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For the Love of Austen #1
Emma of 83rd Street
In this witty and romantic debut novel, Jane Austen’s Emma meets the misadventures of Manhattan’s modern dating scene as two lifelong friends discover that, in the search for love, you sometimes don’t have to look any further than your own backyard.
Beautiful, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse has lived twenty-three years in her tight-knit Upper East Side neighborhood with very little to distress or vex her…that is, until her budding matchmaking hobby results in her sister’s marriage—and subsequent move downtown. Now, with her sister gone and all her friends traveling abroad, Emma must start her final year of grad school grappling with an entirely new emotion: boredom. So when she meets Nadine, a wide-eyed Ohio transplant with a heart of gold and drugstore blonde highlights to match, Emma not only sees a potential new friend but a new project. If only her overbearing neighbor George Knightley would get out of her way.
Handsome, smart, and successful, the only thing that frustrates Knightley more than a corked whiskey is his childhood friend, Emma. Whether it’s her shopping sprees between classes or her revolving door of ill-conceived hobbies, he is only too happy to lecture her on all the finer points of adulthood she’s so hellbent on ignoring. But despite his gripes—and much to his own chagrin—Knightley can’t help but notice that the girl-next-door is a woman now…one who he suddenly can’t get out of his head.
As Emma’s best laid plans collide with everyone from polyamorous hipster baristas to meddling family members to flaky playboy millionaires, these two lifelong friends slowly realize their need to always be right has been usurped by a new need entirely, and it’s not long before they discover that even the most familiar stories still have some surprises.
Beautiful, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse has lived twenty-three years in her tight-knit Upper East Side neighborhood with very little to distress or vex her…that is, until her budding matchmaking hobby results in her sister’s marriage—and subsequent move downtown. Now, with her sister gone and all her friends traveling abroad, Emma must start her final year of grad school grappling with an entirely new emotion: boredom. So when she meets Nadine, a wide-eyed Ohio transplant with a heart of gold and drugstore blonde highlights to match, Emma not only sees a potential new friend but a new project. If only her overbearing neighbor George Knightley would get out of her way.
Handsome, smart, and successful, the only thing that frustrates Knightley more than a corked whiskey is his childhood friend, Emma. Whether it’s her shopping sprees between classes or her revolving door of ill-conceived hobbies, he is only too happy to lecture her on all the finer points of adulthood she’s so hellbent on ignoring. But despite his gripes—and much to his own chagrin—Knightley can’t help but notice that the girl-next-door is a woman now…one who he suddenly can’t get out of his head.
As Emma’s best laid plans collide with everyone from polyamorous hipster baristas to meddling family members to flaky playboy millionaires, these two lifelong friends slowly realize their need to always be right has been usurped by a new need entirely, and it’s not long before they discover that even the most familiar stories still have some surprises.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,771 reviews
May 26, 2024
Holly moly! How did I miss this splendid, addictive novel? This is most intelligent, entertaining, absolutely sexiest version of Emma! The high chemistry between Knightley and Emma leaves you breathless! Enemies to lovers and friends to lovers tropes blended in modern Manhattan elites’ lives where Emma is trying to find her life purpose, dealing with Knightley’s criticism to learn to be more mature: a grown up as her sister Margo and Knightley’s hot chef brother Ben start their own family.
Emma is sweet, smart, somewhat spoiled but still has good heart and good intentions. She is about to graduate with honors from NYU in art history, planning to apply her dream job at Met without using her father’s connections.
In the meantime she becomes wingwoman of Nadine who is her new classmate from Ohio. She helps her makeover, convincing her ditch her boyfriend, finding her own love story with Big Apple but in the meantime her sister pushes her to date with successful businessman/ entrepreneur Montgomery Knox however Emma cannot get the big boy next door out of her head. She realizes she has feelings for Knightley. And Knightley also hardly resists his feelings about her but instead of coming clean, he prefers to run away as always.
Emma has to find what she truly wants from the life and embrace with by making more honest mistakes and learn from them. And Knightley has to leave his past burdens, his problematic relationship with his father behind, living a little, opening his heart for love!
Oh boy! I loved the dual POV! I loved the characterizations!
Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"They're not perfect, are they?
And that's kind of the point. Even the masterpieces have flaws. Mistakes the artist tried to fix or hide. But that's not a bad thing. Those flaws don't detract from art's value. If anything, they add to it. They make them more real. More human. And no human is perfect, just like no work of art is perfect. The mistakes and idiosyncrasies are what make them unique. It's what makes them worth something."
Overall: if I could give 10 stars to this book, I would give them or donate the entire galaxy for this book! After release day, I plan to reread it! And after learning Knightley’s colleague Will’s full name, I am expecting another brilliant sequel! I cannot wait to read Elizabeth and Will’s love story!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books, Tyrinne Lewis for sharing this incredible book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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Emma is sweet, smart, somewhat spoiled but still has good heart and good intentions. She is about to graduate with honors from NYU in art history, planning to apply her dream job at Met without using her father’s connections.
In the meantime she becomes wingwoman of Nadine who is her new classmate from Ohio. She helps her makeover, convincing her ditch her boyfriend, finding her own love story with Big Apple but in the meantime her sister pushes her to date with successful businessman/ entrepreneur Montgomery Knox however Emma cannot get the big boy next door out of her head. She realizes she has feelings for Knightley. And Knightley also hardly resists his feelings about her but instead of coming clean, he prefers to run away as always.
Emma has to find what she truly wants from the life and embrace with by making more honest mistakes and learn from them. And Knightley has to leave his past burdens, his problematic relationship with his father behind, living a little, opening his heart for love!
