"Stockton’s fans will delight in this." -Publishers Weekly
Northern California girl Charlotte “Charlie” Lucas has two great Diet Coke and Pride and Prejudice. But her passion for Regency classics is tempered by a very real Charlie is terrified of having to endure the fate of her namesake—spinsterhood. Despite her best attempts to maintain a modern sensibility, she can’t say no when an elderly neighbor asks Charlie to attend a charity ball with her grandson. Blind date or not, Charlie is powerless to resist the allure of a real-life ball. Soon it’s clear that she will struggle to resist the charms of her blind date too.
Liam Connell is every bit the swoon-worthy leading man, straight out of Charlie’s daydreams. But he’s completely unattainable—his last girlfriend was a gorgeous actress and a far cry from Charlie’s world. So after a magical evening with Liam, Charlie is ready to get back to reality, even if her best option right now is a former boyfriend who wants to give it another shot. Unfortunately, despite imagining she’ll never see Liam again, he seems to be everywhere. How is a lady to move past a fantasy when life suddenly seems to be imitating fiction to an alarming degree?
Charlie’s right, she’s not Charlotte Lucas. She’s worse.
This book has broken me, I feel a fury that I have not felt in ages and you better buckle up because oh boy do I have a rant for you.
Characterization
Charlie was the whiniest protagonist I’ve had the misfortune of reading in a long time. She complains about not wanting to be a “Charlotte Lucas” (that’s a whole other issue I’ll address later) and yet makes even worse decisions. She seems unable to make adult decisions and then wallows in her bad ones. The rest of the cast also felt very one-dimensional. Liam was ok, but he never really had a solid reason for actually liking our protagonist, I know I struggled to like her.
Also, there’s a character named Spike and you’ll never understand any of his hobbies. Ever. I’m still in disbelief. 😂
The Charlotte Lucas Slander
The actual biggest issue for me is that this entire novel is full of Charlotte Lucas slander. Did Charlotte make the decision that Lizzie would have made? No. Did she settle? Maybe. Does that make her a weak character? Absolutely not. What else could she have done in that time period? She was making the best of her circumstances and she carves out her own independent and secure life in the form of becoming Mrs Collins. I think she shows what a typical regency woman looks like and I was hoping that the growth of our protagonist would have meant learning that being a Charlotte Lucas isn’t a bad thing, because isn’t Charlotte still beloved by Lizzie despite marrying Mr Collins?
Perhaps I’m being irrational, but this just feels like a massive misunderstanding of Charlotte Lucas’s character.
Overall, this was a huge miss for me and I think this book drove me a little insane. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This started out strong but then got so annoying and ridiculous the longer it went on. . I think having a dual perspective would have helped this book greatly. I could never grasp why Liam found Charlie to be so wonderful. . Speaking of Liam...he was basically a piece of dry toast. No personality, no depth, nothing to remember. . Charlie's idea that being Charlotte Lucas (Pride & Prejudice) is a bad thing makes no sense. Charlotte Lucas did what she had to do to pull herself from a life of poverty and spinsterhood. She arranged her life with Mr. Collins, in a way that made it work for her. And she became the freaking mistress of Longbourn. She's not someone to be pitied. And the idea that being unmarried at 26, in 2023, is abnormal is completely outrageous. Charlie's constant complaining about her life and her insecurities were both really grating. Again, what did Liam see in her?! . There's basically no firm plot in this story. The time-line feels really jumbled. Characters aren't well-developed past a basic introduction. . I'm mad all over again thinking about how disappointing this was
This is the story of a Millennial female who based her entire personality on that one scene in Pride and Prejudice where Charlotte Lucas announces to Elizabeth Bennet she's marrying Mr. Collins. Just that scene. Nothing else.
I already get super irritated when otherwise competent women in literature are for some reason just obsessed Pride and Prejudice. Like, don't get me wrong, I love that book. But have you tried reading it recently? There is no wet shirt scene.
