Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is one of my favorite books, and Staci Hart is one of my favorite authors, so to say that I was excited about the two of them coming together is something of an understatement. I knew I was going to love this book even before I started reading, but it far exceeded my expectations. What I most appreciated is that Ms. Hart didn't try to exactly duplicate the original story or stay within its confines, but rather took inspiration from it and incorporated the elements that made sense, with a modern twist. For example, while there was a "ball" scene in "Pride and Papercuts" in which female lead Laney Bennet overheard male lead Liam Darcy making unflattering remarks about her, it served as the opening of the book and established the basis for their enemies-to-lovers romance. By reworking the elements of the original story and using only what made sense for her characters, Ms. Hart has crafted a unique story that pays homage to the original P&P but is completely its own, and it's one of the best slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romances I've read in quite some time.
Laney and Liam were both incredibly well-developed, likeable lead characters, and I adored their witty banter. The book's secondary romance between Laney's brother Jett and Liam's sister Georgie was also very well done, and it was impossible not to root for both couples to overcome the obstacles standing in their way. In addition, I enjoyed catching up with characters from earlier books in the Austens and Bennet Brothers series, especially Cam from "Wasted Words." It was lovely to see her so settled and happy with Tyler and their daughter.
Overall, I highly recommend "Pride and Papercuts" for all fans of contemporary romance, particularly anyone who, like myself, has a soft spot for Jane Austen. I can't wait to see what Staci Hart writes next.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "Pride and Papercuts"
Hate is a strong word.
Depending on the company, loathe is a good substitute. Abhor might be a little fancy, but it gets the job done. But the word that really sums up how I feel about Liam Darcy is, without question, hate.
He doesn’t seem to think much of me either. The second he lays his fault-seeking eyes on me, he sets out to oppose me. Everything about him is imposing, as if he consumes the nearby air to power the rise and fall of his broad chest, and it’s clear he resents my presence on his advertising team. Every idea I have is shot down. Every olive branch I offer is set on fire by nothing more than the blistering coals he calls eyes.
In return, I light him up with my words.
It’s not as if he can dismiss me, since I work for his client, Wasted Words. Instead, he’s forced to tolerate me, which seems the closest we’ll ever be to friends. Fine by me.
I can be civil and still hate Liam Darcy.
But if there’s more to him than his exterior shows, I won’t be able to hate him at all.
I might stumble over that line between love and hate and fall right into his arms.
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