Oh boy! I loved the dual POV! I loved the characterizations!
Here’s one of my favorite quotes from the book:
"They're not perfect, are they?
And that's kind of the point. Even the masterpieces have flaws. Mistakes the artist tried to fix or hide. But that's not a bad thing. Those flaws don't detract from art's value. If anything, they add to it. They make them more real. More human. And no human is perfect, just like no work of art is perfect. The mistakes and idiosyncrasies are what make them unique. It's what makes them worth something."
Overall: if I could give 10 stars to this book, I would give them or donate the entire galaxy for this book! After release day, I plan to reread it! And after learning Knightley’s colleague Will’s full name, I am expecting another brilliant sequel! I cannot wait to read Elizabeth and Will’s love story!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books, Tyrinne Lewis for sharing this incredible book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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July 1, 2023
Just recently I declared in a review of a book I found disappointing that I was not going to read any more books based on the Jane Austen novels. However I already had Emma of 83rd Street on my bookshelf so I decided I would give it a chance. I am glad I did, because I enjoyed it, maybe because it was a retelling of the actual original book and not a make believe story about what happened to Austen's characters after she wrote about them.
The authors moved Emma Woodhouse, George Knightley, Mr. Woodhouse et al to modern day New York. They included a couple of brothers and sisters, an annoying older lady and Harriet renamed as Nadine. Then they translated the entire story into modern terms and they did it very well. Or maybe they were riding on the excellence of the original story. Whichever, it was great fun and very readable.
My conclusion - that although I wish authors would create their own characters, this particular book was done well, and was a very easy and entertaining read and well worth four stars.
The authors moved Emma Woodhouse, George Knightley, Mr. Woodhouse et al to modern day New York. They included a couple of brothers and sisters, an annoying older lady and Harriet renamed as Nadine. Then they translated the entire story into modern terms and they did it very well. Or maybe they were riding on the excellence of the original story. Whichever, it was great fun and very readable.
My conclusion - that although I wish authors would create their own characters, this particular book was done well, and was a very easy and entertaining read and well worth four stars.
May 17, 2023
4 stars for this somewhat faithful but very, very contemporary “Emma” retelling. While the titular heroine & Mr. Knightly are both rather close to what Austen wrote (but way more spicy🌶️ ); I truly appreciated how the Nadine/Harriet character was changed into a very modern, single, Gen-Z woman, as well as how some of the other secondary characters were reimagined & updated. Really hope this author duo does P&P next!
July 1, 2023
Emma Of 83rd Street is the modern version of Jayne Austins Emma, Emma & Knightly are best friends, they hang together, are there for each other but could they be lovers
as well?
This is a laugh out loud comedy that will tug at your heartstrings I loved the banter between the characters it flowed well & I had to keep turning those pages.
I loved the character of Emma she was very warm & engaging she was sassy as well as funny loved every minute.
as well?
This is a laugh out loud comedy that will tug at your heartstrings I loved the banter between the characters it flowed well & I had to keep turning those pages.
I loved the character of Emma she was very warm & engaging she was sassy as well as funny loved every minute.
August 5, 2023
WELL THAT WAS CUTE! Too long but CUTE!
August 24, 2023
I am always hesitant of books retelling my favorite authors. I went into Emma on 83rd Street blind, and I'm so glad. As I was reading I started to slowly get the feeling that I've read this before and indeed it was Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley. These lovable characters were reveled perfectly and I was so vested, I read the entire book (also because Libby, like a nagging teacher only gave me a few hours to finish before being forced to return to the library).
Emma and George have been best friends for her entire life, living next door, with only a garden between them. Their banter is hilarious, flirty, and a definite slow burn.
Emma is a peppy, designer wearing, rich girl always on the lookout to help and pep up those around her. She even manages to find a match with her sister and Ben, George's brother. [When she meets Nadine, she takes her on as a full-fledged project. Hair, clothes, and most importantly, finding her a match. While Emma's intentions are well meaning, it's always George that is reminding her that not everyone needs her assistance.
When George realizes that Emma is more than the little girl he's played with his entire life, the tides begin to shift. I was enraptured by their back and forth and the eventual realization of their feelings. If you loved Jane Austen's Emma, this will be just as fun, with a modern twist.
What had once been so natural and easy going was now hard. It felt like a living thing was taking up real estate between them, making it hard to breath
The slow burn between Emma and George was perfect. It had a redeeming intensity and fun humor. I also enjoyed the writing. This is my first book by the authors and I look forward to reading more books by them.
5 stars.
This was enjoyable as an audio read as well. When I like a book enough and the audio version comes to Libby, I like to listen to it.
Emma and George have been best friends for her entire life, living next door, with only a garden between them. Their banter is hilarious, flirty, and a definite slow burn.
Emma is a peppy, designer wearing, rich girl always on the lookout to help and pep up those around her. She even manages to find a match with her sister and Ben, George's brother. [When she meets Nadine, she takes her on as a full-fledged project. Hair, clothes, and most importantly, finding her a match. While Emma's intentions are well meaning, it's always George that is reminding her that not everyone needs her assistance.
When George realizes that Emma is more than the little girl he's played with his entire life, the tides begin to shift. I was enraptured by their back and forth and the eventual realization of their feelings. If you loved Jane Austen's Emma, this will be just as fun, with a modern twist.