Anyway, that doesn't matter, because the Charlotte Lucas of this book is only 26. She's desperate to land a boyfriend so she won't sound like her literary counterpart on her 27th birthday. So, after much hemming and hawing, she agrees to go on a blind date with her neighbor's Super Hot Nephew. She does no research about the gala they are going to or or who she is going with even after being told it is in his honor. She then shows up, somehow wows him despite having no personality, and proceeds to ignore his overt flirting for the next few hundred pages since 'there is no way such a hot guy is in to her!'
And why does he like her? Because when her mom makes dinner for the bedridden neighbor and tells her to take it over to the neighbor...she does. Or something
This book was a bit like pulling teeth to finish. I don't mind a little wish fulfillment. But seriously. There was no reason for the hero to like her, no reason for her over the top obliviousness to his pursuit, and no reason for this book to feel so painfully predictable despite making so many illogical jumps.
Where to begin? I love Kasey Stockton’s stories, and this one was no different! Charlotte and Liam were adorable together!
While this book had a lot of tropes I’m not a fan of (love triangles being one of them) I still found it enjoyable! In fact, because tensions were so high, I NEEDED to keep reading to get the happy ending! So that’s an extra win! There was never a dull moment :)
Vera was probably my favorite character, but I also loved Beth! Liam was super sweet and lovable, and though Charlotte had her moments of deep insecurity (which got a little much for me at times) I’m so happy that she worked through it!
I love the Pride and Prejudice threads and the inclusion of art!
In all, this story was very enjoyable, and I look forward to whatever Kasey writes next! :)
Content: Clean and cute romance No language
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions stated are my own.*
This was a quick, fun read that kept me engaged. Charlotte “Charlie” Lucas, a die hard P&P fan, is afraid of ending up like her fictional namesake—either a spinster or married to a Mr Collins for convenience. I loved all of the Austen references but feel that you could still enjoy this book even if (gasp!) you haven’t read Pride and Prejudice. Liam, her blind date turned more, is a rich, gorgeous Darcy type without any of the pride (nice play on his name, too). Charlie’s short-lived prejudice against him stems from an enormous lack of self confidence. She is her own worst critic, constantly comparing herself to Liam’s ex-girlfriend and being intimidated by Liam’s super hotness. This isn’t a retelling, more of an “inspired by” story and I enjoyed it. Content is clean. Releases February 2023.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a quick, fun read that I binged in one sitting. I loved all nods to Pride & Prejudice, the biggest of course being Charlie Lucas and her fear of settling like her namesake from the book. She is just looking for her Mr. Darcy instead of a Mr. Collins but when she goes on a blind date with Liam, her neighbor's grandson, she knows he is too good to be true.
This is NOT a spinoff story, though, and you don't have to be a fan of P&P to enjoy the cute love story between Charlie and her neighbor's grandson Liam. Charlotte was such a relatable character with her insecurities and steady, supportive Liam is just who she needed! I love it when the guy falls first and his flirting (and that first kiss?!) - swoon!
This is a story about finding yourself and finding love in the most unlikely of places.
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
*Happy Sigh* Y'all, I just absolutely adored this book! What a fun read! It kept my attention and had me longing to be reading it when I wasn't able to. I had won a paperback arc a few months ago and two of my teenagers devoured it before me. Then continued to ask me when I was going to read it so they could talk to me about all the things in it! Then they'd look at each other and giggle and say they need to read it again. So of course I had to move it up on my reading schedule. Not only so I could talk with them and giggle with them about it but because it just sounded so good! And let me tell you. I'm giggling over it! I loved it sooooo much! And you better believe that there is going to be lots of talking about this book with said teenagers! And I need to read it again!
Charlotte (Charlie) is quirky and fun but she's also very hesitant and has several insecurities. I won't get into what those are because it's all part of the plot and story and you just have to read and experience it yourself to understand. But I sure did want to cheer her on and hope she would be able to stand up and be happy with who she was and have joy in that. To truly do what she wanted and not what others wanted her to do or say or even be. But, she needs a nudge. And I can't tell you how much I loved the nudge she got!
Vera is the next door neighbor who just adores Charlie and the feeling is mutual. They look out for each other, are good friends and much more. Vera pulls a fast one on Charlie and convinces her to be a blind date for her grandson who needs help and only Charlie is the one for the job. Hee Hee!!!
