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Love, Austen #6
A Dashwood of Sense And Sensibility
Two Dashwood brothers. Two dashing romances.
Sensible, reasonable, responsible.
Noah Dashwood is the practical type. Now the beloved family home’s been sold to settle their father’s debts, Noah’s number one priority is finding a new place to live for himself and his brother. But the old house’s last gift to him is completely unexpected: Wade Ferrars, literally walking over broken glass to shake his hand, sexy and lovely and everything a guy could dream of. He even makes Noah . . . believe in romance.
Except . . .
Why so hot and cold?
What is he hiding?
Idealistic, energetic, spontaneous.
Oh God. Disaster. No money, no home, no man . . . Zach Dashwood should really, like, get a steady paying job. Help his brother out. Ohhh, maybe Ask Austen Studios has room for a talented musician? Maybe he should just nip in there . . .
This guy with terrible tie-taste is really something. Working on a Sunday, poor thing. Okay, they should hang out, maybe he’ll put in a good word with the boss—
Oh, he is the boss.
The clever, funny, decent, well-earning, sexy boss.
Well that’s . . .
Why has this guy not been snapped up yet? New mission!
Two very different brothers. Both in for a surprise.
A modern, gay retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.
Sensible, reasonable, responsible.
Noah Dashwood is the practical type. Now the beloved family home’s been sold to settle their father’s debts, Noah’s number one priority is finding a new place to live for himself and his brother. But the old house’s last gift to him is completely unexpected: Wade Ferrars, literally walking over broken glass to shake his hand, sexy and lovely and everything a guy could dream of. He even makes Noah . . . believe in romance.
Except . . .
Why so hot and cold?
What is he hiding?
Idealistic, energetic, spontaneous.
Oh God. Disaster. No money, no home, no man . . . Zach Dashwood should really, like, get a steady paying job. Help his brother out. Ohhh, maybe Ask Austen Studios has room for a talented musician? Maybe he should just nip in there . . .
This guy with terrible tie-taste is really something. Working on a Sunday, poor thing. Okay, they should hang out, maybe he’ll put in a good word with the boss—
Oh, he is the boss.
The clever, funny, decent, well-earning, sexy boss.
Well that’s . . .
Why has this guy not been snapped up yet? New mission!
Two very different brothers. Both in for a surprise.
A modern, gay retelling of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2021
30 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Anyta Sunday
111 books2,740 followersSpecialising in slow-burn romances where emotions reign, intimacy lingers, and chemistry sizzles—stories that leave you holding your breath and cheering for love, with just a splash of spice to sweeten the journey.
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 1, 2021
3.5 Stars
This book revolves around two brothers.
Noah Dashwood the level headed type and Zach Dashwood the live in the moment type.
Zach is determined to find love for himself and wants the same for his brother. He has the best intentions but he's not the brightest crayon in the box lol
Zach was insanely clueless when it came to his own emotions. He could not see what was right in front of his face. He was also a bit too erratic for me but I adored Brandy aka Brandon. I am so glad to see he finally found love.
As for Noah, I wanted to learn more about him. He's transgender but very little time is spent on it. Just glimpses to let you know. Wish it was explored more. But I am happy he found Wade. Their story had a little bit of angst going.
Overall it was an entertaining story with HEA for both brothers.
*ARC provided by GRR, this is my honest review.*
This book revolves around two brothers.
Noah Dashwood the level headed type and Zach Dashwood the live in the moment type.
Zach is determined to find love for himself and wants the same for his brother. He has the best intentions but he's not the brightest crayon in the box lol
Zach was insanely clueless when it came to his own emotions. He could not see what was right in front of his face. He was also a bit too erratic for me but I adored Brandy aka Brandon. I am so glad to see he finally found love.
As for Noah, I wanted to learn more about him. He's transgender but very little time is spent on it. Just glimpses to let you know. Wish it was explored more. But I am happy he found Wade. Their story had a little bit of angst going.
Overall it was an entertaining story with HEA for both brothers.
*ARC provided by GRR, this is my honest review.*
December 5, 2021
Messy, I'm afraid.
Anyta Sunday has decided to give Zach and Noah equal billing and page-space. To fit both stories into the page count, AS has jettisoned many of the layers of the original. The elements she has kept jar with more modern elements she's introduced. e.g. Noah is made to be as self-effacing as the original Eleanor was; she was hampered by the expectations of her sex and class but Noah isn't. So his arc feels articifially constructed.
There are always going to be Austen up-dated re-tellings, but honestly? I think they are all doomed. I'm not just talking about "Darcy and Elizabeth marooned while ski-ing with only one bed" type stuff. The habits and constraints of two hundred years ago that delicately shaped JA's plots and characters simply do not translate to the C21st. Yes, the broad tropes (opposites attract, second chance love etc) are still applicable, but if that's all that remains of the originals (as here) then we're comparing a primary-coloured poster painted splodge with Austen's subtle watercolours on her "two inches of ivory".
Anyta Sunday has decided to give Zach and Noah equal billing and page-space. To fit both stories into the page count, AS has jettisoned many of the layers of the original. The elements she has kept jar with more modern elements she's introduced. e.g. Noah is made to be as self-effacing as the original Eleanor was; she was hampered by the expectations of her sex and class but Noah isn't. So his arc feels articifially constructed.
There are always going to be Austen up-dated re-tellings, but honestly? I think they are all doomed. I'm not just talking about "Darcy and Elizabeth marooned while ski-ing with only one bed" type stuff. The habits and constraints of two hundred years ago that delicately shaped JA's plots and characters simply do not translate to the C21st. Yes, the broad tropes (opposites attract, second chance love etc) are still applicable, but if that's all that remains of the originals (as here) then we're comparing a primary-coloured poster painted splodge with Austen's subtle watercolours on her "two inches of ivory".
Read
November 23, 2021Delicious 💜
“A kiss had never felt like this before. So raw, so sensual. Like they both wanted to tell a story—where this could go next. How happily this could end.”
So eager to translate it.
“A kiss had never felt like this before. So raw, so sensual. Like they both wanted to tell a story—where this could go next. How happily this could end.”
So eager to translate it.
December 9, 2021
3,5 stars
Very entertaining, with some good heat and feels,
but in general I prefer one romance rather than splitting the book into two.
As I haven't read the previous books, I - quite expectedly - got lost with all the previous couples appearing. But that's totally on me.
I really liked the intensity of Noah and Wade, but found Zach a little bit too juvenile for my liking. Brandon was just lovely and so patient!
Very entertaining, with some good heat and feels,
but in general I prefer one romance rather than splitting the book into two.
As I haven't read the previous books, I - quite expectedly - got lost with all the previous couples appearing. But that's totally on me.
I really liked the intensity of Noah and Wade, but found Zach a little bit too juvenile for my liking. Brandon was just lovely and so patient!
December 2, 2021
This was an amazing retelling for Sense and Sensibility by Anyta Sunday.
The two brothers Noah and Zach are definitely the most adorable siblings. Oblivious too :)
And I was waiting for Brandon's story (it's Brandy for Zach, and Brandon let him).
It's a classic everyone can see, but you. It was adorable, funny, heartwarming, and damn...this brothers made me cry!
Started with a little sadness losing their childhood home, they're finally finding their forever home.
Mostly thanks to my favorite person, Brandon!
Read this book!
September 27, 2022
So, for this series finale (finaaaally), we had two romances on the go as befits the source material. At first I thought I was only able to enjoy Noah's romance because with Zach.. the obliviousness was painful. Almost book one levels of painful. But while he crossed the line into annoying a few times, I was pretty smitten by his love interest. Whereas it was Noah who had my heart in the other.
Overall, this was a decent instalment and I'm thankful we ended on a higher note than I expected. But I absolutely could not, and will not, recommend this series because it was an outrageous slog to find some good throughout these modern retellings.
