so for me to read a retelling, I was torn apart. Literally. A lot of thoughts and questions were running through my mind as I get lost in this story. But in the author's true fashion, she put her own spin into it and I was a goner! The story in my opinion rings of Bronte in the sense that it held the same formula. The difference and what made this a great read for me is that the author let loose the restraint passion and emotion and made the ending so much sweeter. Don't get me wrong, I still love the movie and will remain as is, but this book will stay with me for a long time. What I loved more is that the story is set in contemporary scene, an RH with a bevy of moody, artistic rock stars and a heroine that clearly is not Just Jayne.
Perfect for those who loves a great retelling of an old classic with a twist!
April 9, 2019
This book was exceptional! A reverse harem romance that is surprising beautiful and filled with deep emotions. This clever re-imagining of the classic novel, Jane Eyre will easily sweep you up into the story, touch your heart and leave its mark on your soul. The chemistry in this book is off the charts. and the pull between the characters undeniable. Drama, secrets, pain, poignancy, heartbreak, love and passion, all play a part in this remarkable tale that will totally wreck you emotionally. All thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely my own.
April 10, 2019
Utterly heartbreaking but beautiful. This story is so much. You move in with Jayne’s emotions as she discovers that people can love her. The guys, even though I hated them for their choices I still fell in love with each character as Jayne did. The flow was good. The main reflection of how strong these characters had to be in the end so they could have their HEA is what got me when reading this book. Enjoyed it like all of Ripley’s books.
*** received ARC for honest review*****
*** received ARC for honest review*****
January 2, 2023
Unique!
This was one of the most unique Jane Eyre retellings I’ve read yet! I really liked it. I did wish their was a little more emotional development and connection built between the guys and Jayne at the beginning, but the end was just so sweet and emotional I still loved them all together. No regrets reading this and if you’re considering it, give ‘Just Jayne’ a shot!
This was one of the most unique Jane Eyre retellings I’ve read yet! I really liked it. I did wish their was a little more emotional development and connection built between the guys and Jayne at the beginning, but the end was just so sweet and emotional I still loved them all together. No regrets reading this and if you’re considering it, give ‘Just Jayne’ a shot!
April 10, 2019
This is a modern day, reverse harem retelling of the classic book Jane Eyre. And even though I don’t particularly care for the original, I really loved Just Jayne. Ripley Proserpina writes so intelligently, and her characters are realistic and relatable. This was a beautifully written story with all the feels and angst of an ugly cry book. I enjoyed it thoroughly and can’t recommend it highly enough!
April 22, 2019
Beautiful
I loved it. It was a beautiful story full of love. Ups, downs, drama lies, heartbreak and love. It also had heat dont worry. I laughed and cried and cried. So worth the read.
I loved it. It was a beautiful story full of love. Ups, downs, drama lies, heartbreak and love. It also had heat dont worry. I laughed and cried and cried. So worth the read.
April 21, 2019
2,5 stars
I really don't know how they fell in love among other things. One of the guys told her that he knew he would fall in love with The Fmc because of her resume?
Just didn't get this at all.
I really don't know how they fell in love among other things. One of the guys told her that he knew he would fall in love with The Fmc because of her resume?
Just didn't get this at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
tuned in for the jane eyre rh retelling but mehhh
January 5, 2020
It was an okay book. I like Jane Eyre. I like Reverse Harem. I like Rockstar Romance. I just don’t know if this mash up was necessary. Or complimentary.
If you were to take all of the Jane Eyre stuff out of the story I am positive it would be a better story. Maybe it’s because I knew what was going to happen before it happened? I don’t know. I guess it took all of the emotion and drama out of the original and watered it down to spread the romance out over four men rather than one.
I felt BETRAYED when I first found out about Mr. Rochester’s first wife, but I also felt sympathy for him being a victim of his time and the social demands of the times in which he lived. Divorce didn’t exist. So the reason why ‘they’ didn’t divorce the mentally disturbed first wife doesn’t have as much punch in a modern setting. Especially when they have money coming out of their ears as four rock stars who even share their bank accounts? Laziness and a desire to feel tortured and broody was why they stayed married to her. Which is decidedly not as powerful as the original.