I love how it all unfolds and how they meet! And the charity ball they go to, sizzling between Charlie and Liam. The chemistry and tension is brewing and thick! And the book just kept getting better!
Liam is such a good guy! He's the real deal and such a gentleman. Charlie thinks because of her name that she's destined to end up with a Mr. Collins type guy. But that doesn't have to be the case. She's such a kindhearted person and beautiful inside and out. She has some big decisions to make and some leaps to make as well. And y'all are going to love how it pans out!
Tacos, scrabble, chocolate malts, trellis, painting, Pride and Prejudice, siblings, text messages, the banter, the kisses, the swoony moments, friends, getting all dolled up, exes, self-worth, the sweet romance and so much more is contained within the pages of this lovely book!!!
I hope if you pick it up, that you enjoy this one as much as or more than I did!!!
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further.
I won a paperback copy at a book signing and I also received a digital copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I was drawn to Liam the way I was drawn to paintings, as if they had a magic ability to lasso me around the waist and slowly reel me in. I wanted to study Liam the way I studied art, to examine the planes of his face and the shadows falling on his bunched muscles when he moved. To take the man I was coming to know and immortalize him in canvas.
this was a sweet romance between a young woman whose insecurities made her give up some dreams and the man she doesn’t feel good enough for. many of the side characters really great and the connection between charlie and liam felt believable. the ending felt a bit rushed but I enjoyed the book overall.
thanks to netgalley, kasey stockton and covenant communications for this eARC in exchange for a fair review.
I’m a huge fan of Kasey Stockton! She’s able to successfully write in any genre but is especially known for her historical romances. As a lover of all things Pride and Prejudice, I was excited to try this fun modern romcom based loosely on the character of Charlotte Lucas. This book doesn’t disappoint. From the first, I was intrigued when Charlie is set up with the handsome Mr. Darcyesque grandson of her elderly neighbor.
Charlie unfortunately shares the same name as Charlotte Lucas, the secondary spinster character from P&P who settles for Mr. Collins. At 26, Charlie’s worried she’ll end up like her namesake. After all, everything in her life seems just average. From her mundane job at the bank to her cheating ex boyfriend, Charlie seems to think she’s destined for the practical. When she attends a charity ball as a favor to her neighbor and the blind date is the incarnate of Mr. Darcy, Charlie doubts whether he could fall for someone like her.
Liam Connell has his own problems trying to raise his teenage brother on his own and keeping his company and charity endeavors going. He’s attracted to Charlotte’s quick wit and down to earth, self sacrificing personality. Convincing Charlie he cares for her proves difficult when she constantly compares herself to his gorgeous movie star ex. His grand gesture to prove his love and genuine admiration has the potential to win her heart or backfire terribly. Will he succeed in convincing Charlie of her true talents and worth or drive her away?
Oh my, Liam is my favorite! He’s such a patient, sweet, witty guy. He genuinely cares about Charlie and wants to get to know her better. I loved their flirty texts. At times, Charlie’s insecurities and self-doubt drove me nuts. It isn’t until near the end that we find out why she’s afraid to paint and why she thinks she has to settle for less. Hang in there with her if you get frustrated because there is an explanation and the ending is satisfying.
Andy, the ex boyfriend is the worst. He’s one of those egotistical guys you just want to see get their comeuppance. I loved Vera, Liam’s grandmother and Charlie’s friend Beth. I think it would be fun to have a spinoff story of Beth meeting movie-star Rhett Meyers whom she obsesses over throughout the book.
If you love Pride and Prejudice and/or enjoy sweet, clean romcoms, you should give this book a try! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Where has this book been all my life! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and was completely mesmerized by it. I loved that it had Jane Austen elements but was not a spinoff.
'If the doorbell rang and Mr. Collins showed up, I was packing up my stuff and moving out of California. Somewhere far, far away.'
The contemporary aspect was on point and written perfect with the little touches of Jane Austen references here and there. I've come to expect fun, entertaining reads from Kasey and she never disappoints me.
Charlotte is such a fun character.