Overall, this was a decent instalment and I'm thankful we ended on a higher note than I expected. But I absolutely could not, and will not, recommend this series because it was an outrageous slog to find some good throughout these modern retellings.
December 8, 2021
This series has been very hit and miss for me. While I could easily say wether I liked or not the previous books, this one ended being an in between, based on the fact that the two main characters fall in each category.
To me, Zach was good. He embodies all the spontaneity and romantic spirit that Marianne possesses. I found the way the story developed with him and Brandon to be interesting and organic, and it came with a fun perspective to the relationship. The tattoos were a nice touch.
Noah, I think was mishandled. I'm not sure him being trans added anything to the narrative, even though it totally could have. If the debts the brothers had to pay had been medical, not just of his dad but of Noah too? It would've been a nice touch. It had potential that was set aside to give Zack more page time. I also don't get why he had tattoos, it's really out of character for ever practical Elinor to use money on frivolous things, like body decor, so I can't see her 21st century counterpart being down for it. I can see him designing Zach's tattoos, but getting them himself when the money could be best spent elsewhere? Also, the way the romance developed with West felt stilted and performative. I didn't feel like it went well, especially from when Luc/Lucy was presented onward.
Generalities of this book. I didn't like the epilogue, it didn't feel like it concluded anything that hadn't happened in the previous chapter. I still feel like parts of the narrative felt off, mostly in relation to Noah, but the dichotomy between good/meh was a bit jarring. It kind of killed the pacing. The jump betweeb points of view was kind of complicated, as you pretty much have two storylines to follow that aren't as interconnected but also happen parallel to one another. That made the timing feel odd at times.
Generalities of the series. I feel Anyta did well with the extroverted leads that could push the story with action (Emma, Catherine, Marianne), while completely botching it with the introverted leads where the story needed their inner world to go forward (Elizabeth, Fanny, Elinor); Anne being the one introverted lead who wasn't done dirty. In the second case, the leads suddenly become extroverted and act completely out of character, which makes the novel feel more like iffy fanfiction than an adaptation. In a way, there's a uniformity to the leads as far as personality goes in Anyta's version, which is the complete opposite from Austen's novels where each character is entirely unique. So as an Austen fan, I'm unsure if I'd recommend the entire series. Likely not. Pick and choose if you must.
To me, Zach was good. He embodies all the spontaneity and romantic spirit that Marianne possesses. I found the way the story developed with him and Brandon to be interesting and organic, and it came with a fun perspective to the relationship. The tattoos were a nice touch.
Noah, I think was mishandled. I'm not sure him being trans added anything to the narrative, even though it totally could have. If the debts the brothers had to pay had been medical, not just of his dad but of Noah too? It would've been a nice touch. It had potential that was set aside to give Zack more page time. I also don't get why he had tattoos, it's really out of character for ever practical Elinor to use money on frivolous things, like body decor, so I can't see her 21st century counterpart being down for it. I can see him designing Zach's tattoos, but getting them himself when the money could be best spent elsewhere? Also, the way the romance developed with West felt stilted and performative. I didn't feel like it went well, especially from when Luc/Lucy was presented onward.
Generalities of this book. I didn't like the epilogue, it didn't feel like it concluded anything that hadn't happened in the previous chapter. I still feel like parts of the narrative felt off, mostly in relation to Noah, but the dichotomy between good/meh was a bit jarring. It kind of killed the pacing. The jump betweeb points of view was kind of complicated, as you pretty much have two storylines to follow that aren't as interconnected but also happen parallel to one another. That made the timing feel odd at times.
Generalities of the series. I feel Anyta did well with the extroverted leads that could push the story with action (Emma, Catherine, Marianne), while completely botching it with the introverted leads where the story needed their inner world to go forward (Elizabeth, Fanny, Elinor); Anne being the one introverted lead who wasn't done dirty. In the second case, the leads suddenly become extroverted and act completely out of character, which makes the novel feel more like iffy fanfiction than an adaptation. In a way, there's a uniformity to the leads as far as personality goes in Anyta's version, which is the complete opposite from Austen's novels where each character is entirely unique. So as an Austen fan, I'm unsure if I'd recommend the entire series. Likely not. Pick and choose if you must.
September 4, 2022
I loved the characters and their relationships but the jumps between the two romances felt jarring and I would have appreciated them more as two separate novellas.
3.85 stars
3.85 stars
March 13, 2022
4,5 ⭐️
November 26, 2021
A Dashwood of Sense And Sensibility is a very sweet story of two brothers that would do anything for each other and that, against all odds, find love.
I love Anyta Sunday's Signs of Love series so much so when I saw this was coming out I had to read it.
I need to say that between the two brothers I had a soft spot for Zach, it was just such an experience to live through his eyes, love and cry with him. He has such a particular energy, it was quite something.
Highly recommended.
I love Anyta Sunday's Signs of Love series so much so when I saw this was coming out I had to read it.
I need to say that between the two brothers I had a soft spot for Zach, it was just such an experience to live through his eyes, love and cry with him. He has such a particular energy, it was quite something.
Highly recommended.
December 7, 2021
November 19th, 2021:
So... I just received an arc because Anyta is the absolute best and, even though my life is falling the eff apart, I'm still really happy because I have this in my power.
UPDATE: December 6th,2021
I'm the worst. It took me forever to finish this, even though I got the copy before release day (did I tell y'all that Anyta sent me an ARC at a point when my life was in shards? I guess we could say I finished it while simultaneously trying to comb through the debris of my reality in order to put together something resembling a somewhat liveable existence). I'm a little dramatic, sue me (but, keeping the specific personal details to myself because of reasons, I have a right to be dramatic right now, trust me).
There's not much I can say about this story that could do it justice. It was simply perfect. Perfect, I tell you. Anyta hit it out of the park so thoroughly that "it" is now floating aimlessly across the endless outer space.
See? I have no words, no words but awestruck nonsense. Make of that what you will.
So... I just received an arc because Anyta is the absolute best and, even though my life is falling the eff apart, I'm still really happy because I have this in my power.
UPDATE: December 6th,2021
I'm the worst. It took me forever to finish this, even though I got the copy before release day (did I tell y'all that Anyta sent me an ARC at a point when my life was in shards? I guess we could say I finished it while simultaneously trying to comb through the debris of my reality in order to put together something resembling a somewhat liveable existence). I'm a little dramatic, sue me (but, keeping the specific personal details to myself because of reasons, I have a right to be dramatic right now, trust me).
There's not much I can say about this story that could do it justice. It was simply perfect. Perfect, I tell you. Anyta hit it out of the park so thoroughly that "it" is now floating aimlessly across the endless outer space.
See? I have no words, no words but awestruck nonsense. Make of that what you will.
Read
December 9, 20213.5 ★
“You have a way of rendering me speechless.”
“You have a way of making me feel, like, totally loved.”
I can’t believe this series has come to its end. Though not for me since I still need to read Emerett Has Never Been in Love. I didn’t read any Jane Austen books in the meantime so I’m curious to read the reviews from people who are familiar with her work. For me these weren't retellings, they were a break from the dark and fantasy books I'm used to reading about. Sometimes you just need a little bit of less drama and more quick stories to pass the time.
Fitting two couples in the same book felt like you couldn’t actually connect with anyone at the end. Both relationships felt a little bit rushed. Though I'm happy about Brandon having his HEA with Zach. He really needed someone who was the opposite of him to be happy.
I really liked how Noah and Wade’s relationship was compared to the way penguins mate, it was really cute.
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
November 25, 2021
This “retelling” of Sense& Sensibility as a contemporary gay romance is just perfect. I loved the well done balance between the two love stories, both Noah & Wade as well as Zach & Brandon get the perfect amount of time, the scenes are all spot-on. I even more loved that – in contrast to the original – the love story with Brandon does not feel like a consolation price but it’s so charming, adorable, funny, clueless and overwhelmingly cute.