What had once been so natural and easy going was now hard. It felt like a living thing was taking up real estate between them, making it hard to breath
The slow burn between Emma and George was perfect. It had a redeeming intensity and fun humor. I also enjoyed the writing. This is my first book by the authors and I look forward to reading more books by them.
5 stars.
This was enjoyable as an audio read as well. When I like a book enough and the audio version comes to Libby, I like to listen to it.
July 3, 2023
A highly anticipated book by debut co-authors that, unfortunately, fell flat for me. The book is a modernized version of Austen's Emma, and as far as remakes go, it is too devoted to modernizing nearly all of the plot of the original classic. The main problem I found is that a modern Emma is not terribly relatable, and even the classic 19th century character of Emma is challenging for modern readers. The original Emma Woodhouse is a privileged and entitled young woman, secure in her status living with her wealthy, widowed father, and without much to occupy her life other than meddling in others' lives in an attempt to uphold her class views. Austen was a great defender of a rising, entrepreneurial middle class, which is why members of the aristocracy were mocked and the working classes were pitied.
In Emma of 83rd Street, Nadine (aka, Harriet) is the downtrodden young woman/project Emma takes on, but it's confusing why Emma feels a need to reform Nadine at all. She's from Ohio, and I guess the subtext is that the mid-west is unseemly? Ohio is shorthand for the uncouth farm belt of America? Nadine's engaged to someone she loves, and Emma decides without knowing him or really without any logical cause that he's unsuitable for her new friend. In the original book, Nadine's suitor is a farmer, and Emma wants her friend to aim higher on the marriage market, believing that class is fluid. However, the marriageability issue doesn't really carry over to modernization, and so this new version creates a massive plot that has little logic.
There are lots of references to Emma just being a controlling sort of person. But why? The original Emma is controlling because she represents a worldview that is on the precipice of dominance. This Emma is vapid for no reason, but there seems to be an expectation that readers will find that quality appealing or endearing. So much time is spent describing her fun taste in expensive clothing. Why? Who cares? Lots of fashion name dropping here for no reason feels silly, as if it's an episode of the badly misjudged Sex and the City reboot.
Then there's the romance here. In the original, Knightley represents chivalry and a holdover from a world that is rapidly changing. He benefits to an extent from Emma's exuberance and progressive reform while Emma likewise benefits from his conservatism and temperance, as they come together in an appealing companionate marriage. The Emma & Knightley relationship in this book has no such reason to exist except that they find each other hot, suddenly. They were childhood friends, just as they were in the original, but otherwise, nothing happens to reshape their relationship here except that suddenly they just decide they love each other. I also found Knightley here to be severely underdeveloped as a character - more a series of ticks: He smirks a lot, runs his fingers through his locks in frustration, and sighs deeply. Emma's a lot of work.
Insinuated at the end of the book is that Darcy's story is up next. I'll pass on that unless reviews indicate something more.
In Emma of 83rd Street, Nadine (aka, Harriet) is the downtrodden young woman/project Emma takes on, but it's confusing why Emma feels a need to reform Nadine at all. She's from Ohio, and I guess the subtext is that the mid-west is unseemly? Ohio is shorthand for the uncouth farm belt of America? Nadine's engaged to someone she loves, and Emma decides without knowing him or really without any logical cause that he's unsuitable for her new friend. In the original book, Nadine's suitor is a farmer, and Emma wants her friend to aim higher on the marriage market, believing that class is fluid. However, the marriageability issue doesn't really carry over to modernization, and so this new version creates a massive plot that has little logic.
There are lots of references to Emma just being a controlling sort of person. But why? The original Emma is controlling because she represents a worldview that is on the precipice of dominance. This Emma is vapid for no reason, but there seems to be an expectation that readers will find that quality appealing or endearing. So much time is spent describing her fun taste in expensive clothing. Why? Who cares? Lots of fashion name dropping here for no reason feels silly, as if it's an episode of the badly misjudged Sex and the City reboot.
Then there's the romance here. In the original, Knightley represents chivalry and a holdover from a world that is rapidly changing. He benefits to an extent from Emma's exuberance and progressive reform while Emma likewise benefits from his conservatism and temperance, as they come together in an appealing companionate marriage. The Emma & Knightley relationship in this book has no such reason to exist except that they find each other hot, suddenly. They were childhood friends, just as they were in the original, but otherwise, nothing happens to reshape their relationship here except that suddenly they just decide they love each other. I also found Knightley here to be severely underdeveloped as a character - more a series of ticks: He smirks a lot, runs his fingers through his locks in frustration, and sighs deeply. Emma's a lot of work.
Insinuated at the end of the book is that Darcy's story is up next. I'll pass on that unless reviews indicate something more.
May 31, 2023
Just watch Clueless again instead.
A lot of books have attempted a modern retelling of Emma, and for the most part it doesn’t seem to work very well. This book is no exception to that, and unfortunately it also has some bad editing and factual errors that make it a even tougher hang than most.
I’m not sure the story works all that well as a modern reimagining (Clueless excepted), and here as in others I’ve encountered, the Emma of the story comes off as shrill and dim, the male lead arrogant and out of touch, and the “project” as unrealistic and infantilized.
Nadine is lazily imagined as a hayseed from Ohio. Except she’s not from, say, a farmstead in Amish country, she’s from Akron. This is an urban area less than an hour from Cleveland where I assure you, everyone has heard of Miu Miu (rolls eyes).
And about the girls’ grad program: NYU’s Art History graduate program does not hold classes at the downtown campus. The entire program is part
of the Institute of Fine Arts, which is located at Duke House on the Upper East Side. I know because I went there. For the graduate program in Art History. How did an editor not catch and correct this? Yikes.