'Maybe if I told myself enough times that I wasn't being weird, it would end up being true.'
She's bookish, jaded, maybe a little moody but has the best heart and she just loves Pride and Prejudice SO much. Is it too hard to want to find a Darcy in a dating pool full of Collin's??
I loved all of the tropes and you get a bunch from this one (at least hints of tropes): blind date, opposites attract, celebrity-ish, boy-next-door...and possibly more. It's adorable and I can't get enough of it.
I was slightly surprised to find this written as a single POV (and usually prefer dual), but can I say it 100% WORKS SO WELL in this book. I felt like it really sold the romance so much more so than a dual would have done. It kept Liam mysterious which was totally his secondary personality vibe next to his confidence lol.
I am so glad I picked this one up! I'm also crossing my fingers for a book 2 because there is huge potential for this to be a series!!!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I loved the beginning. But... it got rough. It dragged a bit and was uneventful. The beginning made me so excited so the rest was a bit of a let down. The MC got cringe and annoying. I had such high hopes for this. Giving it a 3 which is really cushioned.
This little gem won me over, heart and soul! Stockton delivers a brilliantly sweet and clever story with numerous nods to Jane Austen, without being a retelling of some kind.
Charlotte (aka Charlie) Lucas is ready to find her Darcy in a massive pool of Mr. Collins--and she is NOT "the" Charlotte Lucas, so why isn't it her turn? Her character is awkwardly charming and so relatable. For me, at least. The situations and circumstances she finds herself in--I found myself giving her advice and feeling some secondhand embarrassment for her--but she made things work. I loved watching her grow and take charge of her life instead of letting life take charge of her.
And can we just give a moment of appreciation for Liam? What a glorious man! He's strong, well-known and yet mysterious, and such a fine, fine gentleman, not to mention charming, sweet, and oh-so-handsome!
Everything about this story had me captivated and eager to devour every last page. Give me all the magnetic undercurrents, fantastic characters, a matchmaking grandma, and a little drama to stir things up, and I'm here for it!
Content: mild romance
*I received a copy through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for sharing this ARC with me!
As a Pride & Prejudice lover, I was intrigued by the premise of following a story of a character who compares to Charlotte considering she's a background character. I thought this book had a lot of potential but unfortunately, felt a little flat to me.
I found Charlie to be unlikeable. She was so insecure and wishy-washy towards any decision she made. She actually had a lot going on for her but didn't appreciate any of it because she's too busy comparing herself/her life to a character that is barely there in P&P.
All the other characters were very one-dimensional, even her love interest. I couldn't tell you why he liked her. I honestly couldn't tell you what ended up happening in the end.
I think this story could've used a little more meat to it to make it more memorable. The cover is very cute though!
I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Kasey Stockton, and this book was no exception!! She has definitely become a go-to author for me! 😍
Charlie and Liam are just adorable! The cuteness, the awkwardness, the Pride & Prejudice references—my heart!
There were two tropes in this book that I usually dislike (love triangles & dramatic third-act breakup/miscommunications) but found I didn’t hate here. Why? Because I did understand Charlie’s perspective, appreciated and felt seen by her vulnerability, and all around, just loved her.
I can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelves!! 🥰
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
3.5⭐️ Did someone say Pride & Prejudice?? This was an endearing contemporary romance that had one of the dreamiest boyfriends ever! And Charlie (FMC) was funny and had my sense of humor. I had a lot of laugh out load moments and I loved the HEA. I really liked the mentions or comparisons to Charlie’s life and the P&P characters and I thought that was well done. But being honest here, Charlie drove me crazy!!! I struggle with overly insecure females and there was a bit of that. It’s that “we can’t be together vibe” and it gets to me. I want to scream at the book and say, “give in already!” But having said all that I did enjoy it and recommend. Thanks Covenant Communications via NetGalley.
I‘m Not Charlotte Lucas by Kasey Stockton was a delightful read that drew me and kept me smiling as I read. Charlie Lucas is currently living in her parents attic while working at bank. She is a lover of all things Pride and Prejudice and hopes she is not Charlotte Lucas. Liam is literally the hero next door or his grandmother is next door to Charlotte. He is a swoon worthy hero with a non-profit who interacts with movie stars.