Anyta Sunday has a gift to pack intense emotions together with humor and sizzling slow burn.
Such a charming and lovely last book in the “Love, Austen” series by Anyta Sunday. This book can be read as standalone but I really suggest to check out the other books, too.
Anyta Sunday has a gift to pack intense emotions together with humor and sizzling slow burn.
Such a charming and lovely last book in the “Love, Austen” series by Anyta Sunday. This book can be read as standalone but I really suggest to check out the other books, too.
November 26, 2021
Pebbles & Fairy Dust
I’m so very sad to say goodbye this amazing series but what a fantastic way to end it. The brotherly bond between Noah and Zach made me fall in love with these two all on their own. They may express themselves in opposite ways, Zach with his silliness and flair for the dramatic, and Noah with his calm, steadfast nature, but they both love and feel very deeply. No one could be more perfect for them than Brandon and Wade. I love how Brandon adores every bit of Zach and squealed with happiness from how Wade showed his love to Noah.
“Then what’s love?”
“I can’t describe it. It’s a feeling. It grows in the gaps between physical attraction and stimulating conversation and kindness. It has its own consciousness. And when you feel it surround you, you just know.”
With every glance, gesture, and touch—even the clueless or shy ones—I felt the love in these pages and it warmed me through and through. I will treasure these characters, the series, the adaptations and above all the sentiments found within and wish everyone who reads them find their own version of perfect happiness in them.
I’m so very sad to say goodbye this amazing series but what a fantastic way to end it. The brotherly bond between Noah and Zach made me fall in love with these two all on their own. They may express themselves in opposite ways, Zach with his silliness and flair for the dramatic, and Noah with his calm, steadfast nature, but they both love and feel very deeply. No one could be more perfect for them than Brandon and Wade. I love how Brandon adores every bit of Zach and squealed with happiness from how Wade showed his love to Noah.
“Then what’s love?”
“I can’t describe it. It’s a feeling. It grows in the gaps between physical attraction and stimulating conversation and kindness. It has its own consciousness. And when you feel it surround you, you just know.”
With every glance, gesture, and touch—even the clueless or shy ones—I felt the love in these pages and it warmed me through and through. I will treasure these characters, the series, the adaptations and above all the sentiments found within and wish everyone who reads them find their own version of perfect happiness in them.
February 27, 2022
I'd give this one closer to 2.5 stars if I could but... in this case 2 might be appropriate. This entry felt rushed, and is my least favorite in the Austen series.
Here, we focus on two brothers, Noah and Zach, and the POV focus alternates irregularly between the two. I felt like the Noah portion of the book suffered, because it was not focused. It seems clear me that the author couldn't connect with the character of Noah, and that portion came across so spacey. (I think Noah was meant to be dreamy?) The story became tedious during these chapters. Noah's "relationship" with Wade was, at best, superfluous because Wade wasn't around except for the first and last chapters. What was the point of introducing this? How can you develop a relationship with someone who isn't present?
This portion was such a poor and crappy effort that I almost gave up on the book.
On the other hand, the chapters with Zach were usually much more engaging. He was so self-absorbed he was oblivious to Brandon, which was by turns frustrating and funny. But again, like with Wade, Brandon was underdeveloped, and this became a major flaw for the book. One other thing I noticed was that Brandon is straight at the beginning of the book (and this is mentioned through the series prior...) but then falls for Zach. There's no real discussion about his coming out, just.. *waves hand* he's gay.
I don't recommend this.
Here, we focus on two brothers, Noah and Zach, and the POV focus alternates irregularly between the two. I felt like the Noah portion of the book suffered, because it was not focused. It seems clear me that the author couldn't connect with the character of Noah, and that portion came across so spacey. (I think Noah was meant to be dreamy?) The story became tedious during these chapters. Noah's "relationship" with Wade was, at best, superfluous because Wade wasn't around except for the first and last chapters. What was the point of introducing this? How can you develop a relationship with someone who isn't present?
This portion was such a poor and crappy effort that I almost gave up on the book.
On the other hand, the chapters with Zach were usually much more engaging. He was so self-absorbed he was oblivious to Brandon, which was by turns frustrating and funny. But again, like with Wade, Brandon was underdeveloped, and this became a major flaw for the book. One other thing I noticed was that Brandon is straight at the beginning of the book (and this is mentioned through the series prior...) but then falls for Zach. There's no real discussion about his coming out, just.. *waves hand* he's gay.
I don't recommend this.
December 17, 2021
Another lovely addition to this series.
I was intrigued by the idea of having two love stories in one book, and it make sense for the brothers Noah and Zach. They were very different despite being very close, and while their stories were inseparably tangled, they both had very different vibes.
I didn't realize at first that the brothers had appeared in several of the previous books. As usual, it can still be read as a standalone though, though as always, the connections to previous books is delightful.
Noah being trans was a delightful surprise, and mostly handled well, meaning it wasn't made a big deal at all. The only thing I thought was a bit strange was how vague yet detailed the sex scenes were. It was awkward because it felt like there was some tiptoeing around Noah's genitals.
Noah's story was a lot calmer, but the bigotry and terribleness-of-people central to his plotline was hard to read. Zach's was a lot more lighthearted and made me laugh, but it was also over-the-top in a groan-out-loud way. Not too bad to not still be enjoyable, but toning down his obliviousness at least a little would have been appreciated.
Lastly, the usual disclaimer: This is a retelling of a Jane Austen novel. I have not read that original inspiration, and cannot comment on that aspect at all.
I have received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I was intrigued by the idea of having two love stories in one book, and it make sense for the brothers Noah and Zach. They were very different despite being very close, and while their stories were inseparably tangled, they both had very different vibes.
I didn't realize at first that the brothers had appeared in several of the previous books. As usual, it can still be read as a standalone though, though as always, the connections to previous books is delightful.
Noah being trans was a delightful surprise, and mostly handled well, meaning it wasn't made a big deal at all. The only thing I thought was a bit strange was how vague yet detailed the sex scenes were. It was awkward because it felt like there was some tiptoeing around Noah's genitals.
Noah's story was a lot calmer, but the bigotry and terribleness-of-people central to his plotline was hard to read. Zach's was a lot more lighthearted and made me laugh, but it was also over-the-top in a groan-out-loud way. Not too bad to not still be enjoyable, but toning down his obliviousness at least a little would have been appreciated.
Lastly, the usual disclaimer: This is a retelling of a Jane Austen novel. I have not read that original inspiration, and cannot comment on that aspect at all.
I have received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 18, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Noah Dashwood e suo fratello Zachary sono costretti a vendere la casa di famiglia per ripagare i debiti che loro padre ha lasciato. Nessuno dei due è felice della cosa e fanno fatica a lasciar andare i ricordi del passato, così come la vecchia casa vittoriana in cui sono cresciuti.
Noah è serio, maturo, desideroso di dare stabilità a sé stesso e al fratello, ma anche lui si sente perso e non sa cosa fare. Ancor di meno quando compare un bellimbusto con le mani sporche di grasso per motori e gli fa provare sentimenti che non credeva di poter mai sperimentare nella vita…
Zachary, al contrario, è più spensierato. Vive la vita come viene, segue la corrente, si lancia a capofitto nelle cose e vuole a tutti i costi trovare il Vero Amore. Peccato che fino a ora abbia baciato solo rospi… Sarà in grado di riconoscere il Vero Amore quando gli si parerà davanti, nonostante la cravatta discutibile e una tuta argentata ancora peggiore?
Continua sul nostro blog!
Noah Dashwood e suo fratello Zachary sono costretti a vendere la casa di famiglia per ripagare i debiti che loro padre ha lasciato. Nessuno dei due è felice della cosa e fanno fatica a lasciar andare i ricordi del passato, così come la vecchia casa vittoriana in cui sono cresciuti.
