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Jane & Edward
"This powerful retelling of Jane Eyre, set in a modern-day law firm, is full of romance and hope as it follows the echoing heartbeats of the classic story. A former foster kid, Jane has led a quiet, solitary life as a waitress in the Toronto suburbs, working hard to get by. Tired of years of barely scraping a living, Jane takes night classes to become a legal assistant, and soon accepts a job offer at a distinguished law firm in Toronto. Everyone at the firm thinks she is destined for failure because her boss is the notoriously difficult Edward Rosen, majority stakeholder at Rosen, Haythe & Thornfield LLP. But, Jane has known far worse trials and refuses to back down when economic freedom is so close at hand. Edward has never been able to keep an assistant-he's too loud, too messy, too ill-tempered. But there's something about the quietly competent, delightfully sharp-witted Jane that intrigues him. As their orbits overlap, their feelings begin to develop-first comes fondness, and then something more. But when Edward's secrets put Jane's independence in jeopardy, she must face long-ignored ghosts of her past and decide if opening her heart to true love is a risk worth taking"--
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2023
151 people are currently reading
15073 people want to read
About the author
Melodie Edwards
3 books256 followersMelodie Edwards has a BA in English literature from the University of Toronto, a Master’s degree in communications from McMaster University and Syracuse University, and studied comedy writing at the Second City Training Centre.
She believes the importance of tea and biscuits while writing cannot be overstated.
She believes the importance of tea and biscuits while writing cannot be overstated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 750 reviews
June 16, 2023
I think this is the most intelligent, genuinely entertaining, sentimental and extremely sexiest retelling of Jane Eyre! I loved it! I loved it ! I loved it!
Jane and Edward are beautifully broken, well- crafted, realistic, natural, extremely huggable characters!
The modern version of the story and necessary changes about the background stories of the characters were incredibly well developed. I never thought I can read modern version of Jane Eyre like something between Suits meets Good will hunting!
Forced proximity, corporate romance, forbidden love themes perfectly blended with powerful feminism vibes. This book is not only love story of two broken people! It’s also about a woman’s rising up, exploring the world, finding herself and her strength, her own capacity, her own place in the world! We see Jane finally roar and we couldn’t get more proud of her!
At this book Jane Raine, an orphan, a waitress, in her early 20s, barely scraping together a living. When she hears about classes that help her to become legal assistant, she takes her chance and works hard to graduate. When she completes her course, she gets a job offer from a very distinguished law firm in downtown Toronto called Rosen, Haythe& Thornfield LLP. She’s assigned to assist to Edward Rosen, a moody, messy, ill tempered man who is also the majority stakeholder of the company.
One of his previous assistant created a dumpster fire before quitting a job and none of the assistants lasted more than a few days. Poor Jane is destined to be failed!
But they don’t know about Jane’s resilience. She had to deal with more capricious human beings before. She can endure the psychological torment of her new boss. And interestingly Edward realizes she’s more than meets the eye. Both of them start enjoying their daily banters. Their boss-assistant relationship slowly turns into friendship and maybe more than that!
Could Jane take a risk to fully trust a man for the first time when her worst heartbreaking experience related to her own dad who left her high and dry at the age of thirteen? Could she break down her own emotional barriers and let him into her heart?
This is FREAKING FANTASTIC! I didn’t want it finish! Completely swoon, extremely smart, definitely emotional and one of the greatest retellings I’ve literally devoured!
I’m looking forward to read future works of incredibly talented Melodie Edwards!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
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Jane and Edward are beautifully broken, well- crafted, realistic, natural, extremely huggable characters!
The modern version of the story and necessary changes about the background stories of the characters were incredibly well developed. I never thought I can read modern version of Jane Eyre like something between Suits meets Good will hunting!
Forced proximity, corporate romance, forbidden love themes perfectly blended with powerful feminism vibes. This book is not only love story of two broken people! It’s also about a woman’s rising up, exploring the world, finding herself and her strength, her own capacity, her own place in the world! We see Jane finally roar and we couldn’t get more proud of her!
At this book Jane Raine, an orphan, a waitress, in her early 20s, barely scraping together a living. When she hears about classes that help her to become legal assistant, she takes her chance and works hard to graduate. When she completes her course, she gets a job offer from a very distinguished law firm in downtown Toronto called Rosen, Haythe& Thornfield LLP. She’s assigned to assist to Edward Rosen, a moody, messy, ill tempered man who is also the majority stakeholder of the company.
One of his previous assistant created a dumpster fire before quitting a job and none of the assistants lasted more than a few days. Poor Jane is destined to be failed!
But they don’t know about Jane’s resilience. She had to deal with more capricious human beings before. She can endure the psychological torment of her new boss. And interestingly Edward realizes she’s more than meets the eye. Both of them start enjoying their daily banters. Their boss-assistant relationship slowly turns into friendship and maybe more than that!
Could Jane take a risk to fully trust a man for the first time when her worst heartbreaking experience related to her own dad who left her high and dry at the age of thirteen? Could she break down her own emotional barriers and let him into her heart?
This is FREAKING FANTASTIC! I didn’t want it finish! Completely swoon, extremely smart, definitely emotional and one of the greatest retellings I’ve literally devoured!
I’m looking forward to read future works of incredibly talented Melodie Edwards!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
medium.com
June 5, 2023
this was actually pretty good. not sure if i'm feeling that way because i was laser focused on this while trying to keep my mind off the turbulence of my 4 hr flight. but i came away with decently warm feelings.
i've never read jane eyre which should come as a surprise to no one, so i don't have much to say from a retelling perspective. but if you like a grumpy hero i think this might scratch an itch for ya. it is a closed door romance but i didn't find myself too irritated by that. would have been interesting to see the grumpy old man shuck some corn, but again, wasn't too mad that it wasn't included.
wow i'm really selling this one huh. anyway this was pretty enjoyable. i liked jane's character a lot. and her moral character i think, maybe, makes her similar to the og jane?
i read this for a video so i didn't pick it up because the premise intrigued but i suppose i would recommend it.
i've never read jane eyre which should come as a surprise to no one, so i don't have much to say from a retelling perspective. but if you like a grumpy hero i think this might scratch an itch for ya. it is a closed door romance but i didn't find myself too irritated by that. would have been interesting to see the grumpy old man shuck some corn, but again, wasn't too mad that it wasn't included.
wow i'm really selling this one huh. anyway this was pretty enjoyable. i liked jane's character a lot. and her moral character i think, maybe, makes her similar to the og jane?
i read this for a video so i didn't pick it up because the premise intrigued but i suppose i would recommend it.
April 8, 2023
Having grown up in the foster system and lived alone for her adult life, Jane is used to being solitary. Working at a fast-food joint and barely making enough to get by, Jane realizes she needs to make a change. After taking classes, she finds a job as a legal assistant at a distinguished law firm in Toronto. At first feeling like she’s in over her head, it becomes even more apparent why she got this job – her boss, Edward, is difficult to get along with and his assistants never last long. As Jane continues to do her work, she finds herself becoming intrigued by Edward and begins to wonder if life might be taking a turn for the better.
First off, Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time, which made me nervous about reading this. And at the beginning, I was afraid I would dislike it because I didn’t feel that Jane was portrayed correctly. But as soon as I took a step back and remembered that this was a modern retelling, everything fell into place. Even if you're completely unfamiliar with Jane Eyre, you'll still love this work. Though having read the original, there were many fun references included that added to my enjoyment. This included some familiar names, and I loved how the author chose to rebrand these characters (Adele was perfection).
While I liked Edward in the original work, I fell in love with this Edward. He was well written and his development/growth that occurred throughout the work was stellar, though I do feel like this version was a little softer than the original. The secondary characters were just as developed and lovely as the protagonists. And Jane was a wonderful modern version of the original character. I loved how similar yet different she was, and how true the author was able to stay to Jane’s original values and character traits.