I might even be able to forgive these sorts of sloppy errors if the book were funny (it thinks it is, but it isn’t) or sweet (it’s much too forced and try-hard), or original (strike three, you’re out).
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
A lot of books have attempted a modern retelling of Emma, and for the most part it doesn’t seem to work very well. This book is no exception to that, and unfortunately it also has some bad editing and factual errors that make it a even tougher hang than most.
I’m not sure the story works all that well as a modern reimagining (Clueless excepted), and here as in others I’ve encountered, the Emma of the story comes off as shrill and dim, the male lead arrogant and out of touch, and the “project” as unrealistic and infantilized.
Nadine is lazily imagined as a hayseed from Ohio. Except she’s not from, say, a farmstead in Amish country, she’s from Akron. This is an urban area less than an hour from Cleveland where I assure you, everyone has heard of Miu Miu (rolls eyes).
And about the girls’ grad program: NYU’s Art History graduate program does not hold classes at the downtown campus. The entire program is part
of the Institute of Fine Arts, which is located at Duke House on the Upper East Side. I know because I went there. For the graduate program in Art History. How did an editor not catch and correct this? Yikes.
I might even be able to forgive these sorts of sloppy errors if the book were funny (it thinks it is, but it isn’t) or sweet (it’s much too forced and try-hard), or original (strike three, you’re out).
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
July 29, 2025
First and foremost, this is a fantastic retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. The authors nailed the classic victorian charm, while also bringing it into the 21st century in the most perfect modern manifestation.
At the heart of Emma is the friends to lovers trope. Emma and Knightly, long time friends and occasional rivals, make this story come to life. The banter, the snark commentary, and the moments of longing are what I loved most about the original Emma and this is a perfect recreation, with only one change that I did not like as much. In a retelling of a very intense/steamy closed door book, the very open-door, descriptive nature threw me off a bit. But otherwise, this book is perfection.
Thank you Gallery Books for the advanced copy.
At the heart of Emma is the friends to lovers trope. Emma and Knightly, long time friends and occasional rivals, make this story come to life. The banter, the snark commentary, and the moments of longing are what I loved most about the original Emma and this is a perfect recreation, with only one change that I did not like as much. In a retelling of a very intense/steamy closed door book, the very open-door, descriptive nature threw me off a bit. But otherwise, this book is perfection.
Thank you Gallery Books for the advanced copy.
July 3, 2023
4.25/5
Are you looking for a steamy rom-com where the steam doesn't come into play until the end of the book? Are you looking for a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance? Are you a fan of Jane Austen retellings? If you are any of these things, I highly recommend giving Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding a read or listen. Unbeknownst to me, this is a retelling of the Jane Austen classic Emma, and I didn't really realize something was going on until I saw the last name Darcy pop up at the very end of the book. Then of course I saw the reviews and found out it was a retelling of a book I have yet to read, but that doesn't make me love it any less.
The pacing was perfect, and even though the steam was STEAMY (for me), I loved that it came near the end, and we didn't hop into instalove. I also really enjoyed almost every single one of the characters, especially our MCs Emma and Knightley. Emma may come from a rich family, but she felt pretty down to earth and the tension/chemistry between these two was palpable throughout the entire book. I actually forgot Emma of 83rd Street was written by 2 authors as well, that's how seamless the story and writing were. Chefs kiss all the way. You can't go wrong with the audiobook, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone since Brittany Pressley & Teddy Hamilton, 2 of my absolute favorites, completely knocked it out of the park. The end left me hoping these authors will team up again, and they have an instant fan in me!
Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Are you looking for a steamy rom-com where the steam doesn't come into play until the end of the book? Are you looking for a slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance? Are you a fan of Jane Austen retellings? If you are any of these things, I highly recommend giving Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding a read or listen. Unbeknownst to me, this is a retelling of the Jane Austen classic Emma, and I didn't really realize something was going on until I saw the last name Darcy pop up at the very end of the book. Then of course I saw the reviews and found out it was a retelling of a book I have yet to read, but that doesn't make me love it any less.
The pacing was perfect, and even though the steam was STEAMY (for me), I loved that it came near the end, and we didn't hop into instalove. I also really enjoyed almost every single one of the characters, especially our MCs Emma and Knightley. Emma may come from a rich family, but she felt pretty down to earth and the tension/chemistry between these two was palpable throughout the entire book. I actually forgot Emma of 83rd Street was written by 2 authors as well, that's how seamless the story and writing were. Chefs kiss all the way. You can't go wrong with the audiobook, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone since Brittany Pressley & Teddy Hamilton, 2 of my absolute favorites, completely knocked it out of the park. The end left me hoping these authors will team up again, and they have an instant fan in me!
Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
January 12, 2023
This is such a fun and lovely read. If you love Jane Austen's, "Emma" and the movie "Clueless", then this book is for you. It is a modern retelling of the classic Emma as she takes Manhattan. Emma is in her final year in grad school and wants to prove that she doesn't need her family name to make it out on her own. After her sister gets married, she is bored and decides to make her friend Nadine who she ran into her new "project" with a new makeover and her match making skills. Meanwhile, her childhood friend and neighbor is realizing that Emma is no longer "the spoiled rich girl" and is growing up. I loved Emma's and Knightly's romance! The friends to lovers tension! I hope this book becomes a series with other Austen's retellings because I loved it so much. It is my favorite Emma retelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2023
3.75 ⭐️s!
this was a super cute retelling of jane austen’s emma. i definitely recommend if you’re looking for a friends-to-lovers romance set in new york city. 💞
this was a super cute retelling of jane austen’s emma. i definitely recommend if you’re looking for a friends-to-lovers romance set in new york city. 💞
May 17, 2023
The perfect book if you love Lauren Layne! ♡
When I found out about this through a PR email, I was head over heels in love with it already. If your book is about a rich girl who falls for her childhood friend AND is also an Emma retelling? Sign me up. I know this book was made for ME. Then, my friend Nick (@theromancefiend) read it and loved it, so I got more excited.