Noah è serio, maturo, desideroso di dare stabilità a sé stesso e al fratello, ma anche lui si sente perso e non sa cosa fare. Ancor di meno quando compare un bellimbusto con le mani sporche di grasso per motori e gli fa provare sentimenti che non credeva di poter mai sperimentare nella vita…
Zachary, al contrario, è più spensierato. Vive la vita come viene, segue la corrente, si lancia a capofitto nelle cose e vuole a tutti i costi trovare il Vero Amore. Peccato che fino a ora abbia baciato solo rospi… Sarà in grado di riconoscere il Vero Amore quando gli si parerà davanti, nonostante la cravatta discutibile e una tuta argentata ancora peggiore?
Continua sul nostro blog!
December 11, 2021
3,5/5
Comme son titre l'indique, ce sixième tome est centré sur les frères Dashwood, Noah et Zach, et bien évidemment, dans leur recherche de l'amour.
Deux frères donc deux histoires d'amour, et le truc est que les romans sont déjà courts, mais alors là du coup, c'est encore plus frustrant... Je n'étais pas dans le bon mood pour le lire je pense, du moins ça n'a pas arrangé les choses...
J'ai été touchée par l'histoire de Zach et de Brandon. Zach est le frère avec lequel j'ai le plus accroché. Le pauvre ne voit pas ce qu'il a en face de lui, à savoir Brandy qui l'apprécie probablement plus qu'il ne le pense, et pas de la façon qu'il imagine ^^ A côté, Brandy est un homme extrêmement patient.
Je pense que les deux frères auraient mérité une histoire plus développée en fait. Après, j'ai aimé le slow burn, c'est vraiment un thème que j'adore chez Anyta Sunday, et ici, on en a deux en un ^^
Comme son titre l'indique, ce sixième tome est centré sur les frères Dashwood, Noah et Zach, et bien évidemment, dans leur recherche de l'amour.
Deux frères donc deux histoires d'amour, et le truc est que les romans sont déjà courts, mais alors là du coup, c'est encore plus frustrant... Je n'étais pas dans le bon mood pour le lire je pense, du moins ça n'a pas arrangé les choses...
J'ai été touchée par l'histoire de Zach et de Brandon. Zach est le frère avec lequel j'ai le plus accroché. Le pauvre ne voit pas ce qu'il a en face de lui, à savoir Brandy qui l'apprécie probablement plus qu'il ne le pense, et pas de la façon qu'il imagine ^^ A côté, Brandy est un homme extrêmement patient.
Je pense que les deux frères auraient mérité une histoire plus développée en fait. Après, j'ai aimé le slow burn, c'est vraiment un thème que j'adore chez Anyta Sunday, et ici, on en a deux en un ^^
December 27, 2022
“No! Brandy, Brandy. These are the questions of life!” “They are the questions of someone with too much time on his hands.” “Where’s your sense of wonder? What questions burn inside you?”
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My Rating : 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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Chaotic at it's best! This book really came through with the funny and weirdly snarky moments. The brothers were completely opposite and them finding love was obviously a ride to enjoy! I really liked their meet cute scenes, but I wish we didn't have to cram two stories in a single book. I get it's a retelling, but the length seemed short for the storyline.
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Wade’s finger kept moving over his skin. “Keep going.” “I don’t want to bore you.” Wade whispered in his ear.
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Book 87 - March 2022 / Arc / GRR
Tags : MM Adult Contemporary, Classic Retelling, Grumpy/Sunshine
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My Rating : 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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Chaotic at it's best! This book really came through with the funny and weirdly snarky moments. The brothers were completely opposite and them finding love was obviously a ride to enjoy! I really liked their meet cute scenes, but I wish we didn't have to cram two stories in a single book. I get it's a retelling, but the length seemed short for the storyline.
.
Wade’s finger kept moving over his skin. “Keep going.” “I don’t want to bore you.” Wade whispered in his ear.
.
.
Book 87 - March 2022 / Arc / GRR
Tags : MM Adult Contemporary, Classic Retelling, Grumpy/Sunshine
December 11, 2021
4.5
Love, Austen is everything. I've enjoyed this series so much.
Love, Austen is everything. I've enjoyed this series so much.
July 29, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. There were some titles that didn’t appeal much to me, but the last two books… I JUST LOVED THEM.
December 31, 2021
Was this a mess? Yes, it was. Did I fall in love with at least two characters? Yes, I did. Will I be back, reading other books from the series? Yes, I will.
Noah Dashwood is the reasonable one. The one that first thinks, and then acts. The one that would do everything for his family, and the one that had to fight to be himself. He is a trans character, and his experience and insecurities could add a lot to the book.
But they didn't. It felt like the author didn't know how to deal with the chosen topic, and preferred to be cautious.
Zach Dashwood is a hot mess. He can't see love even when it hits him in the face. He is young, spontaneous, doesn't understand the word "boundaries" or even "shame". He is the kind of character which you either hate or fall in love with.
I don't like this type of MC, and usually want to strangle them for the whole book. But!
But Zach was DELIGHTFUL. I would read the whole book only about him and his Brandon, no questions asked. Even when he was so blindly hurting a person who fell in love with him, he was too nice and sincere for his good.
For Noah & Wade's romance, I couldn't care less. It was written in a weird manner, which - to be honest - made me put the book down for a couple of days. I expected Noah to be more down-to-earth, while the descriptions for his half of the book felt chopped and non-edited. I never knew where the characters were and got lost more times than I want to admit. The never-ending list of "Wade did this" and "Noah did that" made me feel disconnected, and the sudden dialogues between different scenes disoriented me profoundly.
If the book would be only about them, I'd probably DNF it and put 1 star.
Zach & Brandon's romance was one of the cutest reads in my whole year. I don't think I ever before come across a rich MCs whose money was so non-important. Yes, everyone knew him, yes, he basically gave home and job to his lover, but he was JUST a human. It was lovely to see him in the eyes of the free-spirited Dashwood's brother, who not even once pointed out their status difference. Zach fell in love with his kindness, his pure friendship, and... his organizational skills.
Here the writing there didn't feel off. A more choppy-like style fitted perfectly for a person who couldn't focus on one thing for too long and lived just to experience.
The only thing that I can complain about is that this part of the book was too short for my liking.
The general plot and "villain" of the book were almost non-existent. Wade's sister and loss of the house weren't significant, just a nuisance that never ended with a satisfying conclusion.
After the lovely retelling of "Pride & Prejudice" I expected more from this book. It felt like it was written in a hurry, never made to a good editor (or even beta readers), and it really disappointed me. Because for me MCs are the most important part of the book, and two out of four were likable, I will be back to this book and to the series. However, that doesn't mean that the book was good and will be enjoyable to anyone. I hope that in the future Anyta Sunday will come back to this story and make significant alterations (basically: re-write it).
Because it had big potential, and the parts that were good, were REALLY good.
I received an ARC of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews, and I'm voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Noah Dashwood is the reasonable one. The one that first thinks, and then acts. The one that would do everything for his family, and the one that had to fight to be himself. He is a trans character, and his experience and insecurities could add a lot to the book.
But they didn't. It felt like the author didn't know how to deal with the chosen topic, and preferred to be cautious.
Zach Dashwood is a hot mess. He can't see love even when it hits him in the face. He is young, spontaneous, doesn't understand the word "boundaries" or even "shame". He is the kind of character which you either hate or fall in love with.
I don't like this type of MC, and usually want to strangle them for the whole book. But!
But Zach was DELIGHTFUL. I would read the whole book only about him and his Brandon, no questions asked. Even when he was so blindly hurting a person who fell in love with him, he was too nice and sincere for his good.