This book was fabulous and I enjoyed every minute. I loved how the characters were reflective, thoughtful and changed throughout the story. I was very invested in the characters and the story. The themes of following your dreams, accepting and believing in yourself, and the importance of family resonated with me. The romance was sweet and the Pride and Prejudice references were wonderful!
I thoroughly enjoyed I’m Not Charlotte Lucas by Kasey Stockton. The story was fabulous and this was the perfect read for me. I highly recommend it.
I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a review.
My goodness I enjoyed this book so much! I haven’t read a contemporary romance by Kasey yet and I really really enjoyed this one. It was a lighthearted and solid story, with lovable characters and an engaging plot. My biggest reason for loving it is probably so different than what most people enjoy, but here it is, bear with me while I get my thoughts out. I love how Charlie has legit insecurities and is more “Charlotte Lucas” than “Elizabeth Bennet.” So many books have heroines that are bold and confident and sure of themselves and it was so refreshing for me to read about a character not like that. Charlie sometimes struggles with who she is, her situation in life and where her happiness comes from. Now that doesn’t mean Charlie isn’t amazing, brilliant and great in her own ways, because she is. But it’s not thrown in your face. She has to learn from those insecurities and truly come to know herself, she has to climb her mountains. And I thought Kasey did a wonderful job of Charlie’s growth throughout the story. And do we even need to talk about how sweet and swoony Liam is? Because he’s absolutely fantastic and the best thing for Charlie. Plus all the Pride and Prejudice Easter eggs were so fun! Overall I truly loved this book so much. It was so nice to read a book with a character I could relate to so well. This is the perfect clean contemporary romance that will make your day better.
I received and ARC from NetGalley. A positive review was not required but happily given.
This book held so much potential to be one of the best retelling of pride and prejudice, but I think the author just didn't luck out with some aspects. . First of all, I LOVED the writing style, seriously the author could've wrote a 400 page book and I'd still feel committed, the whole thing was finished in half a day. I was that engrossed!! . The plot at the beginning was really promising, it wasn't complicated and kind of didn't have any subplots, which was fine by me, but at the half point, you could just see how weak the storyline is, the author kept tweaking and kind of patching it with many cliche scenarios, but it wasn't enough, and it wasn't done smoothly for it to go unnoticed. . The main characters were..okay? Like, Liam was too good to be true, even for a fictional character, he was just so smitten with her, that I truly sympathized with Charlotte being anxious. Charlotte though, was kind of disappointing, the whole insecure heroine wasn't a cliche I'm apposed to, but the amount of insecurities and low self esteem was excessive, even for me. . Not the best book out there, but definitely open to reading more by the same author. * I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I LOVED reading this book--from beginning to end. The story is written in first person, in the engaging voice of Charlotte Lucas, or Charlie. She is a big fan of Pride and Prejudice and can't help but compare her life to the characters in that book. Charlie is kind to her core, and perhaps a bit self-sacrificing. This kindness leads to Charlie accepting a blind date, which is the catalyst for the rest of the story.
Charlie and Liam are wonderfully written characters who are easy to connect with. They have fun together and their chemistry is awesome, leading to some fantastic kisses. Liam is so sweet and attentive, and as soon as the door opens, he goes after what he wants. Charlie struggles with the common problem of comparing herself and not recognizing her own value. She has lost confidence and has to find her courage again. I love the way they work through this; it isn't drawn out and tedious as it can sometimes be in romance books.
I highly recommend this well-written, clean romance. I know I will be reading it again.
I received a digital copy of this story to review. This is my honest opinion.
I'm Not Charlotte Lucas was a very cute story. There were many characters to love including the main character Charlie, handsome Liam, his feisty Grandma Vera, and Charlie's younger sister Mariah. Charlotte is not the most confident woman out there. She's had experiences with people letting her down and not acknowledging her artistic talent. The theme of Pride and Prejudice is alive in this novel but it's not a spin-off or retelling. Charlotte (Charlie) is a lady who's looking for the love of her life, her own Mr. Darcy.