Emma is a NYC socialite who is doing grad school. One day in class, she meets Nadine, a girl form Ohio who has come to Manhattan for a change. Emma instantly befriends her and starts showing the best NYC possible, and you know Emma... she starts doing her makeover lmao. Knightley, her childhood friend and next-door neighbor, sees this and doesn't think what Emma is doing is the correct way. We know that Knigthley loves to judge Emma at first but he knows she's good at heart as well.
One thing that I adored in this take on the classic is that we have a Knightley POV! We know what Knightley is thinking and how he is feeling about Emma. YALL, HE IS PINING HARD. He even runs off to LA because everytime he sees Emma he wants to be close to her and wants to tell her she's the most beautiful woman in the room. It's insane everything he does to stop feeling that way but IT'S NOT WORKING MY DUDE. You're forever in love with Emma and that's the truth.
Meanwhile Emma, you know that she has to go through various things in order for her to realize that Knightley is the one. Plus she is scared that this won't be long-term because Knightley has never had a serious relationship, he only does one-night stands or no-strings relationships. And Emma wants a forever kind of love.
I love the history they have. You can clearly see how much they know each other and know how the person will react to something. They are always there for each other even if they don't want to. Their lives have always been intertwined since day one, their families living next to each other, and now that Margo, Emma's sister, and Ben, Knightley's brother, have gotten married, they are closer than ever. Knightley and Emma LOVE TEASING ONE ANOTHER. They are constantly bantering and bickering at the dinner table, but they smile afterward. They adore talking to each other SO MUCH.
I also adore that their bedroom windows look out to each other? And they always do stare at the other window, wondering what the other is doing, missing them. Emma HAS A KEY TO KNIGHTLEY'S HOUSE AND SHE GOES IN WHENEVER SHE WANTS TO. If she fancies eating ice cream, she comes in. It's adorable the relationship that they have. Of course because of Knightley realizing his feelings, there is a bit of friction and tension between them and, as we know about the Emma/Knightley relationship from Austen's novel, sometimes they fight and tell each other stuff they didn't mean. But the journey towards that happily ever after is SO GOOD ⋆˙⟡♡
I recommend this book so much if you're a fan of Lauren Layne novels. Rich people, fashion, old money, NYC, you know! This has more heat than a LL novel tho like there are a few chapters where *oof* you might need a fan. It's not steamy as hell but it does have open-door sex scenes.
When I found out about this through a PR email, I was head over heels in love with it already. If your book is about a rich girl who falls for her childhood friend AND is also an Emma retelling? Sign me up. I know this book was made for ME. Then, my friend Nick (@theromancefiend) read it and loved it, so I got more excited.
Emma is a NYC socialite who is doing grad school. One day in class, she meets Nadine, a girl form Ohio who has come to Manhattan for a change. Emma instantly befriends her and starts showing the best NYC possible, and you know Emma... she starts doing her makeover lmao. Knightley, her childhood friend and next-door neighbor, sees this and doesn't think what Emma is doing is the correct way. We know that Knigthley loves to judge Emma at first but he knows she's good at heart as well.
One thing that I adored in this take on the classic is that we have a Knightley POV! We know what Knightley is thinking and how he is feeling about Emma. YALL, HE IS PINING HARD. He even runs off to LA because everytime he sees Emma he wants to be close to her and wants to tell her she's the most beautiful woman in the room. It's insane everything he does to stop feeling that way but IT'S NOT WORKING MY DUDE. You're forever in love with Emma and that's the truth.
Meanwhile Emma, you know that she has to go through various things in order for her to realize that Knightley is the one. Plus she is scared that this won't be long-term because Knightley has never had a serious relationship, he only does one-night stands or no-strings relationships. And Emma wants a forever kind of love.
I love the history they have. You can clearly see how much they know each other and know how the person will react to something. They are always there for each other even if they don't want to. Their lives have always been intertwined since day one, their families living next to each other, and now that Margo, Emma's sister, and Ben, Knightley's brother, have gotten married, they are closer than ever. Knightley and Emma LOVE TEASING ONE ANOTHER. They are constantly bantering and bickering at the dinner table, but they smile afterward. They adore talking to each other SO MUCH.
I also adore that their bedroom windows look out to each other? And they always do stare at the other window, wondering what the other is doing, missing them. Emma HAS A KEY TO KNIGHTLEY'S HOUSE AND SHE GOES IN WHENEVER SHE WANTS TO. If she fancies eating ice cream, she comes in. It's adorable the relationship that they have. Of course because of Knightley realizing his feelings, there is a bit of friction and tension between them and, as we know about the Emma/Knightley relationship from Austen's novel, sometimes they fight and tell each other stuff they didn't mean. But the journey towards that happily ever after is SO GOOD ⋆˙⟡♡
I recommend this book so much if you're a fan of Lauren Layne novels. Rich people, fashion, old money, NYC, you know! This has more heat than a LL novel tho like there are a few chapters where *oof* you might need a fan. It's not steamy as hell but it does have open-door sex scenes.