For Noah & Wade's romance, I couldn't care less. It was written in a weird manner, which - to be honest - made me put the book down for a couple of days. I expected Noah to be more down-to-earth, while the descriptions for his half of the book felt chopped and non-edited. I never knew where the characters were and got lost more times than I want to admit. The never-ending list of "Wade did this" and "Noah did that" made me feel disconnected, and the sudden dialogues between different scenes disoriented me profoundly.
If the book would be only about them, I'd probably DNF it and put 1 star.
Zach & Brandon's romance was one of the cutest reads in my whole year. I don't think I ever before come across a rich MCs whose money was so non-important. Yes, everyone knew him, yes, he basically gave home and job to his lover, but he was JUST a human. It was lovely to see him in the eyes of the free-spirited Dashwood's brother, who not even once pointed out their status difference. Zach fell in love with his kindness, his pure friendship, and... his organizational skills.
Here the writing there didn't feel off. A more choppy-like style fitted perfectly for a person who couldn't focus on one thing for too long and lived just to experience.
The only thing that I can complain about is that this part of the book was too short for my liking.
The general plot and "villain" of the book were almost non-existent. Wade's sister and loss of the house weren't significant, just a nuisance that never ended with a satisfying conclusion.
After the lovely retelling of "Pride & Prejudice" I expected more from this book. It felt like it was written in a hurry, never made to a good editor (or even beta readers), and it really disappointed me. Because for me MCs are the most important part of the book, and two out of four were likable, I will be back to this book and to the series. However, that doesn't mean that the book was good and will be enjoyable to anyone. I hope that in the future Anyta Sunday will come back to this story and make significant alterations (basically: re-write it).
Because it had big potential, and the parts that were good, were REALLY good.
I received an ARC of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews, and I'm voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
December 10, 2021
*3.5 stars*
I adored Noah and Zach’s relationship. Noah is the level headed, responsible older brother to Zach’s spontaneous, carefree attitude. And, of course, both are so oblivious! No-one does clueless slow burn like Anyta Sunday, and this story delivers on this twice. Unfortunately, this is where splitting the romance into two different couples stops working for me. The pacing feels a tad jarring at times, and I think jumping between points of view with unrelated stories pulled me out of the story. It is still, however, a wonderful conclusion to this series. It has all the feels, a dash of angst, and visits from some of our favourite couples!
I adored Noah and Zach’s relationship. Noah is the level headed, responsible older brother to Zach’s spontaneous, carefree attitude. And, of course, both are so oblivious! No-one does clueless slow burn like Anyta Sunday, and this story delivers on this twice. Unfortunately, this is where splitting the romance into two different couples stops working for me. The pacing feels a tad jarring at times, and I think jumping between points of view with unrelated stories pulled me out of the story. It is still, however, a wonderful conclusion to this series. It has all the feels, a dash of angst, and visits from some of our favourite couples!
January 1, 2022
I don't think there's a book more fitting to end 2021 and begin 2022. It's finishing a year and starting a new one with a smile. It's saying goodbye, heart broken yet full of hope. This is now my absolute favorite series EVER. It's beautiful and heartfelt, tender and raw with the most delicious slow burn. The one to finish the series was a bit different having two (!) couples instead of one and somehow it worked better than I would have thought. It wasn't all jumbled together and even when it was a bit (nearing the end) it was still somehow very clear with a place for each of the couples to grow and find their way into each other's arms.
Zachary and Noah Dashwood used to live in a beautiful home, decorated with art done by their loving father who recently passed. Due to his debts the brothers had no other option but to sell the house to the Ferrars family who couldn't have been more condescending and mean about it. While Noah used to be a good friend of Franny Ferrars, their friendship was destroyed long ago. They have a temporary place to live in, but they need to find a new one ASAP and generally a better way to support themselves.
We start the book with Noah Dashwood's POV. He is doing his best taking care of his younger brother (though not by much). But it's hard when his heart is breaking as well at what they had to leave behind. It's not just a house, it was their home and everything that reminded them of what they used to have. Thinking he has caught his brother sneaking in to "steal" a family portrait he finds Wade Ferrars in what used to be his room. He didn't expect they'll connect but they do. Wade is nothing like his big sister or his mean mother. He feels bad for Noah (and Zach) but he has problems of his own, so though he is interested in Noah right from the start, they somehow both put out breaks. It's not easy to trust and put your heart out there.
Noah has always been the sensible of the brothers, the one who takes care of both of them, but in his heart he yearns for someone of his own who will see him and want him with all his complexities and his strange fascination with birds (and especially Penguins).
While these two are still struggling with their shared interest in one another, we continue to Zachary Dashwood's POV. Looking for a job to help with their joint expenses he visits "Ask Austen studios" in search of a job. It might not have been the best day though - Sunday - as the only guy around wouldn't even give him his real name (or maybe he had?).
We met Brandon Morland before. He is the owner / manager of the studios. He loves his job but he is basically married to it, not having time for anything else. As we saw in the second installment - "Cameron Wants to Be a Hero" - which focuses on his brother finding his HEA, he can be very considerate and caring. When Zach appears in his life he follows him for some reason. Maybe it was the exact sort of change and excitement he needed and once he spends time with him, I could see why he basically got addicted. I think I would have gotten a mild headache trying to navigate Zach and his energetic carefree ways. But for Brandon, or Brandy, it seems like the exact thing he needed.
For Zach, who no one takes seriously and who doesn't have anyone else in this world who cares for him except his brother, having this connection with Brandy means FAR more than anything he ever had before so while he is "a bit" (= a lot) attracted to him, he tries his best to keep the older guy at a "best friend" distance not to spoiler his new found meaningful friendship. The age different (10 years) was noticeable for sure, but I think it also what made them work so well. They balanced each other out. It made me think of our first couple - Lake and Knight and how much I ADORED them as well.
The story moves back and forth between the couples in sections - "Sense" with Noah's POV and "Sensibility" with Zach's POV - while maintaining a linear timeline. It really kept me at the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happened with each couple, even if we get glimpses of what's going on through the general interactions between all the characters. I liked how close the brothers are. The way they took care of one another, and saw each other but also how fun these two were together (mostly because of Zach) yet it was obvious why especially now they were at a place where they also needed to find a sort of separation with someone of their own. Noah getting someone to loosen him up a bit, and taking care of him for a change and Zach needed someone else to see him and take him seriously while also accept him with little quirks.
I feel like I've said far too much and yet it doesn't cover so much of what happens in this one. There were so many layers, relationships as well as quite a few of our couples from the previous instalments. Made me wish I could start right from the beginning.
A MUST READ, as were all the others in this series.
More Reviews HERE
Zachary and Noah Dashwood used to live in a beautiful home, decorated with art done by their loving father who recently passed. Due to his debts the brothers had no other option but to sell the house to the Ferrars family who couldn't have been more condescending and mean about it. While Noah used to be a good friend of Franny Ferrars, their friendship was destroyed long ago. They have a temporary place to live in, but they need to find a new one ASAP and generally a better way to support themselves.
We start the book with Noah Dashwood's POV. He is doing his best taking care of his younger brother (though not by much). But it's hard when his heart is breaking as well at what they had to leave behind. It's not just a house, it was their home and everything that reminded them of what they used to have. Thinking he has caught his brother sneaking in to "steal" a family portrait he finds Wade Ferrars in what used to be his room. He didn't expect they'll connect but they do. Wade is nothing like his big sister or his mean mother. He feels bad for Noah (and Zach) but he has problems of his own, so though he is interested in Noah right from the start, they somehow both put out breaks. It's not easy to trust and put your heart out there.
Noah has always been the sensible of the brothers, the one who takes care of both of them, but in his heart he yearns for someone of his own who will see him and want him with all his complexities and his strange fascination with birds (and especially Penguins).