Not to mention she acts so betrayed and Dark Moment-y about it, but she is actively in a polyamorous relationship with four men and she gets to feel all bent out of shape that they are still married? Bigamy is a HUGE aspect of the original. By her sleeping with four men she has no foot to stand on. They aren’t emotionally with the first wife and she is not in a position to make demands or ultimatums OR even divorce them herself. It’s not fair to make the first wife a line in the sand. She’s not even legally marrying the one who was still legally married to the first wife. Why can’t she marry Tennyson? Why do all of them have to suffer the consequences? Because they are Three Musketeering their entire lives? As if they should be ONE MAN instead of FOUR?
Again, I am not certain Jane Eyre was the best choice of original literature to retell for a rockstar reverse harem romance and because of it, the bits that weren’t unadulterated Jane Eyre plot surgery suffered for being shoved in a box it didn’t - and shouldn’t have to - fit into.
If you were to take all of the Jane Eyre stuff out of the story I am positive it would be a better story. Maybe it’s because I knew what was going to happen before it happened? I don’t know. I guess it took all of the emotion and drama out of the original and watered it down to spread the romance out over four men rather than one.
I felt BETRAYED when I first found out about Mr. Rochester’s first wife, but I also felt sympathy for him being a victim of his time and the social demands of the times in which he lived. Divorce didn’t exist. So the reason why ‘they’ didn’t divorce the mentally disturbed first wife doesn’t have as much punch in a modern setting. Especially when they have money coming out of their ears as four rock stars who even share their bank accounts? Laziness and a desire to feel tortured and broody was why they stayed married to her. Which is decidedly not as powerful as the original.
Not to mention she acts so betrayed and Dark Moment-y about it, but she is actively in a polyamorous relationship with four men and she gets to feel all bent out of shape that they are still married? Bigamy is a HUGE aspect of the original. By her sleeping with four men she has no foot to stand on. They aren’t emotionally with the first wife and she is not in a position to make demands or ultimatums OR even divorce them herself. It’s not fair to make the first wife a line in the sand. She’s not even legally marrying the one who was still legally married to the first wife. Why can’t she marry Tennyson? Why do all of them have to suffer the consequences? Because they are Three Musketeering their entire lives? As if they should be ONE MAN instead of FOUR?
Again, I am not certain Jane Eyre was the best choice of original literature to retell for a rockstar reverse harem romance and because of it, the bits that weren’t unadulterated Jane Eyre plot surgery suffered for being shoved in a box it didn’t - and shouldn’t have to - fit into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
This was such a good retelling of Jane Eyre. Ms. Proserpina did a great job blending the classic Gothic novel with a contemporary Reverse Harm. Ms. Brontë would totally approve. Well, she may have added a few group sex scenes, the kinky bitch, given the freedom that we have in writing today. But still.♥
If you have never read Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," you will be entertained and mystified to the very end. If you have read the classic you will be obsessed, like I was, to see how Ms. Proserpina modified it. All the same plot points are there and the character-building, she did great at spreading out Mr. Rochester's treats evenly throughout the guys but adding to them too.
And this is when my nerd side comes out. I would love to write a paper comparing the two works and breaking everything down, to analyze and debate over. #EnglishMinor #BookWyrm
April 30, 2019
Beautifully written
I was a bit apprehensive when I saw this was a retelling of a classic. I love my classics so I almost never like to see new authors touch them. But this was fantastic.
First, this definitely isn't a retelling. It's clearly inspired my Jane Eyre, but it's a unique story and it's not necessary to have ever liked (or even read) Jane Erye. It has hints of the classic in it but is an original piece that stands on its own.
The characters have great depth to them and a wholly likeable. I absolutely adored Sophie. Jayne is pitiable, but not at all pathetic. I would have liked a bit more backstory on the guys. How did they even become a band? How did they find out about Sophie?
The plot felt a little rushed in the middle but the beginning and end made up for it. There were less than half a dozen typos in the whole book, which is pretty impressive.
Basically, this was an extremely well written and enjoyable book. Regardless of whether you hate Jane Eyre, love it, or have never even heard of it, this book worth a read.
I was a bit apprehensive when I saw this was a retelling of a classic. I love my classics so I almost never like to see new authors touch them. But this was fantastic.
First, this definitely isn't a retelling. It's clearly inspired my Jane Eyre, but it's a unique story and it's not necessary to have ever liked (or even read) Jane Erye. It has hints of the classic in it but is an original piece that stands on its own.