Liam is a good-looking guy who has many Hollywood stars as friends and an Ex-girlfriend. You can tell from the start that this confident, and charming man is looking for that special woman in his life. I liked how sincere he was to all of those around him. He also never gave up on Charlie. Even though there were hurdles in the way of their romance, he still was patient and kind to her. I liked the humor in the story especially the witty texts and banter between Liam and Charlie. This adorable romance was easy to read and lots of fun. I am excited to read more from this author.
I’ve loved Kasey Stockton’s Regency novels, but I’m starting to see that she can pull both historical and contemporary stories off with ease. I’m Not Charlotte Lucas has an endearing main character that I loved getting to know. Despite having the same name as the character who married Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Lucas is determined that neither spinsterhood nor settling are the life for her. However, she is realistic and pragmatic, and when she meets her neighbor’s grandson, Liam, he seems to be a little bit too much like a bookish hero, and therefore too good to be true.
What I appreciated most is the journey the Charlie goes on internally. She’s allowed certain things about herself to be overshadowed, and while determine not to settle romantically speaking, has settled into what is easy and convenient in other areas, such as her job and being the one who does all the favors for her family. I think many of us can get caught up in allowing what we do and perform for others to give us worth and fight off insecurity. Charlie’s character has to face this, as well as what choices it’s lead her to make – or not make in relation to Liam and her talent as an artist. I did worry that these plot points might become too cyclical as the story progressed, but that’s really not the case at all. Charlie’s layers begin to peel back, and we see that it’s really not ending up like the literary version of Charlotte Lucas so much as ending up as an inauthentic version of herself that spurs Charlie to act on her own behalf.
I adored the Pride and Prejudice references, but appreciated that this isn’t a retelling of that story. I’m definitely a fan of Stockton’s contemporary stories now and hope for more of them in the future. If you enjoy Regency romance, definitely give her books in that genre a try as well!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This was a charming read, but it fell flat for me in a lot of ways. It kind of felt like it was staying at the same level the whole way through...I wanted more from it. More depth from the story, more depth from Charlie and Liam. It also got slightly repetetive reading Charlie's inner monologue. It just felt like the characters were incredibly one dimensional, and not anything more than their insecurities, in Charlie's case, and their perfections, in Liam's case. It also felt like the plot was slightly tiring...and redundent? I'm finding trouble finding the right word, but I think it could have used something more to bring up the excitement or something that pushed Charlie forward. I, sadly, just kept wanting more from it.
As always, thank you Netgalley and Covenent Communications for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!
It's a cute read about a girl named Charlotte Lucas who loves P&P. Charlie has low self-esteem and believes she will have to settle for a Mr. Collins like the Charlotte in the book. She has a lot of hangups and is very insecure and it made it hard to read and like her. Liam, on the other hand, was a great leading man, patient, supportive, and overall a more likeable character.
It kept me entertained and reading to the end.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance. As a bonus I saw it on the same day I saw a live stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Charlotte (Charlie) Lucas loves the regency classic. It helps that she is named for the best friend, side character in the famous novel. Charlie is 26, a college graduate, has a good job in the local bank and is living with her parents. When her next door elderly neighbor asks Charlie for a favor she can’t say no. Charlie is to be the blind date for her grandson to a charity ball. Liam Connell is wealthy and giving. The fund raiser is for his charitable foundation and his ex is a famous actress. Charlie enjoys the night but doesn’t think it’s realistic for someone like him to fall for someone like her.
This is a simple romance but the author adds some layers by bringing in an ex boyfriend and Charlie needing to overcoming some of her own insecurities. There are tons of P and P references too. I thought the ending is a little rushed and the grand gesture has boundary oversteps. I recommend for romance readers of any age especially if you like clean books for language and intimacy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
In a world where everyone wants to be Elizabeth Bennett, who doesn't understand Charlotte Lucas? This book was a revelation especially where it relates to how we see ourselves. Do we let the opinions of others dampen us into a shadow of who we want to be or even who we are?