The only thing that lacked a bit in this work was some of the social commentary that was so artfully woven into the original. I would have loved to see some of that depth incorporated, but it didn’t majorly detract from my enjoyment. If you love Jane Eyre or romance, then this is a must read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
First off, Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time, which made me nervous about reading this. And at the beginning, I was afraid I would dislike it because I didn’t feel that Jane was portrayed correctly. But as soon as I took a step back and remembered that this was a modern retelling, everything fell into place. Even if you're completely unfamiliar with Jane Eyre, you'll still love this work. Though having read the original, there were many fun references included that added to my enjoyment. This included some familiar names, and I loved how the author chose to rebrand these characters (Adele was perfection).
While I liked Edward in the original work, I fell in love with this Edward. He was well written and his development/growth that occurred throughout the work was stellar, though I do feel like this version was a little softer than the original. The secondary characters were just as developed and lovely as the protagonists. And Jane was a wonderful modern version of the original character. I loved how similar yet different she was, and how true the author was able to stay to Jane’s original values and character traits.
The only thing that lacked a bit in this work was some of the social commentary that was so artfully woven into the original. I would have loved to see some of that depth incorporated, but it didn’t majorly detract from my enjoyment. If you love Jane Eyre or romance, then this is a must read. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 10, 2023
Ugh, such an amazing debut! I’m in love!
Jane Eyre is not a favorite of mine to the extent that some other classics are (hello, Pride and Prejudice). Whenever it would come up, I would be like, “what, the one with the secret wife in the closet?” 😂 But then I watched the movie adaptation, and, when Michael Fassbender said “I have a pleasure in owing you my life”, I was like, it’s on. 🔥
Jokes aside, this book is inspired by Jane Eyre and the Jane character was such a brilliant modern adaptation of the original Jane. She was just as sharp and driven while also dealing with the same insecurities and troubled past. It was truly so enjoyable to spend time in her head.
In this version of the story, Jane Raine is a foster kid who grew up into a hard-working, responsible adult, working long hours as a waitress to pay her rent and mostly keeping her head down. When she hears coworkers talking about possibly trying to get jobs as legal assistants (who are apparently not required to hear complaints about burgers all day long, get paid significantly more and are actually entitled to benefits), she decides to take a leap and use her savings to go to school for it.
Jane’s leap ends up working out, and, after graduating, she gets a job as an assistant to Edward Rosen, one of the partners of one of Canada’s leading law firms. The catch: Edward is notoriously moody, unpredictable, rude, difficult and boisterous, and has managed to drive away all of his former assistants after mere weeks, which explains why Jane was hired with virtually no experience – she is HR’s last resort.
Edward and Jane’s dynamic is just as fun and fiery as it is in the original story. Soon, Edward gets annoyed by Jane’s meekness (her way of trying to survive his explosions and stay employed) and asks her to speak her mind, which leads to her calling him out for being an asshole in increasingly fun ways.
It’s very clear to the reader how Jane softens Edward up and how open he is with her, and the best part is – it’s clear to her too. Unlike the usual romance heroine who is completely oblivious (and I don’t mean that critically, because obviously they’re not supposed to know they’re in a romance novel), Jane is aware of the changes in Edward and realizes he might also have feelings for her.
The whole wife-in-the-closet thing (and yes, I’m aware it’s not a closet lol) is so well executed and the storyline was intriguing even if it couldn’t be all too surprising.
This book was so easy and quick to read, such a joy. I can’t wait to read more from this author. 💕
Jane Eyre is not a favorite of mine to the extent that some other classics are (hello, Pride and Prejudice). Whenever it would come up, I would be like, “what, the one with the secret wife in the closet?” 😂 But then I watched the movie adaptation, and, when Michael Fassbender said “I have a pleasure in owing you my life”, I was like, it’s on. 🔥
Jokes aside, this book is inspired by Jane Eyre and the Jane character was such a brilliant modern adaptation of the original Jane. She was just as sharp and driven while also dealing with the same insecurities and troubled past. It was truly so enjoyable to spend time in her head.
In this version of the story, Jane Raine is a foster kid who grew up into a hard-working, responsible adult, working long hours as a waitress to pay her rent and mostly keeping her head down. When she hears coworkers talking about possibly trying to get jobs as legal assistants (who are apparently not required to hear complaints about burgers all day long, get paid significantly more and are actually entitled to benefits), she decides to take a leap and use her savings to go to school for it.
Jane’s leap ends up working out, and, after graduating, she gets a job as an assistant to Edward Rosen, one of the partners of one of Canada’s leading law firms. The catch: Edward is notoriously moody, unpredictable, rude, difficult and boisterous, and has managed to drive away all of his former assistants after mere weeks, which explains why Jane was hired with virtually no experience – she is HR’s last resort.
Edward and Jane’s dynamic is just as fun and fiery as it is in the original story. Soon, Edward gets annoyed by Jane’s meekness (her way of trying to survive his explosions and stay employed) and asks her to speak her mind, which leads to her calling him out for being an asshole in increasingly fun ways.
It’s very clear to the reader how Jane softens Edward up and how open he is with her, and the best part is – it’s clear to her too. Unlike the usual romance heroine who is completely oblivious (and I don’t mean that critically, because obviously they’re not supposed to know they’re in a romance novel), Jane is aware of the changes in Edward and realizes he might also have feelings for her.
The whole wife-in-the-closet thing (and yes, I’m aware it’s not a closet lol) is so well executed and the storyline was intriguing even if it couldn’t be all too surprising.
This book was so easy and quick to read, such a joy. I can’t wait to read more from this author. 💕
October 16, 2022
An absolute CHARMER of a book that deftly and intelligently reimagines its magnanimous source material in contemporary Toronto. Edwards clearly ( and lovingly) recognizes that Brontë's themes are timeless and in her cherished nod to a beloved book keeps readers wonderfully surprised and guessing at how Jane and Edward's relationship will parallel the story they know and love while taking a few gasp-worthy turns of its own.
Jane, timid and lonely and burdened by the echoes of grief of a lost parent and years in uncaring and impoverished foster homes, decides to take her life and agency in her own hands against a system that would keep her oppressed and waitressing and a stern belief that she deserves little more. A position at Rosen, Haythe and Thornfield at King and Bay in Toronto's bustling financial district challenges her. Especially as assistant to Edward Rosen: notoriously temperamental and volatile and seemingly unable to keep an assistant. Still, Jane has reserves of pragmatic resourcefulness and following one of *the* great meet cutes, he begins to see what no one else has: that this plain creature adorned in Reitmans from a strip mall has layers and buckets of ingenuity.
Their banter and slow flirtation, not to mention the subtle seeping of their chemistry make this an absolute delicious romcom experience: whether or not you are familiar with the tenets of the source material. But this is more than a love story between Jane and Edward, it is a treatise on learning ones' value. The true love affair is Jane learning how to love herself and fight for herself: especially when she learns that she has been victim to a decades long fraud that would keep her underfoot.
The themes of financial and independent freedom are ripe here--- especially in terms of relationships and ever so salient considering that our post-pandemic world offers some of the same challenges that rippled Edward Rosen's world during the 2008 market crash.
Even though we are over a century from Brontë's thesis on the limitations of women who are unmarried and have limited ways to earn, Jane also spirals into obsessively checking her bank account and ensuring she is not just settled for now but forever.
No matter how far we have come in terms of looking back on now archaic societal restrictions ( when Jane takes some courses at Lowood University, the 19th Century Lit motif is well served), we still find so many ways to identify with an extremely smart and resourceful woman who has been dealt several bad hands
And not the same bad hands dealt men, that is for sure.
A quick and witty and thoughtfully explored work on sex politics, gender discrimination and the need for security and family even in the midst of a high-towered business world, Jane and Edward is one of the best literary retellings I have read: certainly the best of this material. And it is made even more resplendent by Edwards' winning, arresting and sharp sense of irony and wit.
Reader, I gobbled it up.