While these two are still struggling with their shared interest in one another, we continue to Zachary Dashwood's POV. Looking for a job to help with their joint expenses he visits "Ask Austen studios" in search of a job. It might not have been the best day though - Sunday - as the only guy around wouldn't even give him his real name (or maybe he had?).
We met Brandon Morland before. He is the owner / manager of the studios. He loves his job but he is basically married to it, not having time for anything else. As we saw in the second installment - "Cameron Wants to Be a Hero" - which focuses on his brother finding his HEA, he can be very considerate and caring. When Zach appears in his life he follows him for some reason. Maybe it was the exact sort of change and excitement he needed and once he spends time with him, I could see why he basically got addicted. I think I would have gotten a mild headache trying to navigate Zach and his energetic carefree ways. But for Brandon, or Brandy, it seems like the exact thing he needed.
For Zach, who no one takes seriously and who doesn't have anyone else in this world who cares for him except his brother, having this connection with Brandy means FAR more than anything he ever had before so while he is "a bit" (= a lot) attracted to him, he tries his best to keep the older guy at a "best friend" distance not to spoiler his new found meaningful friendship. The age different (10 years) was noticeable for sure, but I think it also what made them work so well. They balanced each other out. It made me think of our first couple - Lake and Knight and how much I ADORED them as well.
The story moves back and forth between the couples in sections - "Sense" with Noah's POV and "Sensibility" with Zach's POV - while maintaining a linear timeline. It really kept me at the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happened with each couple, even if we get glimpses of what's going on through the general interactions between all the characters. I liked how close the brothers are. The way they took care of one another, and saw each other but also how fun these two were together (mostly because of Zach) yet it was obvious why especially now they were at a place where they also needed to find a sort of separation with someone of their own. Noah getting someone to loosen him up a bit, and taking care of him for a change and Zach needed someone else to see him and take him seriously while also accept him with little quirks.
I feel like I've said far too much and yet it doesn't cover so much of what happens in this one. There were so many layers, relationships as well as quite a few of our couples from the previous instalments. Made me wish I could start right from the beginning.
A MUST READ, as were all the others in this series.
More Reviews HERE
December 9, 2021
Noah Dashwood believes a meet-cute with the perfect man isn't in the cards for him, and that he won’t ever experience an all-encompassing, head over heels love. He’s willing to be practical and settle for good enough. And he’s right, he doesn't get to have his meet-cute, but he sure does have a meet-something. Meet-mistaken identity? Meet-burglary? Meet-misunderstanding?? Noah meets his future beau when he thinks his home is being robbed and throws an expensive vase at the supposed burglar. Ah, true love.
Thus begins the final book in Anyta Sunday's Love, Austen series – a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. It's a charmer about the Dashwood brothers unexpectedly finding love while trying to settle into their new lives. Sadly, they can’t afford their childhood home anymore after paying off their deceased father’s debts and have to sell it off. The buyer is Francesca Ferrars, Noah’s former best friend who holds nothing but contempt and hostility for Noah since he transitioned years prior. But Francesca's handsome brother, Wade, aka the mistaken burglar, is a different story. Wade and Noah haven't seen each other in twelve years and once they get past the broken vase and a cut foot, the sparks begin to fly. The path to happiness has many barriers, though. Wade is torn between Noah and his family. Franny despises Noah, and Wade has yet to come out of the closet, which could cause major turmoil. They dance around each other for a while and it hurts Noah that Wade seems less ready to move forward.
Zachary is the opposite of Noah in many ways. While his older brother has to be the responsible one, silly, fun-loving Zach is more impulsive in nature. He reminds me of Tigger: full of energy and grand ideas. But he’s ready to swear off one-night stands and search for romance and true love. The problem is, he doesn’t recognize it when he sees it. He finds his future love around the same time as Noah in a much cuter fashion, but also with mistaken identity. When Zach goes to Ask Austen Studios looking for a job to help out Noah with their grave financial situation, he fixates on a guy with an unfortunate Wizard of Oz tie. He doesn’t realize the man he’s hauled off for a day of fun at the beach is his future boss, Brandon, nor does he realize for quite some time that he like likes Brandon. In a word, Zach is clueless. He truly is the last one to know he’s in love.
This two-for-one love story is so sweet. It’s hard to say if it’s my favorite of the series because all the books of Love, Austen have been outstanding, but I dare say it’s near the top and that’s because of the leading men. All four are exceedingly likable. Their personalities differ but they all express their love through thoughtfulness and kindness. Anyta Sunday has developed great characters in Noah, Wade, Zachary, and Brandon. The narrative is delivered in a handful of chapters about first one couple then switches to the same for the other couple, and back and forth. It reads smoothly.
I’m happy to say all of the previous Love, Austen couples have cameos. The book begins at Finley and Ethan’s wedding (eep!) and Lake and Knight, Cameron and Henry, Darcy and Bennet, and Wentworth and Elliot all have mentions. In addition to nasty Francesca, Jack is a jackass who sets his sights on Zach and interrupts Brandon's efforts at wooing him. Another important side character is Luc, Wade’s ex who disrupts Noah and Wade’s budding relationship and entangles Noah in an unwanted love triangle.
I’m sad to see this series come to an end. We have been able to enjoy six wonderful novels for the better part of a year, and it ends on a triumphant note. If you loved the other titles, you’ll adore Dashwood. If you’re a Jane Austen fan, you’ll want to gobble this up, but if you’re in the dark about all things Austen, like me, it won’t diminish your enjoyment at all. This is one series you don’t want to miss.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Thus begins the final book in Anyta Sunday's Love, Austen series – a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. It's a charmer about the Dashwood brothers unexpectedly finding love while trying to settle into their new lives. Sadly, they can’t afford their childhood home anymore after paying off their deceased father’s debts and have to sell it off. The buyer is Francesca Ferrars, Noah’s former best friend who holds nothing but contempt and hostility for Noah since he transitioned years prior. But Francesca's handsome brother, Wade, aka the mistaken burglar, is a different story. Wade and Noah haven't seen each other in twelve years and once they get past the broken vase and a cut foot, the sparks begin to fly. The path to happiness has many barriers, though. Wade is torn between Noah and his family. Franny despises Noah, and Wade has yet to come out of the closet, which could cause major turmoil. They dance around each other for a while and it hurts Noah that Wade seems less ready to move forward.
Zachary is the opposite of Noah in many ways. While his older brother has to be the responsible one, silly, fun-loving Zach is more impulsive in nature. He reminds me of Tigger: full of energy and grand ideas. But he’s ready to swear off one-night stands and search for romance and true love. The problem is, he doesn’t recognize it when he sees it. He finds his future love around the same time as Noah in a much cuter fashion, but also with mistaken identity. When Zach goes to Ask Austen Studios looking for a job to help out Noah with their grave financial situation, he fixates on a guy with an unfortunate Wizard of Oz tie. He doesn’t realize the man he’s hauled off for a day of fun at the beach is his future boss, Brandon, nor does he realize for quite some time that he like likes Brandon. In a word, Zach is clueless. He truly is the last one to know he’s in love.
This two-for-one love story is so sweet. It’s hard to say if it’s my favorite of the series because all the books of Love, Austen have been outstanding, but I dare say it’s near the top and that’s because of the leading men. All four are exceedingly likable. Their personalities differ but they all express their love through thoughtfulness and kindness. Anyta Sunday has developed great characters in Noah, Wade, Zachary, and Brandon. The narrative is delivered in a handful of chapters about first one couple then switches to the same for the other couple, and back and forth. It reads smoothly.
I’m happy to say all of the previous Love, Austen couples have cameos. The book begins at Finley and Ethan’s wedding (eep!) and Lake and Knight, Cameron and Henry, Darcy and Bennet, and Wentworth and Elliot all have mentions. In addition to nasty Francesca, Jack is a jackass who sets his sights on Zach and interrupts Brandon's efforts at wooing him. Another important side character is Luc, Wade’s ex who disrupts Noah and Wade’s budding relationship and entangles Noah in an unwanted love triangle.