July 13, 2023
A fun twist on the Austen's Emma and Mr. Knightley (who must be well done) was well done (for the most part). The banter was fun and the heart of the original was mostly represented. I loved the banter between Knightley and Woodhouse but I can't put my finger on what didn't quite work for me in the way they ended up getting together. I'm not sure how to describe it but something felt... like it didn't fit. But I did enjoy the story overall and the 4 stars rating is based on story.
However, this book had too much spice for me. I like spice, but usually read "clean with benefits ;)" not open door scenes. As far as a "pepper" rating, this one was more ghost pepper instead of cayenne or poblano :) This one had two pretty explicit open door scenes about 90% into the book. For those who are sensitive to various elements of stories, this one also had several instances of cursing and references to people sleeping together.
However, this book had too much spice for me. I like spice, but usually read "clean with benefits ;)" not open door scenes. As far as a "pepper" rating, this one was more ghost pepper instead of cayenne or poblano :) This one had two pretty explicit open door scenes about 90% into the book. For those who are sensitive to various elements of stories, this one also had several instances of cursing and references to people sleeping together.
April 7, 2025
2.5/5 ⭐️ This was a pretty cute read in the beginning but after reading it for a while, some parts were just meh. I also found it too long at times and filled with unnecessary scenes that I personally didn’t care for.
December 4, 2022
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this lovely retelling of Emma!
If you took the original novel, Clueless, and set it in the current day in New York City you would get Emma of 83rd Street.
Emma is one of my favorite Austen stories. Someone recently asked me why I enjoy it so much. I think it's because its about a girl who is trying to figure out herself in spite of what everyone knows about her and what she thinks she already knows about herself. It's also about friendships and how to people can love each other so perfectly that they are meant for one another.
This Emma sticks quite firmly to the original book in terms of plot, but as I said, brings it to the 21st century. Emma is now a rich socialite - 24 - in NY. She is going for her art history degree and meets Nadine, who is the object of her interest - to find a match for in this city. And then there is Knightley, George who absolutely humbles her and scolds her, but she bears his words well.
Okay. I will say this Emma is different for one reason: we have inner-thought chapters from Knightley's point of view. Not many, but just the right amount that allows us to get inside his head and watch as he grows into realization that he has always loved Emma.
I noticed that if this book is a hit they have a possible sequel lined up of another Austen classic. If these two ladies can make me love Emma as ardently as they did here, then I can't wait to see how they handle their next Austen adaptation. I'd happily follow them into this world they created! Or, in this case, adapted.
If you took the original novel, Clueless, and set it in the current day in New York City you would get Emma of 83rd Street.
Emma is one of my favorite Austen stories. Someone recently asked me why I enjoy it so much. I think it's because its about a girl who is trying to figure out herself in spite of what everyone knows about her and what she thinks she already knows about herself. It's also about friendships and how to people can love each other so perfectly that they are meant for one another.
This Emma sticks quite firmly to the original book in terms of plot, but as I said, brings it to the 21st century. Emma is now a rich socialite - 24 - in NY. She is going for her art history degree and meets Nadine, who is the object of her interest - to find a match for in this city. And then there is Knightley, George who absolutely humbles her and scolds her, but she bears his words well.
Okay. I will say this Emma is different for one reason: we have inner-thought chapters from Knightley's point of view. Not many, but just the right amount that allows us to get inside his head and watch as he grows into realization that he has always loved Emma.
I noticed that if this book is a hit they have a possible sequel lined up of another Austen classic. If these two ladies can make me love Emma as ardently as they did here, then I can't wait to see how they handle their next Austen adaptation. I'd happily follow them into this world they created! Or, in this case, adapted.
May 7, 2023
I love a retelling, and was so excited to see that Emma of 83rd street was a modern retelling of the classic, Emma.
This was a recent buddy read for me, which is always fun to discuss.
It was a slow burn, forced proximity romance that was also a bit friends to lovers. I really enjoyed the NYC setting and Emma was a fun character to root for.
*many thanks to Gallery and BookClub Favorites /Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
This was a recent buddy read for me, which is always fun to discuss.
It was a slow burn, forced proximity romance that was also a bit friends to lovers. I really enjoyed the NYC setting and Emma was a fun character to root for.
*many thanks to Gallery and BookClub Favorites /Netgalley for the gifted copy for review
October 6, 2024
I adored this fab retelling of Austen's Emma. From the Big Apple vibes to cherished characters lovingly refreshed for modern life, I was hooked and sunk by page one.
The authors breathe thrilling new life into one of Austen most beloved tales, charming the petticoats off me with wit, intelligence and swoon. Highly recommended, this fav book of 2023 is sure to endear any Janeite or romance fan. Enjoy!
The authors breathe thrilling new life into one of Austen most beloved tales, charming the petticoats off me with wit, intelligence and swoon. Highly recommended, this fav book of 2023 is sure to endear any Janeite or romance fan. Enjoy!
June 5, 2023
I can’t comment on the comparison to Emma by Jane Austen, as I’ve never read the original, but that simply means this modern retelling stole my heart completely on its own. I LOVED it.
Emma Woodhouse is a headstrong, naive Manhattan socialite with meddling tendencies that made me giggle. She certainly has her flaws, but underneath is a heart of gold. And luckily she has her childhood friend and neighbour George Knightley to constantly pester and correct her missteps.
I am not typically a fan of friends-to-lovers, but this was absolutely addictive. Emma and Knightley had an enemies-like banter I couldn't get enough of. I loved the way it masked their true feelings. So much tension!