Jane, timid and lonely and burdened by the echoes of grief of a lost parent and years in uncaring and impoverished foster homes, decides to take her life and agency in her own hands against a system that would keep her oppressed and waitressing and a stern belief that she deserves little more. A position at Rosen, Haythe and Thornfield at King and Bay in Toronto's bustling financial district challenges her. Especially as assistant to Edward Rosen: notoriously temperamental and volatile and seemingly unable to keep an assistant. Still, Jane has reserves of pragmatic resourcefulness and following one of *the* great meet cutes, he begins to see what no one else has: that this plain creature adorned in Reitmans from a strip mall has layers and buckets of ingenuity.
Their banter and slow flirtation, not to mention the subtle seeping of their chemistry make this an absolute delicious romcom experience: whether or not you are familiar with the tenets of the source material. But this is more than a love story between Jane and Edward, it is a treatise on learning ones' value. The true love affair is Jane learning how to love herself and fight for herself: especially when she learns that she has been victim to a decades long fraud that would keep her underfoot.
The themes of financial and independent freedom are ripe here--- especially in terms of relationships and ever so salient considering that our post-pandemic world offers some of the same challenges that rippled Edward Rosen's world during the 2008 market crash.
Even though we are over a century from Brontë's thesis on the limitations of women who are unmarried and have limited ways to earn, Jane also spirals into obsessively checking her bank account and ensuring she is not just settled for now but forever.
No matter how far we have come in terms of looking back on now archaic societal restrictions ( when Jane takes some courses at Lowood University, the 19th Century Lit motif is well served), we still find so many ways to identify with an extremely smart and resourceful woman who has been dealt several bad hands
And not the same bad hands dealt men, that is for sure.
A quick and witty and thoughtfully explored work on sex politics, gender discrimination and the need for security and family even in the midst of a high-towered business world, Jane and Edward is one of the best literary retellings I have read: certainly the best of this material. And it is made even more resplendent by Edwards' winning, arresting and sharp sense of irony and wit.
Reader, I gobbled it up.
November 15, 2022
So wonderful- so different!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first thing that hit me about this story was the dry wit. The author writes much of it almost with a tongue-in-cheek reverence. That is what hooked me to this book.
When we first meet the characters, it seems like they, and we, are doomed. Edward has a wild temperament and but Jane has a backbone and a way with her manner that can tame the beast. There is fire and calm. The balance between the two is awesome.
Edwards dives into modern-day work relationships along with the pitfalls. The story is smart, fresh, and witty. The building romance is sweet and wonderful but we get to use our imagination on the steamy parts. The developing relationship along the way definitely has up and down moments that really make you wonder how they will find their way.
But find the way they did and the ending is sweet! Jane & Edward is delightful and overall a charming, obsessive type of book that is perfect to snuggle up with this winter!! Don’t miss it!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/jane-edward-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The first thing that hit me about this story was the dry wit. The author writes much of it almost with a tongue-in-cheek reverence. That is what hooked me to this book.
When we first meet the characters, it seems like they, and we, are doomed. Edward has a wild temperament and but Jane has a backbone and a way with her manner that can tame the beast. There is fire and calm. The balance between the two is awesome.
Edwards dives into modern-day work relationships along with the pitfalls. The story is smart, fresh, and witty. The building romance is sweet and wonderful but we get to use our imagination on the steamy parts. The developing relationship along the way definitely has up and down moments that really make you wonder how they will find their way.
But find the way they did and the ending is sweet! Jane & Edward is delightful and overall a charming, obsessive type of book that is perfect to snuggle up with this winter!! Don’t miss it!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/jane-edward-...
March 20, 2023
✨ 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 ✨
Thank you #berkleypartner @berkleyromance for the gifted finished copy.#BerkleyIG #penguinrandomhousepartner
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 & 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘆𝗿𝗲
𝗕𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝟯/𝟮𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 - 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄!
•Workplace Romance
•Forced Proximity
•Opposites Attract
•Age Gap
•Forbidden Love
•Closed-door
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: Jane is orphaned as a young teen, living the last years of her childhood in the foster system. After high school she gets a job as a waitress, where she barely scrapes by for years. Jane scrimps and saves and eventually decides to take classes to become a legal assistant, in order to better her life and financial situation. After she receives her certification, she is offered a job at a prestigious law firm in downtown Toronto. Though she's perplexed as to why someone with zero experience is offered such a position, she jumps at the opportunity.
Once she meets Mr. Rosen, the owner of the firm, she understands why nobody else wanted the job working for the burly, prickly, disheveled, nightmare of a man who is prone to outbursts. Most of his assistants only last weeks before they go running. Well Jane needs this job, and she's up for a challenge.
Over time, Jane and Edward soften toward one another, and feelings develop. But Jane is guarded, self-reliant, and worries about relying on others. She's not sure if she's willing to risk everything she's worked for for a chance at love. After all, what are the chances the enigmatic Edward Rosen would actually go all-in with plain Jane Raine?
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Told in third-person from Jane's perspective, Jane & Edward is a breath of fresh air! I knew within pages that this was a special book, and boy was I right! This has so many qualities that make it an instant favorite: the writing is exquisite. It's smart, mature, tender, romantic. The pining, the tension, the slow burn, the depth and development of the characters and plot.
Jane was such a loveable character. She's independent, a bit lacking in confidence, and lives a very solitary life. It was wonderful and rewarding watching her blossom, develop confidence, and grow into herself.
Edward was equally memorable. The way he softens and calms down, the way he treats Jane with such care and tenderness.
These two, who are like oil and water, end up being exactly what the other needs.
It's just perfect. Everything about this is perfect. 💕 Do yourself a favor and snag this one tomorrow when it releases!
.
.
.
Thank you #berkleypartner @berkleyromance for the gifted finished copy.#BerkleyIG #penguinrandomhousepartner
𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 & 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗔 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘆𝗿𝗲
𝗕𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝟯/𝟮𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 - 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄!
•Workplace Romance
•Forced Proximity
•Opposites Attract
•Age Gap
•Forbidden Love
•Closed-door
𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: Jane is orphaned as a young teen, living the last years of her childhood in the foster system. After high school she gets a job as a waitress, where she barely scrapes by for years. Jane scrimps and saves and eventually decides to take classes to become a legal assistant, in order to better her life and financial situation. After she receives her certification, she is offered a job at a prestigious law firm in downtown Toronto. Though she's perplexed as to why someone with zero experience is offered such a position, she jumps at the opportunity.
Once she meets Mr. Rosen, the owner of the firm, she understands why nobody else wanted the job working for the burly, prickly, disheveled, nightmare of a man who is prone to outbursts. Most of his assistants only last weeks before they go running. Well Jane needs this job, and she's up for a challenge.
Over time, Jane and Edward soften toward one another, and feelings develop. But Jane is guarded, self-reliant, and worries about relying on others. She's not sure if she's willing to risk everything she's worked for for a chance at love. After all, what are the chances the enigmatic Edward Rosen would actually go all-in with plain Jane Raine?
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Told in third-person from Jane's perspective, Jane & Edward is a breath of fresh air! I knew within pages that this was a special book, and boy was I right! This has so many qualities that make it an instant favorite: the writing is exquisite. It's smart, mature, tender, romantic. The pining, the tension, the slow burn, the depth and development of the characters and plot.
Jane was such a loveable character. She's independent, a bit lacking in confidence, and lives a very solitary life. It was wonderful and rewarding watching her blossom, develop confidence, and grow into herself.
Edward was equally memorable. The way he softens and calms down, the way he treats Jane with such care and tenderness.
These two, who are like oil and water, end up being exactly what the other needs.
It's just perfect. Everything about this is perfect. 💕 Do yourself a favor and snag this one tomorrow when it releases!
.
.
.