I’m sad to see this series come to an end. We have been able to enjoy six wonderful novels for the better part of a year, and it ends on a triumphant note. If you loved the other titles, you’ll adore Dashwood. If you’re a Jane Austen fan, you’ll want to gobble this up, but if you’re in the dark about all things Austen, like me, it won’t diminish your enjoyment at all. This is one series you don’t want to miss.
ARC kindly provided to Love Bytes Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2024
Ultimo volume della serie Love Austen di Anyta Sunday, che poi è quello che racconta in chiave moderna, LGBT e neozelandese gli episodi di Ragione e sentimento. Noah (Elinor) e Zach (Marianne) si stanno trasferendo da casa loro, che hanno dovuto vendere dopo la morte del padre a Francesca - un tempo migliore amica di Noah - a causa dei debiti contratti dal padre nell'ultimo periodo di vita. Mentre fa i bagagli, Noah incontra Wade, il fratello di Francesca, e tra loro scoppia qualcosa. Nel frattempo (il romanzo si divide in gruppi di capitoli definiti Ragione, e quindi dedicati a Noah, e gruppi definiti Sentimento e dedicati a Zach) Zach deve lasciare l'ennesimo letto di ragazzo conosciuto casualmente in un bar, con cui non c'è stato altro che sesso, per cercare una nuova casa per sé e per il fratello. Per caso si reca agli Ask Austen Studios, anche se è domenica per farsi dare un fedora con cui fare da comparsa in qualche film non meglio specificato e incontra Brandon, che scambia per un impiegato sfigato che lavora di domenica anziché per il presidente degli Ask Austen Studios. Tra loro due scatta subito la simpatia, anche se Zach è convinto che Brandy sia etero, cosicché si fa in quattro per cercare per lui una ragazza adatta, tanto più che lui sembra aver trovato l'uomo perfetto in John.
Intanto la storia d'amore tra Wade e Noah sembra non dover sbocciare, perché Wade è piuttosto reticente a esprimere i propri sentimenti, come se avesse qualcosa che lo trattiene, anche se Noah è convinto che lui provi i suoi stessi sentimenti. Wade vorrebbe aprire un'officina meccanica propria, ma la madre e Francesca vogliono per lui qualcosa di più, così non vogliono finanziarlo, a meno che non si fidanzi con una ragazza di loro scelta.
Comunque, la parte del Sentimento è notevolmente più appassionante; inoltre, ho avuto davvero problemi a collegare le relazioni tra i personaggi di questo romanzo e degli altri, in primo luogo perché i loro nomi spesso non coincidono con quelli del romanzo austeniano (com'è logico, anche perché qui sono tutti ragazzi), e poi forse perché non ho letto la serie in ordine e, oltretutto, l'ordine non è neanche quello austeniano. Ora, per esempio, non ricordo di chi fosse fratello Brandon, mentre ricordo vagamente di aver già incontrato Noah Dashwood in un altro romanzo, quando ancora abitava nella casa che qui ha dovuto abbandonare, ma non ricordo quale fosse. Poi c'è un'Isabella incinta (che sarebbe l'equivalente di Eliza, ma visto il nome, mi sa che è stata anche Isabella Thorpe nel retelling di Northanger Abbey, del resto, mi sa proprio che Brandon sia il fratello di Cameron, ovvero Catherine Morland, ma potrei sbagliarmi... Bene, ho controllato le liste dei personaggi, ed è così, ma continuo a fare confusione.)
Conclusione: la serie è gradevole, dei retelling austeniani più o meno passabili, suppongo, ma non abbastanza da rileggerli.
Intanto la storia d'amore tra Wade e Noah sembra non dover sbocciare, perché Wade è piuttosto reticente a esprimere i propri sentimenti, come se avesse qualcosa che lo trattiene, anche se Noah è convinto che lui provi i suoi stessi sentimenti. Wade vorrebbe aprire un'officina meccanica propria, ma la madre e Francesca vogliono per lui qualcosa di più, così non vogliono finanziarlo, a meno che non si fidanzi con una ragazza di loro scelta.
Comunque, la parte del Sentimento è notevolmente più appassionante; inoltre, ho avuto davvero problemi a collegare le relazioni tra i personaggi di questo romanzo e degli altri, in primo luogo perché i loro nomi spesso non coincidono con quelli del romanzo austeniano (com'è logico, anche perché qui sono tutti ragazzi), e poi forse perché non ho letto la serie in ordine e, oltretutto, l'ordine non è neanche quello austeniano. Ora, per esempio, non ricordo di chi fosse fratello Brandon, mentre ricordo vagamente di aver già incontrato Noah Dashwood in un altro romanzo, quando ancora abitava nella casa che qui ha dovuto abbandonare, ma non ricordo quale fosse. Poi c'è un'Isabella incinta (che sarebbe l'equivalente di Eliza, ma visto il nome, mi sa che è stata anche Isabella Thorpe nel retelling di Northanger Abbey, del resto, mi sa proprio che Brandon sia il fratello di Cameron, ovvero Catherine Morland, ma potrei sbagliarmi... Bene, ho controllato le liste dei personaggi, ed è così, ma continuo a fare confusione.)
Conclusione: la serie è gradevole, dei retelling austeniani più o meno passabili, suppongo, ma non abbastanza da rileggerli.
December 7, 2021
Anyta Sunday is one of those authors that I pick up knowing that whatever I'm about to read is going to be amazing. A Dashwood of Sense and Sensibility was no different.
What was different about this book from the rest of the Love Austen books is that it covered two love stories - much like Austen's Sense and Sensibility. The four main characters were each wonderfully written and there were cameos from all of the other couples from the Love Austen series. There were cameos from side characters in other books as well and as such, I fully believe that this book is best enjoyed after having read the rest of the series. It can be read as a standalone, but I'd definitely recommend reading the others.
Our first couple is Noah and Wade. They meet when Noah thinks his twin brother, Zach, has broken into their childhood home. The attraction is immediate between them. The entire first quarter of the book is dedicated to Wade and Noah getting to know one another. This couple, in their first part, had me hooked immediately. It also had me pleasantly surprised by the lack of usual slow burn that is a cornerstone to Anyta Sunday's works.
She really had me in the first half, not gonna lie. Because the rest of the book? They were infuriating with the will-they-won't-they parts.
The second couple is the carefree Zachary Dashwood with the handsome owner of Austen Studios - Brandon. They meet when Zach accidentally gets locked into the studio. He doesn't realize at first who Brandon is but slowly figures it out. They follow a more traditional Anyta Sunday path of slow burn, miscommunication, obliviousness, and generally making me want to whack one character (Zach in this instance) over the head with a clue by four.
Of the two couples, Zach and Brandy were my favorite. They were more entertaining and there was just something about them that was magical. It was a magic shared with Wade and Noah, but to a lesser extent.
This book was a perfect cap to the Love Austen series. Unlike the other books in this series, it was a dual POV - but between the Dashwood brothers, leaving Wade and Brandon's thoughts visible only through their actions. It was sweet and moderately low angst and an amazing read.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR FOR HONEST REVIEW **
What was different about this book from the rest of the Love Austen books is that it covered two love stories - much like Austen's Sense and Sensibility. The four main characters were each wonderfully written and there were cameos from all of the other couples from the Love Austen series. There were cameos from side characters in other books as well and as such, I fully believe that this book is best enjoyed after having read the rest of the series. It can be read as a standalone, but I'd definitely recommend reading the others.