And what a treat to also have Knightley's POV. The subtle ways Mr. No Strings Attached unknowingly proves his affection made me melt—but jealous, protective Knightley might be my favourite of all!
On top of that, I loved seeing Emma navigate newfound friendships (Nadine was a bubbly gem) and career prospects after grad school. Embracing mistakes along the way!
These characters came to life for me. I'm certain I could read about them doing the most mundane tasks and still find enjoyment. With that little tease at the end, I’m so excited these authors will be bringing us more!
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)
Emma Woodhouse is a headstrong, naive Manhattan socialite with meddling tendencies that made me giggle. She certainly has her flaws, but underneath is a heart of gold. And luckily she has her childhood friend and neighbour George Knightley to constantly pester and correct her missteps.
I am not typically a fan of friends-to-lovers, but this was absolutely addictive. Emma and Knightley had an enemies-like banter I couldn't get enough of. I loved the way it masked their true feelings. So much tension!
And what a treat to also have Knightley's POV. The subtle ways Mr. No Strings Attached unknowingly proves his affection made me melt—but jealous, protective Knightley might be my favourite of all!
On top of that, I loved seeing Emma navigate newfound friendships (Nadine was a bubbly gem) and career prospects after grad school. Embracing mistakes along the way!
These characters came to life for me. I'm certain I could read about them doing the most mundane tasks and still find enjoyment. With that little tease at the end, I’m so excited these authors will be bringing us more!
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate to explicit details)
June 13, 2023
One of the worst books I have ever read. Heard lots of recommendations for this and I can’t for the life of me understand why. The voice of George Knightly was well done, but Emma narrator sounded exactly like a Valley Girl. The sex wasn’t even sexy, more like porn. Wish I would not have wasted an Audible credit, or more importantly my time!
June 7, 2023
and this is why i don't read jane austen retellings!
February 8, 2025
* ⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️
* Angsty slow burn friends to lovers Jane Austen Emma retelling.
* Angsty slow burn friends to lovers Jane Austen Emma retelling.
July 20, 2023
I adored this retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma! Once I started, I didn’t want to stop. Even though I knew what to expect since I’m familiar with the classic story, that actually made it more fun to read because I couldn’t wait to see what contemporary twists the authors would introduce. This book had me smiling from start to finish and I will always love this friends (and sometimes idiots) to lovers romance!
The audiobook was so well done and the casting couldn’t have been more perfect! Brittany Pressley nailed it as Emma and Teddy Hamilton is always just the right amount of sweet and sexy. I definitely recommend reading this via audiobook.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4-4.5 stars
CW: death of parent (past), grief, attempted sexual assault (on page)
The audiobook was so well done and the casting couldn’t have been more perfect! Brittany Pressley nailed it as Emma and Teddy Hamilton is always just the right amount of sweet and sexy. I definitely recommend reading this via audiobook.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4-4.5 stars
CW: death of parent (past), grief, attempted sexual assault (on page)
August 9, 2023
A modern retelling of Emma with 0 surprises. If you're familiar with Emma, this follows the original story very closely. It's not very exciting, but it's a good comfort read. The problem for me was I knew which big events to expect, so the last 70 pages felt dragged out. 3.5⭐
June 1, 2023
Tell me you never read the source material without telling me you never read the source material.
February 8, 2026
This was sheer delight. I generally dislike Jane Austen retellings (other than Clueless, of course) but Emma translates perfectly to the Upper East Side! I loved what the authors did here, and how they gave us dialogue full of zing that would not have been possible when Jane wrote the original (and a couple of open-door sexy scenes that would have been even further from possible). I have been a bit down in the dumps for the past roughly 13 months (the genesis is, of course, a mystery), and I celebrate anything that gets me grinning ear to ear. This is the first in this series, but I have already read the second, Elizabeth of East Hampton (based on P&Pn of course.) I will be getting to Anne of Avenue A quite soon, I imagine.
I have mentioned this before, but seriously, does Teddy Hamilton sleep? He is the male reader on a shocking percentage of the romance books I listen to. He is great, but I feel like he may have workaholic tendencies. Teddy, if you see this, maybe a little time in Tuscany, or Medellin, or perhaps Maui would do you good. Anyway, he made a perfect Knightly, and Brittany Pressley was great as Emma as well. I imagine this is going to make it to my best of narration in 2026 year in books, and best romance reads too. This is why I read romance.
I have mentioned this before, but seriously, does Teddy Hamilton sleep? He is the male reader on a shocking percentage of the romance books I listen to. He is great, but I feel like he may have workaholic tendencies. Teddy, if you see this, maybe a little time in Tuscany, or Medellin, or perhaps Maui would do you good. Anyway, he made a perfect Knightly, and Brittany Pressley was great as Emma as well. I imagine this is going to make it to my best of narration in 2026 year in books, and best romance reads too. This is why I read romance.
October 27, 2024
Omg I loved this!!!!! It’s a modern day Emma retelling and so much fun! It’s like if Emma met Gossip Girl. I loved the modern take on the story as a whole but specially Emma herself. Maybe it’s because she’s a fellow FIT grad but I thought she was so cool and fun. I read this every free chance I had today. So good.
April 15, 2025
I picked this up based off of a bookstagram recommendation and I have to say, I did not have this on my radar at all. I had never even heard of it but I LOVED this!!
I can’t compare this to the original because I’ve never read it but this was so much fun. I listened to this on audio and the narrators did a fantastic job with this. Some of these characters are very over the top, dramatic but the emphasis and care that the narrator put into each characters voice was so well done. I love a slow burn romance and oh man, the yearning in this book. THE YEARNING. This is what more romance novels need in my opinion.