Charlie Lucas is a character that I found myself relating to. I cringed at her insecurities and neurotic tendencies, but it was only because she represents truth. The truth of how often women see themselves. We view others as worthy and worthwhile and diminish ourselves. We see ourselves as not enough and not worthy of the love that others choose to bestow upon us. It is a frightening place to be, and in that place, we can understand Charlotte Lucas who settled for Mr Collins rather than face the frightening prospect of being a lone and without an opportunity to be more. Do we judge Charlotte harshly when often we settle ourselves?
Liam Connell is probably the perfect male specimen in literature. Stand aside, Mr. Darcy. He saw our Charlotte before she did. Their path is not an easy one, and he may be a bit too perfect on surface, but his flaws are known and the two of them growing together make for a story that is unputdownable. I blamed author, Kasey Stockton when I started the story in the evening and was forced to put it down, later than I should have in order to get to sleep.
This is the story I would love to tell to convince so many women that they are of worth, that they have worth, and that they are enough. This is a fabulous read, though there were moments when I could see my insecurities mirrored back to me in Charlie's point of view. Don't let it stop you from reading or from believing in yourself.
I received an early copy from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.
This is my favourite Pride and Prejudice retelling so far! I always struggle to LOVE a retelling as there as different perspectives on characters, plot, and even how much should Jane Austen be referenced. This had everything that I ever wanted and so much more! Charlie Lucas is a great character that is similar but not the same as Jane’s Charlotte. She is in a modern world with obligations and singleness and a best friend who happens to be amazing. This story touched my heart as I often feel like Charlotte is misunderstood and judged based on a different perspective. This story embraces the original while bringing the modern mentality to it.
I also have to say that I love how P&P exists and is something that Charlie loves while desperately trying to avoid the same fate as her namesake. I had to buy a copy as soon I put it down and I can’t reread this book that celebrates an underrated character who I love so much!
I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I was hoping for a light, fun and sweet read. And, at the beginning, it was. But halfway into the story repetitions became tiresome, the plot (or lack thereof) dragged and I couldn´t stand the heroine anymore.
And then, there is the first person POV, tricky because you´re in the character´s head all the story. So, when the character thinks one thing and in the next page thinks the exact opposite, it bothers me. If this happens time and time again, I lose my interest in the story. In this story that happens a lot.
And lastly, and for me the most important thing, the heroine. She never got to grown up. The author takes from the heroine´s hands every decision and make other characters or circumstances make them. The heroine is a pitiful character that simply, goes with the flow.
This read wasn´t for me.
***
Esperaba una lectura ligera y entretenida. Al principio fue así, pero a medio camino las repeticiones se volvieron cansinas, la trama (o la falta de la misma) empezó a flojear y no podía soportar a la protagonista ni un minuto más.
Después está lo de la narrativa en primera persona. Que es complicado porque te pasas toda la historia en la cabeza de la protagonista, así que cuando en una página piensa una cosa y en la siguiente lo opuesto, me desconcierta. Si esto pasa constantemente, directamente pierdo el interés en la historia. Y en esta ha pasado bastante.
Y lo último y para mí más importante es la protagonista. El personaje no tiene la oportunidad de madurar. La autora le quita de sus manos cualquier decisión que pudiera tomar y hace que otros personajes o situaciones la tomen por ella. Se convierte en un personaje lastimoso que, simplemente, se deja llevar.
I LOVED this one! Kasey Stockton is a favorite author of mine and this book didn’t disappoint. I was in a mini reading slump and I’m not going to lie, I got sucked in by this story and stayed up way too late reading. The whole book is about Charlotte “Charlie” Lucas and her journey to being different than her Pride and Prejudice namesake.
I honestly hadn’t given Charlotte Lucas much thought as a character on Pride and Prejudice, but I just loved the train of thought for this story. Not only did Kasey write Charlie in a way that sets her love life apart from Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice, she also grows the character in her personal life.
The MMC, Liam, was also so good. Seriously. I was so ready for them to just get together all ready! He was so sweet and really helped Charlotte grow and develop. If you love Jane Austen you’ll love this book!
So excited to have read this one in advance on NetGalley! Be sure to snag it for yourself when it releases on February 7th!