July 3, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
This book is a surprising pleasure given that it's a modernization of a tricky 19th-century novel. I love the melodrama and overwrought romanticism of Bronte, and I was hesitant to read a "reimagining" that wouldn't feel out of place in contemporary life. But it works! I think the author has created something with shades of Jane Eyre while still very much its own story. Set in Toronto, the author uses the city well as a backdrop for workaholic urban life and the high-powered law firm where Jane finds herself working straight out of business school.
In this bustling environment filled with self-important people, Jane Raine is a humble introvert with extraordinary survival skills borne of someone raised as a ward of the state. Many of the characteristics that allow her to succeed as the mercurial Edward's new admin assistant derive from a life of austerity and loneliness. She can't be baited or drawn out. She knows how to keep to herself and avoid drama, to keep confidences for her new boss, to work long hours without recognition, to live life day by day and avoid aspirations of anything more than survival. Jane suffers from anxiety and plots her daily existence so carefully as a coping mechanism, one foot in front of the other to avoid feeling overwhelmed. She also though has a sharp and even snarky inner voice that reveals her to be no one's victim and quite perceptive about others. The author does a lovely job creating such a complex character. Edward is a bit more mysterious for quite a long time; we aren't given many clues about his emotional instability. He seems on the surface unbearably rude and reactive, but given that we see him so much through Jane's perceptive eyes, his behavior seems circumstantial rather than intrinsic to him. It is also true here, as with the original book, that Edward sees Jane, and he sees her in a way that few take the time or effort to do. That makes Edward quite wonderful and worthy of her love. The office romance is well written, duly attentive to the problems of employer/employee personal relationships, and probably my favorite part of the story.
Some of the requisite melodrama that occurs in the final third of the book was less compelling. Edward suffers a bit as a hero from some selfishness built into the Rochester character. I did think the book resolves nicely though. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to this author's next book.
This book is a surprising pleasure given that it's a modernization of a tricky 19th-century novel. I love the melodrama and overwrought romanticism of Bronte, and I was hesitant to read a "reimagining" that wouldn't feel out of place in contemporary life. But it works! I think the author has created something with shades of Jane Eyre while still very much its own story. Set in Toronto, the author uses the city well as a backdrop for workaholic urban life and the high-powered law firm where Jane finds herself working straight out of business school.
In this bustling environment filled with self-important people, Jane Raine is a humble introvert with extraordinary survival skills borne of someone raised as a ward of the state. Many of the characteristics that allow her to succeed as the mercurial Edward's new admin assistant derive from a life of austerity and loneliness. She can't be baited or drawn out. She knows how to keep to herself and avoid drama, to keep confidences for her new boss, to work long hours without recognition, to live life day by day and avoid aspirations of anything more than survival. Jane suffers from anxiety and plots her daily existence so carefully as a coping mechanism, one foot in front of the other to avoid feeling overwhelmed. She also though has a sharp and even snarky inner voice that reveals her to be no one's victim and quite perceptive about others. The author does a lovely job creating such a complex character. Edward is a bit more mysterious for quite a long time; we aren't given many clues about his emotional instability. He seems on the surface unbearably rude and reactive, but given that we see him so much through Jane's perceptive eyes, his behavior seems circumstantial rather than intrinsic to him. It is also true here, as with the original book, that Edward sees Jane, and he sees her in a way that few take the time or effort to do. That makes Edward quite wonderful and worthy of her love. The office romance is well written, duly attentive to the problems of employer/employee personal relationships, and probably my favorite part of the story.
Some of the requisite melodrama that occurs in the final third of the book was less compelling. Edward suffers a bit as a hero from some selfishness built into the Rochester character. I did think the book resolves nicely though. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to this author's next book.
September 18, 2023
“Security for fear. Love for loneliness Comfort for scraps and bare edges.Recognition and familiarity for invisibility and strangers. A bright future swapped for ... nothing. Existing.”
This book 🫢🤯😮🥲. It’s beautiful, smart and grounded! It shows the best and worst of the characters all while making me love them. The character growth, the banter: everything was great! And it’s set in Canada too 😍. I definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more by author!
4.5/5⭐️
This book 🫢🤯😮🥲. It’s beautiful, smart and grounded! It shows the best and worst of the characters all while making me love them. The character growth, the banter: everything was great! And it’s set in Canada too 😍. I definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more by author!
4.5/5⭐️
February 8, 2024
3.5⭐️ No review is harder to write than when a book is a disappointment. I also believe in avoiding spoilers (although in the past I might have unintentionally revealed one or two). I’m going to break my rule because Melodie Edwards insulted the intelligence of her readers.
I should have known better than read this. I steer clear of Jane Austen or Sherlock Holmes spinoffs. However, Jane Eyre was my first gothic romance. I couldn’t resist Edward Rochester as a moody grouch in a bespoke suit. Turned out he was not so much an Oscar, but a collection of conflicting behaviors. Perhaps neurodivergent? I’m not sure.
What I liked:
—The story is mainly set in Toronto. Edwards is Canadian. Kudos to her for sticking to a city she knows rather than using New York City as a backdrop. I learned about Bay Street, the PATH, and the rise and fall of the Heenan Blackie law firm.
—Loved the chemistry between Jane and Edward. They were meant for each other.
Quibble territory:
—The author’s writing style. The story would skip ahead, and then fill in anything from small details to large chunks of Jane’s sad childhood. At times it was telling not showing. Sometimes it was more like a flashback.
Ahoy, SPOILER alert!
😞
🙀
😱
So Edwards wrote a razzle-dazzle, full-blown, song-and-dance as to why Edward married Julie and could not divorce her.
Which only works if you never heard of prenups.
And Edward and his father are brilliant lawyers.
Apparently prenups don’t exist in this universe.
I should have known better than read this. I steer clear of Jane Austen or Sherlock Holmes spinoffs. However, Jane Eyre was my first gothic romance. I couldn’t resist Edward Rochester as a moody grouch in a bespoke suit. Turned out he was not so much an Oscar, but a collection of conflicting behaviors. Perhaps neurodivergent? I’m not sure.
What I liked:
—The story is mainly set in Toronto. Edwards is Canadian. Kudos to her for sticking to a city she knows rather than using New York City as a backdrop. I learned about Bay Street, the PATH, and the rise and fall of the Heenan Blackie law firm.
—Loved the chemistry between Jane and Edward. They were meant for each other.
Quibble territory:
—The author’s writing style. The story would skip ahead, and then fill in anything from small details to large chunks of Jane’s sad childhood. At times it was telling not showing. Sometimes it was more like a flashback.
Ahoy, SPOILER alert!
😞
🙀
😱
So Edwards wrote a razzle-dazzle, full-blown, song-and-dance as to why Edward married Julie and could not divorce her.
Which only works if you never heard of prenups.
And Edward and his father are brilliant lawyers.
Apparently prenups don’t exist in this universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2023
I received a copy of this book for free for promotional purposes.
Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books so naturally I was eager to read this. It did not disappoint!
The author did a fantastic job adapting the classic story to fit modern times. It was evident that the author really understood and appreciated the source material. The author did the original story justice and really captured the spirit of Jane Eyre. For those familiar with Jane Eyre, there are some aspects of the story that are problematic. However, the the book handled those parts well. I liked that the author included a note in the beginning directly addressing this.
As for the characters, I loved the dynamic between Jane and Edward, which was key in making this retelling work. It was developed so well. I also enjoyed seeing how some of the characters from the original story were translated into modern times (e.g. Adele is Jane’s coworker instead of a child).
Lastly, I loved that the story took place in Toronto, Canada. I’m from the US and have never been to Canada, so I found the setting to be very refreshing.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for Jane Eyre fans! It’s also a great read for romance fans.
Jane Eyre is one of my all time favorite books so naturally I was eager to read this. It did not disappoint!
The author did a fantastic job adapting the classic story to fit modern times. It was evident that the author really understood and appreciated the source material. The author did the original story justice and really captured the spirit of Jane Eyre. For those familiar with Jane Eyre, there are some aspects of the story that are problematic. However, the the book handled those parts well. I liked that the author included a note in the beginning directly addressing this.