Honestly, this might end up being one of my top romance novels of the year because I just enjoyed it that much. It’s also so nice when you take a risk on a book and it ends up delivering. 😌 I recommend this one.
I can’t compare this to the original because I’ve never read it but this was so much fun. I listened to this on audio and the narrators did a fantastic job with this. Some of these characters are very over the top, dramatic but the emphasis and care that the narrator put into each characters voice was so well done. I love a slow burn romance and oh man, the yearning in this book. THE YEARNING. This is what more romance novels need in my opinion.
Honestly, this might end up being one of my top romance novels of the year because I just enjoyed it that much. It’s also so nice when you take a risk on a book and it ends up delivering. 😌 I recommend this one.
May 23, 2023
“𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙪𝙘𝙠. 𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙮𝙖𝙧𝙙.”
This modern retelling of the Jane Austen classic Emma is absolute perfection. If you’re a fan, you need to read this book. I know I’m always waxing poetic about the enemies to lovers trope, but after this book I’ve come to realize that most of my favorite books are childhood friends to lovers. This is one of those books and it has firmly nestled its way into my heart.
Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley have been friends since Emma was born…cue the awwwws. Their houses in the Upper East Side of NYC back up to each other and they have a direct view into each others bedrooms. I loved how this element was continuously woven throughout the story! The friendship between these two is so comforting and solid, but when things started to shift and the angst came…yes please!! I always love when two idiots are in love and everyone around them knows it besides them. Once they figure it out though?! My heart!! I loved the confessions, Margo in Emma’s bedroom window and the very special Easter egg that Knightley dropped at the end.
Emma and Nadine…loved this friendship. All of the Clueless feels sent my nostalgic heart soaring. Emma’s personality was made most evident in the way she treated Nadine. She truly has a heart of gold and the way she helped Nadine and tried to put her first. She was truly a ray of sunshine that balanced out Knightley’s quiet broodiness. Other things I loved were the New Year’s Eve almost kiss, Margo and Ben, Mrs. Pawloski, the Met interview and aloof but not really aloof Mr. Woodhouse. His one liners were fantastic. I can’t recommend this book enough!!
CW: open door content (ch. 31, 35)
Thank you to Gallery Books for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.
This modern retelling of the Jane Austen classic Emma is absolute perfection. If you’re a fan, you need to read this book. I know I’m always waxing poetic about the enemies to lovers trope, but after this book I’ve come to realize that most of my favorite books are childhood friends to lovers. This is one of those books and it has firmly nestled its way into my heart.
Emma Woodhouse and George Knightley have been friends since Emma was born…cue the awwwws. Their houses in the Upper East Side of NYC back up to each other and they have a direct view into each others bedrooms. I loved how this element was continuously woven throughout the story! The friendship between these two is so comforting and solid, but when things started to shift and the angst came…yes please!! I always love when two idiots are in love and everyone around them knows it besides them. Once they figure it out though?! My heart!! I loved the confessions, Margo in Emma’s bedroom window and the very special Easter egg that Knightley dropped at the end.
Emma and Nadine…loved this friendship. All of the Clueless feels sent my nostalgic heart soaring. Emma’s personality was made most evident in the way she treated Nadine. She truly has a heart of gold and the way she helped Nadine and tried to put her first. She was truly a ray of sunshine that balanced out Knightley’s quiet broodiness. Other things I loved were the New Year’s Eve almost kiss, Margo and Ben, Mrs. Pawloski, the Met interview and aloof but not really aloof Mr. Woodhouse. His one liners were fantastic. I can’t recommend this book enough!!
CW: open door content (ch. 31, 35)
Thank you to Gallery Books for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.
May 21, 2023
Fresh, uplifting, and spicy!
Emma of 83rd Street is a charming, engaging tale that takes us to NYC and into the life of the kind, trendy Emma Woodhouse as she makes new friends, nears graduation, seeks to obtain the career of her dreams, relies a little too heavily on her overconfident matchmaking skills, and navigates a growing attraction to the boy next door who only sees her as a friend who still needs to do a little growing up.
The writing style is witty and sharp. The characters are amusing, layered, and supportive. And the plot is a smart, engaging tale full of tricky moments, awkward situations, quirky mishaps, delicious chemistry, snappy banter, romantic drama, glitz, glamour, tension, friendship, and self-reflection.
Overall, Emma of 83rd Street is an enjoyable, entertaining, modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma that’s an outstanding debut by Bellezza & Harding with its endearing characters, heartfelt moments, contemporary storyline, and ending that leaves you with a smile.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Emma of 83rd Street is a charming, engaging tale that takes us to NYC and into the life of the kind, trendy Emma Woodhouse as she makes new friends, nears graduation, seeks to obtain the career of her dreams, relies a little too heavily on her overconfident matchmaking skills, and navigates a growing attraction to the boy next door who only sees her as a friend who still needs to do a little growing up.
The writing style is witty and sharp. The characters are amusing, layered, and supportive. And the plot is a smart, engaging tale full of tricky moments, awkward situations, quirky mishaps, delicious chemistry, snappy banter, romantic drama, glitz, glamour, tension, friendship, and self-reflection.
Overall, Emma of 83rd Street is an enjoyable, entertaining, modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma that’s an outstanding debut by Bellezza & Harding with its endearing characters, heartfelt moments, contemporary storyline, and ending that leaves you with a smile.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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