Our first couple is Noah and Wade. They meet when Noah thinks his twin brother, Zach, has broken into their childhood home. The attraction is immediate between them. The entire first quarter of the book is dedicated to Wade and Noah getting to know one another. This couple, in their first part, had me hooked immediately. It also had me pleasantly surprised by the lack of usual slow burn that is a cornerstone to Anyta Sunday's works.
She really had me in the first half, not gonna lie. Because the rest of the book? They were infuriating with the will-they-won't-they parts.
The second couple is the carefree Zachary Dashwood with the handsome owner of Austen Studios - Brandon. They meet when Zach accidentally gets locked into the studio. He doesn't realize at first who Brandon is but slowly figures it out. They follow a more traditional Anyta Sunday path of slow burn, miscommunication, obliviousness, and generally making me want to whack one character (Zach in this instance) over the head with a clue by four.
Of the two couples, Zach and Brandy were my favorite. They were more entertaining and there was just something about them that was magical. It was a magic shared with Wade and Noah, but to a lesser extent.
This book was a perfect cap to the Love Austen series. Unlike the other books in this series, it was a dual POV - but between the Dashwood brothers, leaving Wade and Brandon's thoughts visible only through their actions. It was sweet and moderately low angst and an amazing read.
** ARC PROVIDED BY GRR FOR HONEST REVIEW **
March 6, 2024
The Noah storyline was less captivating to me than the Zach one, which is a shame since for me the opposite is true in the Austen original Sense and Sensibility with Elinor and Marianne.
I do love an unrequited love story that ends happily, and while Zach's obliviousness is at times a little hard to believe, I am prepared to give some licence in return for hardcore pining, which we get in spades. As a bonus, although I was afraid I'd have to read through a cringe love scene between the Zach and the Willoughby character, disaster was averted! I actually thought the contemporary updates to his villainous character were reasonably well done, and creatively tied in some other side characters from previous books in the series. Brandon stole my heart, and I almost thought he might be a bit too good for Zach, but again, I'll let it pass.
The Noah and Wade (aka Elinor and Edward Ferrars characters) storyline was less interesting to me. Maybe that is partly due to the fact that it can be hard for modern writers to capture the quiet excellence of Elinor's nature and strike the right balance between her good sense, but also capacity for deep feeling, when the whole title of the original sets up this idea that she is all logical rationality without feeling. Whatever the case, I didn't feel like I could relate much to Noah on an emotional level; furthermore, the modern update to the obstacle in the path of this couple was just kinda silly...like they could have avoided all the drama simply by having one honest conversation, which many couples have had to have, about timing and allowing healing after a recent breakup, etc. Easy. The original Austen couple was full of quiet angst and and separated by secrets for an actual good reason, and when you learn the reason it only makes you more sympathetic to them both. This modern couple needed to just act a bit more grown up, which is inexplicable since they both otherwise always act like very sensible mature people throughout the novel, so their lack of communication about the vibes between them just strikes me as wildly inconsistent with their behaviour in all other circumstances.
Low spice, some quite romantic moments. Not gonna feel the desire to re-read anytime soon I predict.
I do love an unrequited love story that ends happily, and while Zach's obliviousness is at times a little hard to believe, I am prepared to give some licence in return for hardcore pining, which we get in spades. As a bonus, although I was afraid I'd have to read through a cringe love scene between the Zach and the Willoughby character, disaster was averted! I actually thought the contemporary updates to his villainous character were reasonably well done, and creatively tied in some other side characters from previous books in the series. Brandon stole my heart, and I almost thought he might be a bit too good for Zach, but again, I'll let it pass.
The Noah and Wade (aka Elinor and Edward Ferrars characters) storyline was less interesting to me. Maybe that is partly due to the fact that it can be hard for modern writers to capture the quiet excellence of Elinor's nature and strike the right balance between her good sense, but also capacity for deep feeling, when the whole title of the original sets up this idea that she is all logical rationality without feeling. Whatever the case, I didn't feel like I could relate much to Noah on an emotional level; furthermore, the modern update to the obstacle in the path of this couple was just kinda silly...like they could have avoided all the drama simply by having one honest conversation, which many couples have had to have, about timing and allowing healing after a recent breakup, etc. Easy. The original Austen couple was full of quiet angst and and separated by secrets for an actual good reason, and when you learn the reason it only makes you more sympathetic to them both. This modern couple needed to just act a bit more grown up, which is inexplicable since they both otherwise always act like very sensible mature people throughout the novel, so their lack of communication about the vibes between them just strikes me as wildly inconsistent with their behaviour in all other circumstances.
Low spice, some quite romantic moments. Not gonna feel the desire to re-read anytime soon I predict.
November 28, 2021
I've yet to meet an Anyta Sunday romance I don't like, and the Dashwood brothers' stories were another slam-dunk! As I've said in other reviews, I can't speak to how well this series reimagines Austen classics, but as a lover of Anyta Sunday's quirky, slow-burn romances I can say that this book had all the elements I adore about her writing style. A spontaneous, oblivious character who spent the whole story pining for the wrong man? Zach couldn't have been more lovably ridiculous. A more subdued character who put everyone else's happiness before their own? Noah's sense of duty defined his actions for the majority of the book. The Dashwood brothers' romances unfolded in entirely unique ways, each thoroughly entertaining, swoony, and enjoyable. Every time I thought I'd picked a favorite brother, the other would waltz back in to steal the show again. First it was Zach's whirlwind of a personality, the way he sailed off on an adventure with Brandon without a second thought, that charmed me. Then I got to know Noah's hidden depths and fell head over heels for his and Wade's more cautious romance. I'm impressed by how the pacing of each brother's journey felt so different without affecting the overall flow of the story. Zach and Brandon's story gave me all the goofy moments and laughs that make Anyta Sunday's stories extra special, while Wade and Noah's journey left me breathless with unresolved sexual tension and unrealized passion. This was one of those books where the destination mattered less than the twists and turns along the way--I knew Noah and Zach would get their happily-ever-afters, but the path they each took to get there was unexpected and utterly captivating. While yes, there were ups and downs as Noah and Zach sorted out their feelings, I never stopped feeling hopeful and happy about where things were headed.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 15, 2021
My Recommendation: Sunday is a strong solid writer. I enjoyed most of the retellings of Austen's works. The few I didn't enjoy were because of the adaptation itself, not the story Sunday wrote or the characters, those could've stood on their own. It was that I either didn't get the adaptation or felt it could've been done differently. This final installment gave us brief glimpses of all the other protagonists and it was a nice little bow on this present to LGBT Austen fans.
My Response: This wasn't the perfect ending to Sunday's Love, Austen retellings, but it was a damn good one. Like the last five there was no doubt I would accept the ARC when it came in (and I was a little worried when I didn't see it even though its publication date was fast approaching)!*
We met Noah and Zach Dashwood in one of the previous novels (I believe Finley Embraces Heart and Home ) and I have to assume we met Brandy/Brandon and Wade at some point too, but no clue honestly. For some reason, I guess because the names were great cognates like some of the other books, it took me way too long to remember who Zach and Noah were compared to Elinor and Marianne from the OG Sense and Sensibility . Once I got that sorted, I was all set.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of A Dashwood of Sense and Sensibility via Gay Romance Reviews in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
My Response: This wasn't the perfect ending to Sunday's Love, Austen retellings, but it was a damn good one. Like the last five there was no doubt I would accept the ARC when it came in (and I was a little worried when I didn't see it even though its publication date was fast approaching)!*
We met Noah and Zach Dashwood in one of the previous novels (I believe Finley Embraces Heart and Home ) and I have to assume we met Brandy/Brandon and Wade at some point too, but no clue honestly. For some reason, I guess because the names were great cognates like some of the other books, it took me way too long to remember who Zach and Noah were compared to Elinor and Marianne from the OG Sense and Sensibility . Once I got that sorted, I was all set.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of A Dashwood of Sense and Sensibility via Gay Romance Reviews in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
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