As for the characters, I loved the dynamic between Jane and Edward, which was key in making this retelling work. It was developed so well. I also enjoyed seeing how some of the characters from the original story were translated into modern times (e.g. Adele is Jane’s coworker instead of a child).
Lastly, I loved that the story took place in Toronto, Canada. I’m from the US and have never been to Canada, so I found the setting to be very refreshing.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for Jane Eyre fans! It’s also a great read for romance fans.
October 15, 2022
I need you all to know that I loved this book and read it in one sitting, stayed up reading until 2am, couldn’t put it down, all that jazz, which is why I gave it 4 very generous stars... but also, it’s a Jane Eyre fanfic—or I guess a modern retelling as it’s only called fanfic when the IP isn’t in the public domain—so that means that if it remains somewhat true to the ending, then said ending will be a mess, and this one has me howling for how clunky and convenient it was. And yet, I sure loved all that delicious melodrama that was still grounded enough in reality and was very thoughtful and self-aware about how thorny and complicated it is to pull off a boss/secretary romance, especially when the heroine has no support system whatsoever.
It’s a really weird book because it feels almost old-fashioned in both narration and story, which I think it’s both a deliberate artistic choice and my familiarity with Jane Eyre laying in some of the groundwork and setting expectation (and the book makes no effort to conceal its source of inspiration, I mean it's right there on the title, which I kind of really like), and so some of the dynamics feel very outdated, and some of the more clear efforts to modernize the story feel very unsubtle. The main character, Jane, is in her mid 20’s, and will go from referencing a 1963 Steve McQueen movie to making not one, not two, but THREE unfortunate Harry Potter references (authors, don’t do this unless you want your readers to assume you’re transphobic), and it’s a story very focused with slowly empowering a young woman to find herself and her voice, but then it will introduce a bunch of other women who are a parade of vapid mean girls. I got a lot of whiplash! Especially when, you know,
My main issue is simply that Jane Eyre doesn’t have an ending that can be translated literally to modern times, esp in genre romance, and expect it to work, when ultimately the hero makes no effort whatsoever to find an honest solution to his situation and instead sits there and lets fate solve it for him. That said, and I can’t stress this enough, I could not put this thing down, I loved reading it, I will be reading whatever Melodie Edwards writes next, and although this is not a glowing review, if you like messy, dramatic romance that’s basically more fairy tale than realistic contemporary, I highly recommend it.
Content notes: parental death (off page, in the past); mentions of IPV and child abuse and neglect (all in the past but there's one mildly graphic on-page description of a resulting injury); the book is 3rd person past single POV and the sex scenes are closed door;
Review copy provided by the publisher; apologies for the super early review.
It’s a really weird book because it feels almost old-fashioned in both narration and story, which I think it’s both a deliberate artistic choice and my familiarity with Jane Eyre laying in some of the groundwork and setting expectation (and the book makes no effort to conceal its source of inspiration, I mean it's right there on the title, which I kind of really like), and so some of the dynamics feel very outdated, and some of the more clear efforts to modernize the story feel very unsubtle. The main character, Jane, is in her mid 20’s, and will go from referencing a 1963 Steve McQueen movie to making not one, not two, but THREE unfortunate Harry Potter references (authors, don’t do this unless you want your readers to assume you’re transphobic), and it’s a story very focused with slowly empowering a young woman to find herself and her voice, but then it will introduce a bunch of other women who are a parade of vapid mean girls. I got a lot of whiplash! Especially when, you know,
My main issue is simply that Jane Eyre doesn’t have an ending that can be translated literally to modern times, esp in genre romance, and expect it to work, when ultimately the hero makes no effort whatsoever to find an honest solution to his situation and instead sits there and lets fate solve it for him. That said, and I can’t stress this enough, I could not put this thing down, I loved reading it, I will be reading whatever Melodie Edwards writes next, and although this is not a glowing review, if you like messy, dramatic romance that’s basically more fairy tale than realistic contemporary, I highly recommend it.
Content notes: parental death (off page, in the past); mentions of IPV and child abuse and neglect (all in the past but there's one mildly graphic on-page description of a resulting injury); the book is 3rd person past single POV and the sex scenes are closed door;
Review copy provided by the publisher; apologies for the super early review.
April 21, 2023
Jane Raine was thrust into foster care when her father dies and there’s no will. She spends years feeling unwanted, and then just getting by on her own waitressing, until she takes classes to become a legal assistant and begins work at Rosen, Haythe & Thornfield LLP. Jane can’t believe it when she’s hired right out of school to be the assistant to one of the partners, but it soon becomes apparent she got the job because no one else wants it with Edward Rosen’s reputation of being difficult and scary. However, Jane doesn’t have the luxury of just quitting and is determined to stick it out no matter how badly Mr. Rosen behaves.
I love the original story of Jane Eyre and so when I heard of Jane & Edward, a modern reimagining of the story, I jumped at a chance to read it and was not disappointed! I liked the fact that it didn’t follow the story as closely as a re-telling would, because I didn’t know exactly how things would go and I enjoyed the differences. Melodie Edwards brought these characters to life, and I felt my heart soar right along with Jane when she found love and friends. I also felt her longing and heartbreak acutely. I loved that there was an actual physical romance (instead of just an emotional one like the original), while a fade to black on some of the encounters, the kisses were sensual and lusty!
Loved the gradual transformation of insecure, lonely Jane into someone gaining friends and confidence! I relished seeing her stand up for herself in the present and for the injustices heaped on her while young!
It's not necessary to read the original Jane Eyre to enjoy Jane & Edward. It’s a swoony, heartfelt romance with bits of humor and sweetness that stands strong on its own! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the original story of Jane Eyre and so when I heard of Jane & Edward, a modern reimagining of the story, I jumped at a chance to read it and was not disappointed! I liked the fact that it didn’t follow the story as closely as a re-telling would, because I didn’t know exactly how things would go and I enjoyed the differences. Melodie Edwards brought these characters to life, and I felt my heart soar right along with Jane when she found love and friends. I also felt her longing and heartbreak acutely. I loved that there was an actual physical romance (instead of just an emotional one like the original), while a fade to black on some of the encounters, the kisses were sensual and lusty!
Loved the gradual transformation of insecure, lonely Jane into someone gaining friends and confidence! I relished seeing her stand up for herself in the present and for the injustices heaped on her while young!
It's not necessary to read the original Jane Eyre to enjoy Jane & Edward. It’s a swoony, heartfelt romance with bits of humor and sweetness that stands strong on its own! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2023
Soon after accepting a job as a legal assistant at a distinguished Toronto law firm, Jane realizes just how difficult her new boss is. Due to his ill tempered manner, Edward never seems to be able to keep an assistant. Jane is determined to stick it out, however, and before long, Jane and Edward find themselves intrigued with one another.
I really enjoyed this fresh and modern take on the Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. Witty, engaging and fun, this slow build romance featuring so many of my favorite tropes, was just the type of love story I crave.
I loved the power dynamic between Jane and Edward and seeing how it shifted as they developed a closer relationship. Melodie Edwards writing is smart, engaging and fun and her characters are well developed and relatable.
Read if you like:
•age gap
•forced proximity
•workplace romance
•opposites attract
•grumpy/sunshine
•closed door
Thank you {partners} @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this fresh and modern take on the Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. Witty, engaging and fun, this slow build romance featuring so many of my favorite tropes, was just the type of love story I crave.
I loved the power dynamic between Jane and Edward and seeing how it shifted as they developed a closer relationship. Melodie Edwards writing is smart, engaging and fun and her characters are well developed and relatable.