The characters have great depth to them and a wholly likeable. I absolutely adored Sophie. Jayne is pitiable, but not at all pathetic. I would have liked a bit more backstory on the guys. How did they even become a band? How did they find out about Sophie?
The plot felt a little rushed in the middle but the beginning and end made up for it. There were less than half a dozen typos in the whole book, which is pretty impressive.
Basically, this was an extremely well written and enjoyable book. Regardless of whether you hate Jane Eyre, love it, or have never even heard of it, this book worth a read.
April 20, 2019
What a wonderful world!
If you are a Bronte fan you will love this 21st century retelling of Jane Eyre.
The characters are wonderful, they sucked me into the story and I felt like I was watching everything unfold.
Whilst this is a RH, our main characters relationship is very tasteful and romantic. I felt there was a good level of realism because as we know no ones life is perfect and no matter what a great relationship takes work from all parties, so it was good to see conflict and resolution.
Even the antagonists in this story were believable and there wasn’t just one so the storyline ebbed and flowed given each circumstance. I loved that this was a standalone, no cliffy, no waiting, just satisfaction.
My only bug bare there were a few spelling/grammar errors throughout the book.
If you are a Bronte fan you will love this 21st century retelling of Jane Eyre.
The characters are wonderful, they sucked me into the story and I felt like I was watching everything unfold.
Whilst this is a RH, our main characters relationship is very tasteful and romantic. I felt there was a good level of realism because as we know no ones life is perfect and no matter what a great relationship takes work from all parties, so it was good to see conflict and resolution.
Even the antagonists in this story were believable and there wasn’t just one so the storyline ebbed and flowed given each circumstance. I loved that this was a standalone, no cliffy, no waiting, just satisfaction.
My only bug bare there were a few spelling/grammar errors throughout the book.
April 12, 2019
Jayne is such an interesting MC. She is more of a wall-flower, but she is also fierce and has a core of strength. She has to really had anyone in her life that cared about her. She is a live-in teacher for the rich. She takes a new job in England and finds her life turned upside down. Tennyson, Lee, Klaus, and Diego form the rock band Rochester Pathos. They have lots of secrets. I really like how Jayne does what is right for her and stands up for her beliefs both for her student and for herself. This story has some twists towards the end that I was not expecting, but I liked how the character grew from them.
This is a stand-alone, contemporary RH
This is a stand-alone, contemporary RH
October 15, 2019
Emotional story
Standalone contemporary Reverse Harem books are rare. I have no idea why that is, I can imagine it takes some skill as a writer to make sure the story moves at a believable pace. Ripley nailed it in this Rockstar romance meets plain Jayne. But there was nothing plain about Jayne. She was a woman wearing her scars as proof she survived. She didn't hide her past, it made her stronger and she does not put up with any crap from others, knowing her own worth. Yes, there was the hint of vulnerability, but it only made Jayne look stronger.
Jayne was the kind of FMC I want in all the books I read. This was such an amazing book!
Standalone contemporary Reverse Harem books are rare. I have no idea why that is, I can imagine it takes some skill as a writer to make sure the story moves at a believable pace. Ripley nailed it in this Rockstar romance meets plain Jayne. But there was nothing plain about Jayne. She was a woman wearing her scars as proof she survived. She didn't hide her past, it made her stronger and she does not put up with any crap from others, knowing her own worth. Yes, there was the hint of vulnerability, but it only made Jayne look stronger.
Jayne was the kind of FMC I want in all the books I read. This was such an amazing book!
April 10, 2019
Reverse harem jane eyre
For those who are familiar with the classic story this is a great modern adaptation (extra plus points for the reverse harem) for those unfamiliar with Jayne eyre, this is a story of secrets, true love, broken men and a 'plain jane (jayne)' who has the ability to help them battle each others demons.I really enjoyed it.
For those who are familiar with the classic story this is a great modern adaptation (extra plus points for the reverse harem) for those unfamiliar with Jayne eyre, this is a story of secrets, true love, broken men and a 'plain jane (jayne)' who has the ability to help them battle each others demons.I really enjoyed it.
April 15, 2019
This is my new favorite by this author. It was so good. The only thing I could say that isn’t positive is that they fell a little too quickly for me, but damn, I loved everything else. The main character and her difficult life, the guys and their dynamic, the little girl, the entire story, even when they’re apart, was fantastic. I really loved it.
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