Read if you like:
•age gap
•forced proximity
•workplace romance
•opposites attract
•grumpy/sunshine
•closed door
Thank you {partners} @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2023
This is a 1990s Harlequin Presents category disguised as a Jane Eyre retelling (and I use that term loosely). I have no idea how or why Berkley acquired this in the 2020s. Uhhh, I only recommend this to folks who like a specific brand of workplace romance with an asshole boss. Everyone else, steer clear. 😅
File this under "Brie nagged me for months until I finally gave in and read it." Oy. I am stubborn and you are always right. Read via audio (narrated by Cherlanda Estrada).
File this under "Brie nagged me for months until I finally gave in and read it." Oy. I am stubborn and you are always right. Read via audio (narrated by Cherlanda Estrada).
April 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
a very solid and enjoyable reimagining, and well-written to boot
a very solid and enjoyable reimagining, and well-written to boot
July 3, 2023
I so badly wanted to love this one. The first half was an easy five stars.
After years in the foster system and now scraping by as a waitress, Jane lands a job as a legal assistant in Toronto for the notoriously ill-tempered, workaholic Mr. Rosen. If you love a grump, you're in for a treat.
In fact, when Mr. Rosen (Edward) first makes his appearance, I thought there was absolutely no way he was the potential love interest. He was downright harsh. But you'll quickly see the tender side of him—Jane becoming the calm to his storm.
In their own unique way, Jane and Edward were both incredibly stubborn. You can just imagine the banter! It was so good. I love that it addressed their unequal power dynamic, with Edward not only being a decade older but also her boss. The hesitations and ongoing communication between them added a sense of realism around their situation.
And within all that, there's a mysterious secret lurking in the background—one Edward is adamant to keep hidden. I was invested, to say the least.
I think this is one of those instances where knowing the original story of Jane Eyre would have helped, especially in regards to the conflict and resolution. I would have been more prepared and perhaps more likely to accept the ending. It felt too ... convenient.
(heat level: closed door)
After years in the foster system and now scraping by as a waitress, Jane lands a job as a legal assistant in Toronto for the notoriously ill-tempered, workaholic Mr. Rosen. If you love a grump, you're in for a treat.
In fact, when Mr. Rosen (Edward) first makes his appearance, I thought there was absolutely no way he was the potential love interest. He was downright harsh. But you'll quickly see the tender side of him—Jane becoming the calm to his storm.
In their own unique way, Jane and Edward were both incredibly stubborn. You can just imagine the banter! It was so good. I love that it addressed their unequal power dynamic, with Edward not only being a decade older but also her boss. The hesitations and ongoing communication between them added a sense of realism around their situation.
And within all that, there's a mysterious secret lurking in the background—one Edward is adamant to keep hidden. I was invested, to say the least.
I think this is one of those instances where knowing the original story of Jane Eyre would have helped, especially in regards to the conflict and resolution. I would have been more prepared and perhaps more likely to accept the ending. It felt too ... convenient.
(heat level: closed door)
April 4, 2023
Book 33 of 2023: 5 Stars
"My heart can be broken, but my spine can still be steel. That's something."
As a big Jane Eyre fan, I was super excited to stumble upon this modern-day retelling on Bookstagram. But it was all the rave reviews that had me ditching my TBR to pick this up immediately. And reader, I'm thrilled that I did because -- I'm calling it now -- this will be one of my favorite reads of the year.
Even if you're more Cliffsnotes than classics, or you never fully understood the appeal of this problematic yet powerful romance, Edwards has adapted the storyline into a highly consumable novel for all.
Between the banter and chemistry of our leads, the humor, and the twists on the original plot, Jane & Edward provides a charming revival to this beloved tale.
I adored being in the company of a sassier Jane and a more sympathetic and sentimental Rochester and could simply rave about this one for days.
As Edwards states in the opening: "...no matter that the inspiration is nearly two hundred years old. I happen to think that a novel about the complicated emotional and intellectual life of a resilient woman is timeless." I couldn't agree more.
"My heart can be broken, but my spine can still be steel. That's something."
As a big Jane Eyre fan, I was super excited to stumble upon this modern-day retelling on Bookstagram. But it was all the rave reviews that had me ditching my TBR to pick this up immediately. And reader, I'm thrilled that I did because -- I'm calling it now -- this will be one of my favorite reads of the year.
Even if you're more Cliffsnotes than classics, or you never fully understood the appeal of this problematic yet powerful romance, Edwards has adapted the storyline into a highly consumable novel for all.
Between the banter and chemistry of our leads, the humor, and the twists on the original plot, Jane & Edward provides a charming revival to this beloved tale.
I adored being in the company of a sassier Jane and a more sympathetic and sentimental Rochester and could simply rave about this one for days.
As Edwards states in the opening: "...no matter that the inspiration is nearly two hundred years old. I happen to think that a novel about the complicated emotional and intellectual life of a resilient woman is timeless." I couldn't agree more.
April 11, 2023
Jane and Edward is a rewrite of Jane Eyre set in present day. This novel lacks the moral and spiritual development seen in the original Jane Eyre.
February 10, 2024
3.75 stars
A very acceptable updating of "Jane Eyre" to C21st Toronto, with most of the strengths and weaknesses of the original.
In other words, the first part (Jane & Edward) is the more compelling. There's a lot to enjoy in seeing Jane come into her own, and the developing relationship with Edward is energetic and witty (even if Edward's inner teddy-bear is a little too obvious). This was heading towards definite 4-star territory. However, moving from boss/assistant to an affair does grate, both because C19th Jane's qualms don't quite stack up for C21st Jane, and because of the rather dodgy power dynamics.
The second part, after "Mrs Rochester" is discovered, loses energy with Edward off the scene. Modern-day St.John Rivers is also subtly off course: the original had at least a strong moral centre to him. The differences between C19th / C21st are also at their most obvious. C19th Jane had few choices, so walking away from Rochester was truly brave; C21st Jane is more independent, so her refusal to compromise in any regard has an air of priggishness about it, which eroded my sympathy for her.
The biggest difference is in the treatment of Rochester. The ending of "Jane Eyre" punishes him with blindness: it's a punishment of biblical proportions. Edward, on the other hand, loses his partnership and has to relocate to the other side of the country to teach. Um, one of these things is not like the other.
I can absolutely see why Melodie Edwards stepped back from the high drama of blindness, but the watered-down ending left me feeling a little flat. More: "Oh, right, OK, they've got together again, not sure why they split tbh."
Not, "Oh, thank goodness, they're together, they have fought so hard against all the odds, I never thought they'd make it."
Not the exultant, "Reader, I married him."
By and large, though, this is definitely worth a read. Thanks to OLT for the recommendation.
Cover design by Sarah Oberrender; cover illustration by Emma Leonard.
A very acceptable updating of "Jane Eyre" to C21st Toronto, with most of the strengths and weaknesses of the original.
In other words, the first part (Jane & Edward) is the more compelling. There's a lot to enjoy in seeing Jane come into her own, and the developing relationship with Edward is energetic and witty (even if Edward's inner teddy-bear is a little too obvious). This was heading towards definite 4-star territory. However, moving from boss/assistant to an affair does grate, both because C19th Jane's qualms don't quite stack up for C21st Jane, and because of the rather dodgy power dynamics.
The second part, after "Mrs Rochester" is discovered, loses energy with Edward off the scene. Modern-day St.John Rivers is also subtly off course: the original had at least a strong moral centre to him. The differences between C19th / C21st are also at their most obvious. C19th Jane had few choices, so walking away from Rochester was truly brave; C21st Jane is more independent, so her refusal to compromise in any regard has an air of priggishness about it, which eroded my sympathy for her.
The biggest difference is in the treatment of Rochester. The ending of "Jane Eyre" punishes him with blindness: it's a punishment of biblical proportions. Edward, on the other hand, loses his partnership and has to relocate to the other side of the country to teach. Um, one of these things is not like the other.
I can absolutely see why Melodie Edwards stepped back from the high drama of blindness, but the watered-down ending left me feeling a little flat. More: "Oh, right, OK, they've got together again, not sure why they split tbh."
Not, "Oh, thank goodness, they're together, they have fought so hard against all the odds, I never thought they'd make it."
Not the exultant, "Reader, I married him."
By and large, though, this is definitely worth a read. Thanks to OLT for the recommendation.
Cover design by Sarah Oberrender; cover illustration by Emma Leonard.
March 5, 2023
Jane & Edward is a modern day retelling of Jane Eyre set in Toronto.
Jane Raine was orphaned at 13 when her only living relative, her father, died. It was sudden and so nothing was set up for her and she went into foster care. After aging out of the system, Jane worked as a waitress at a burger chain just scraping by until she overheard one of her coworkers talk about going to school for a year to become a legal secretary.
Cut to a year later, and Jane is being placed in a job in a very posh law office downtown (think Wall Street but in Canada). She’s wondering how she got such an amazing opportunity off the bat until it becomes clear that the lawyer she’s to work under is wild and unpredictable and thus unable to keep any secretaries. Our modern Edward Rochester, Edward Rosen.
I found the pacing of this book and their relationship to be very odd. Where was the chemistry? The love declarations happened right around halfway through. It didn’t have very much buildup and honestly, a lot of the dialogue was either just banter or came across as quirky (and not from Jane, from Edward). I couldn’t really buy in to him as a romantic interest until there were a few moments of tension.
The author also decided that right in the middle of a love declaration, she’d use the phrase “verbal diarrhea” which was extremely jarring.
Rosen baits Jane into making her confession first and then says “Right. Well, I wanted you to want me, and I wanted you to say it first so I could be sure my feelings were welcomed. You started talking about Isabelle, and I suddenly realized jealous might do the trick. Clever, right?” In the middle of a sentence. His whole vibe is just very immature and odd, especially for a man 10 years Jane’s senior. He does call her sweetheart later, which I did find somewhat redeeming.
Then in chapter 22, Jane is having a conversation with a colleague and says, “What’s wrong with wanting to read Charlotte Brontë? I’ve been effing living it.” Which honestly was way too on the nose and off putting for a retelling. Jane also uses dumpster fire in a sentence shortly thereafter so maybe the dialogue in general just doesn’t work for me in the book.
The real thing that led this to being a 3 ⭐️ instead of 3.5 or 4 ⭐️ is the way that the situation with Rosen’s wife was “resolved”. It cheapened everything. I had to put the book down when I read it.
And the epilogue, 2 years later, still had the same cheesy surface level teasing and smart people speak between Jane and Edward and just…did not feel realistic for a real relationship.
But! I did finish this in two days. I enjoyed the setting and modern translation. The execution was just lacking for me. But if you’re in dire need of a Jane Eyre retelling, this might be just the thing for you.
Thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for an eARC.
Jane Raine was orphaned at 13 when her only living relative, her father, died. It was sudden and so nothing was set up for her and she went into foster care. After aging out of the system, Jane worked as a waitress at a burger chain just scraping by until she overheard one of her coworkers talk about going to school for a year to become a legal secretary.
Cut to a year later, and Jane is being placed in a job in a very posh law office downtown (think Wall Street but in Canada). She’s wondering how she got such an amazing opportunity off the bat until it becomes clear that the lawyer she’s to work under is wild and unpredictable and thus unable to keep any secretaries. Our modern Edward Rochester, Edward Rosen.
I found the pacing of this book and their relationship to be very odd. Where was the chemistry? The love declarations happened right around halfway through. It didn’t have very much buildup and honestly, a lot of the dialogue was either just banter or came across as quirky (and not from Jane, from Edward). I couldn’t really buy in to him as a romantic interest until there were a few moments of tension.
The author also decided that right in the middle of a love declaration, she’d use the phrase “verbal diarrhea” which was extremely jarring.
Rosen baits Jane into making her confession first and then says “Right. Well, I wanted you to want me, and I wanted you to say it first so I could be sure my feelings were welcomed. You started talking about Isabelle, and I suddenly realized jealous might do the trick. Clever, right?” In the middle of a sentence. His whole vibe is just very immature and odd, especially for a man 10 years Jane’s senior. He does call her sweetheart later, which I did find somewhat redeeming.
Then in chapter 22, Jane is having a conversation with a colleague and says, “What’s wrong with wanting to read Charlotte Brontë? I’ve been effing living it.” Which honestly was way too on the nose and off putting for a retelling. Jane also uses dumpster fire in a sentence shortly thereafter so maybe the dialogue in general just doesn’t work for me in the book.
The real thing that led this to being a 3 ⭐️ instead of 3.5 or 4 ⭐️ is the way that the situation with Rosen’s wife was “resolved”. It cheapened everything. I had to put the book down when I read it.
And the epilogue, 2 years later, still had the same cheesy surface level teasing and smart people speak between Jane and Edward and just…did not feel realistic for a real relationship.
But! I did finish this in two days. I enjoyed the setting and modern translation. The execution was just lacking for me. But if you’re in dire need of a Jane Eyre retelling, this might be just the thing for you.
Thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for an eARC.
October 20, 2022
i miss bertha i love that crazy girl
August 27, 2025
Loved this book..... Jane Eyre is one of my favorite stories, and this modern day retelling was fun to watch unfold. It is NOT your mother's Jane Eyre, so there is some language and sexuality (off-page) issues. I still really enjoyed it.
January 8, 2025
i have never read a jane eyre reimagining until now and i was very pleasantly surprised!
instead of victorian era britain, the reimagining is set at a law firm in modern day toronto, which ended up really working (for the most part)! i loved the progression of their relationship, but i especially loved the progression of jane’s character and finding her own self.
if you never read jane eyre before, do i think you’ll still enjoy the book? honestly i’m not entirely sure. a lot of my enjoyment was seeing how the reimagining held true to the original story or changed for the better.
jane raine did justice to jane eyre.
4.25 stars.
instead of victorian era britain, the reimagining is set at a law firm in modern day toronto, which ended up really working (for the most part)! i loved the progression of their relationship, but i especially loved the progression of jane’s character and finding her own self.
if you never read jane eyre before, do i think you’ll still enjoy the book? honestly i’m not entirely sure. a lot of my enjoyment was seeing how the reimagining held true to the original story or changed for the better.
jane raine did justice to jane eyre.
4.25 stars.
June 17, 2023
Retellings are either a hit or a miss with me and if I really love the original story, as is the case with Jane Eyre, I worry it won’t live up to the hype. Turns out my concerns were unfounded. This book managed to carve out its own identity while paying an honest tribute to the original. This was well paced, witty and at times so swoon worthy!
This book has found a permanent home on my shelf and has me looking forward to the authors next book Once Persuaded, Twice Shy that comes out next February!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.5 Stars
This book has found a permanent home on my shelf and has me looking forward to the authors next book Once Persuaded, Twice Shy that comes out next February!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
4.5 Stars
August 8, 2024
The most common adaptations I read tackle Jane Austen or Sherlock Holmes. New variants are so popular that each has become a cottage industry.
I had a lot of fun with Jane & Edward, an adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre set in Toronto circa 2018, and it makes me think I should look for Jane Eyre adaptations more often.
This time, Jane is an orphan who has navigated the precarity of the foster system and come out the other side. She's working a waitressing job and wanting more when she decides to become a legal assistant.
Who does she end up working for? The novel's equivalent to Mr. Rochester.
I will date myself by saying my favourite Rochester in the adaptations is Timothy Dalton. I kept picturing that looming physicality, commanding presence and raw humour in Melodie Edwards' version of the character.
Edward Rosen, the majority stakeholder of Rosen, Haythe & Thornfield LLP, is exactly the kind of inventive, slightly unhinged, but inescapably brilliant mind who makes working life a terror for anyone who does not accommodate his privileges. Rethinking Jane and Rochester's dynamic in a legal setting is a pretty great graft for the lord-governess dynamic they have in the novel.
Their playful chemistry, mutual respect and collaborative partnership make the story work, along with the pleasure of watching Jane grow into a new life.
Other character adaptations are also well done. Instead of the heinous family and orphanage, Jane's roots are this time in academia and I liked what Edwards did with that part of the story.
Mrs. Fairfax, the kindly housekeeper, is reimagined as a more senior legal secretary who shows Jane the ropes, while Blanche Ingram and the other people in Rochester's social set become other partners within the firm. The Rivers siblings, missionaries in the original story, become another community of academics with whom Jane finds solitude after the turn in her fortunes.
I won't spoil what Edwards does with the madwoman in the attic. Rather than try to keep the outdated pieces of Rochester's youthful folly, she translates them for the modern setting in a way I found logical and also surprising.
I have family and friends who have worked in law in Toronto. A lot of the Bay Street setting details rang true for me, if not the characterization of Edward's firm as a benign force for Canadian multiculturalism and social justice. Law is an antiquated employment system that favours hierarchy over modern tech, treats junior lawyers as workhorses/indentured servants, and is probably going to get levelled by AI in the next decade.
The novel ignores this aspect of the profession, as is its right. But that oversight didn't bother me that much. I was having too much fun with the story.
The setting details are perfect. As a fellow Toronto author, I salute the riffing on why the SkyDome and ACC (sports stadiums) don't deserve endlessly changing corporate monikers.
I'm curious to see what Edwards writes next.
I had a lot of fun with Jane & Edward, an adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre set in Toronto circa 2018, and it makes me think I should look for Jane Eyre adaptations more often.
This time, Jane is an orphan who has navigated the precarity of the foster system and come out the other side. She's working a waitressing job and wanting more when she decides to become a legal assistant.
Who does she end up working for? The novel's equivalent to Mr. Rochester.
I will date myself by saying my favourite Rochester in the adaptations is Timothy Dalton. I kept picturing that looming physicality, commanding presence and raw humour in Melodie Edwards' version of the character.
Edward Rosen, the majority stakeholder of Rosen, Haythe & Thornfield LLP, is exactly the kind of inventive, slightly unhinged, but inescapably brilliant mind who makes working life a terror for anyone who does not accommodate his privileges. Rethinking Jane and Rochester's dynamic in a legal setting is a pretty great graft for the lord-governess dynamic they have in the novel.
Their playful chemistry, mutual respect and collaborative partnership make the story work, along with the pleasure of watching Jane grow into a new life.
Other character adaptations are also well done. Instead of the heinous family and orphanage, Jane's roots are this time in academia and I liked what Edwards did with that part of the story.
Mrs. Fairfax, the kindly housekeeper, is reimagined as a more senior legal secretary who shows Jane the ropes, while Blanche Ingram and the other people in Rochester's social set become other partners within the firm. The Rivers siblings, missionaries in the original story, become another community of academics with whom Jane finds solitude after the turn in her fortunes.
I won't spoil what Edwards does with the madwoman in the attic. Rather than try to keep the outdated pieces of Rochester's youthful folly, she translates them for the modern setting in a way I found logical and also surprising.
I have family and friends who have worked in law in Toronto. A lot of the Bay Street setting details rang true for me, if not the characterization of Edward's firm as a benign force for Canadian multiculturalism and social justice. Law is an antiquated employment system that favours hierarchy over modern tech, treats junior lawyers as workhorses/indentured servants, and is probably going to get levelled by AI in the next decade.
The novel ignores this aspect of the profession, as is its right. But that oversight didn't bother me that much. I was having too much fun with the story.
The setting details are perfect. As a fellow Toronto author, I salute the riffing on why the SkyDome and ACC (sports stadiums) don't deserve endlessly changing corporate monikers.
I'm curious to see what Edwards writes next.
April 15, 2024
surprisingly loved this??
March 22, 2023
Okay! Wow! This was good, sentimental, entertaining and fun to read.
The story began smooth and nice but I started liking it more when the banter did come into picture or rather when they first met. Rosen was angry (that is saying it mildly) but their formal introduction was amazinggg.
I like the references to other movies, stories here. When Jane gets a makeover and the result of makeover is you have people stumbling on their words, loved how Edward was reacting to this.
Jane and Edward are broken, flawed, real and characters you will relate to and want to hug. They are well written and developed. Jane's growth and making a place for herself in the world were nobody thought about her and wanted to use her or her name for their benefit was powerful and inspiring. She was a foster kid surviving in a shark filled world and when she decides to stand up for her life, that comes as to being an assistant to Edward, a renowned lawyer.
I wasn't sure if i would like a retelling of Jane Eyre but until the end I couldn't put this down. It was one sitter, page turner read for me.
The tropes here forced proximity, workplace romance, kind of second chance, age gap, forbidden love were intricately woven into the feminine side of the book. This book, story writing was brilliant, smart, emotional, swoon worthy and perfect! This was perfectly perfect (if that means anything).
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for giving a chance to read this
The story began smooth and nice but I started liking it more when the banter did come into picture or rather when they first met. Rosen was angry (that is saying it mildly) but their formal introduction was amazinggg.
I like the references to other movies, stories here. When Jane gets a makeover and the result of makeover is you have people stumbling on their words, loved how Edward was reacting to this.
Jane and Edward are broken, flawed, real and characters you will relate to and want to hug. They are well written and developed. Jane's growth and making a place for herself in the world were nobody thought about her and wanted to use her or her name for their benefit was powerful and inspiring. She was a foster kid surviving in a shark filled world and when she decides to stand up for her life, that comes as to being an assistant to Edward, a renowned lawyer.
I wasn't sure if i would like a retelling of Jane Eyre but until the end I couldn't put this down. It was one sitter, page turner read for me.
The tropes here forced proximity, workplace romance, kind of second chance, age gap, forbidden love were intricately woven into the feminine side of the book. This book, story writing was brilliant, smart, emotional, swoon worthy and perfect! This was perfectly perfect (if that means anything).
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for giving a chance to read this
February 1, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
My new obsession. Jane & Edward is a modern retelling of the classic, Jane Eyre. This time Jane is a waitress barely scraping by until she becomes a legal assistant. She gets a job at the distinguished law firm of Rosen, Haythe, & Thornfield assisting the intimidating, neurotic, and unpredictable Edward Rosen. Edward scares off all of his assistants, but he has met his match with Jane.
THIS WAS SO GOOD. It was smart and funny and romantic and angsty and perfect. Melodie Edwards did an amazing job of updating the story and adding fun little nods to the source material throughout. Jane and Edward were just so adorable and amazing. I loved Edward’s quirks and Jane’s reactions to them. They confused and fascinated each other and I was swooning. All the stars. A 2023 favorite for sure.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
My new obsession. Jane & Edward is a modern retelling of the classic, Jane Eyre. This time Jane is a waitress barely scraping by until she becomes a legal assistant. She gets a job at the distinguished law firm of Rosen, Haythe, & Thornfield assisting the intimidating, neurotic, and unpredictable Edward Rosen. Edward scares off all of his assistants, but he has met his match with Jane.
THIS WAS SO GOOD. It was smart and funny and romantic and angsty and perfect. Melodie Edwards did an amazing job of updating the story and adding fun little nods to the source material throughout. Jane and Edward were just so adorable and amazing. I loved Edward’s quirks and Jane’s reactions to them. They confused and fascinated each other and I was swooning. All the stars. A 2023 favorite for sure.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2023
If you love modren retellings and legal drama television series Suits, you will love this! I had so much fun with this one. The main reason this book worked so well for me is because of the dynamic between Jane and Edward.
The tension and chemistry between them felt very natural and there was plenty of snappy dialogues between the two which make for some grin-worthy moments. Overall this was such a entertaining and refreshing read.I was shocked that this was a debut and I am so excited to see what Melodie comes out with next!!!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The tension and chemistry between them felt very natural and there was plenty of snappy dialogues between the two which make for some grin-worthy moments. Overall this was such a entertaining and refreshing read.I was shocked that this was a debut and I am so excited to see what Melodie comes out with next!!!
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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