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The Austens #5
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.
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.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2020
404 people are currently reading
7662 people want to read
About the author
Staci Hart
56 books6,218 followersI was the kid who stayed inside to read.
As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.
Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.
I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.
Stay connected!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quirkybird
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/stacihart
As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.
Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.
I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.
Stay connected!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quirkybird
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/stacihart
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 621 reviews
October 13, 2020
5 stars
Pride and Papercuts is not only an amazing enemies to lovers story, it's the ultimate Pride and Prejudice retelling. Seriously friends, this one is epic. I'll be the first to admit, I like Pride and Prejudice but I'm not a super fan or anything. Controversial opinion here I'm sure, but I loved this story more than the original. There was something so special about it and I couldn't get enough of Laney Bennet and Liam Darcy.
Laney Bennet and her brother Jett are the only two Bennet's that don't work in the family business. They work at Wasted Words- a bookstore/bar thats undergoing a new marketing campaign. Since Laney does all their social media and current marketing, she's heavily involved with the new launch. The company working with them is Liam and his sister Gerogie's.
Liam and Laney butt heads from the first moment they meet. They don't work well together at first, but they challenge each other in the best way. Still, they're openly hostile at times. Underneath the hostility, there is so much banter and tension. And you just know, when they finally do something about it it's going to be so explosive, so passionate... and it is.
Gahhh I loved this couple so much. Liam Darcy was the greatest broody hero. He's got his issues and he's the way he is for a reason, but he needs someone exactly like Laney in his life. Someone that challenges him and makes him see things differently. Laney was such a wonderful heroine. She's strong, stands up for what she believes in and is completely loyal. They make such a great pair.
Another thing I truly loved about this book was not only did it have great side characters, there was a whole other side romance going on between Jett and Georgie. It was fun watching them fall in love and I enjoyed that part of the book so much. I also loved the relationship Laney had with Jett and Liam with Georgie. Strong sibling bonds are the best.
This was one of the most beautifully written, swoony, and sweep you off your feet romances I've read in 2020. It was such a glorious slow burn and I adored every page. Pride and Papercuts can be read as a stand alone, but if you've read Hart's other books (the Bennet Brothers, specifically) you might even love it more. Lovers of modern day retellings, forbidden romance, slow burn, and enemies to lovers- YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
This was the thing I’d feared, the redemption I’d craved. Because now that I knew her power, I would be a slave to her. And I’d be shackled willingly.
Pride and Papercuts is not only an amazing enemies to lovers story, it's the ultimate Pride and Prejudice retelling. Seriously friends, this one is epic. I'll be the first to admit, I like Pride and Prejudice but I'm not a super fan or anything. Controversial opinion here I'm sure, but I loved this story more than the original. There was something so special about it and I couldn't get enough of Laney Bennet and Liam Darcy.
Laney Bennet and her brother Jett are the only two Bennet's that don't work in the family business. They work at Wasted Words- a bookstore/bar thats undergoing a new marketing campaign. Since Laney does all their social media and current marketing, she's heavily involved with the new launch. The company working with them is Liam and his sister Gerogie's.
Liam and Laney butt heads from the first moment they meet. They don't work well together at first, but they challenge each other in the best way. Still, they're openly hostile at times. Underneath the hostility, there is so much banter and tension. And you just know, when they finally do something about it it's going to be so explosive, so passionate... and it is.
Gahhh I loved this couple so much. Liam Darcy was the greatest broody hero. He's got his issues and he's the way he is for a reason, but he needs someone exactly like Laney in his life. Someone that challenges him and makes him see things differently. Laney was such a wonderful heroine. She's strong, stands up for what she believes in and is completely loyal. They make such a great pair.
“I’ll forgive you on one condition.”
“Anything.”
“Kiss me.”
Smiling, he leaned in and said against my lips, “Always.”
One word, and I was his. One kiss, and I was gone.
Another thing I truly loved about this book was not only did it have great side characters, there was a whole other side romance going on between Jett and Georgie. It was fun watching them fall in love and I enjoyed that part of the book so much. I also loved the relationship Laney had with Jett and Liam with Georgie. Strong sibling bonds are the best.
This was one of the most beautifully written, swoony, and sweep you off your feet romances I've read in 2020. It was such a glorious slow burn and I adored every page. Pride and Papercuts can be read as a stand alone, but if you've read Hart's other books (the Bennet Brothers, specifically) you might even love it more. Lovers of modern day retellings, forbidden romance, slow burn, and enemies to lovers- YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
April 17, 2022
3.5 rounded up to 4 because of Aiden Snow's narration. Seriously. His voice is swoon worthy!
A highly engaging, creative and fun reimagining of P & P. I thought the characters were interesting and I loved the gender flip for some of them. Staci has created a highly recognisable retelling beautifully immersed into a modern day setting.
A highly engaging, creative and fun reimagining of P & P. I thought the characters were interesting and I loved the gender flip for some of them. Staci has created a highly recognisable retelling beautifully immersed into a modern day setting.
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March 29, 2021
NOW AVAILABLE!!
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February 12, 2021
I will read any and every retelling of P&P that is ever published . . . .
October 13, 2020
4 'Dance with me' Stars!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It’s surely is not an easy task to retell a love story that is considered one of the best romance novels ever written but I knew before even starting it that Staci Hart would do a beautiful job. And I wasn’t wrong. Many of us know and love Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Staci’s bewitching take on it cannot be missed. Pride and Papercuts is a wonderful modern retelling of the beloved classic with characters as amazing as the original ones.
So, Pride and Papercuts is part of Staci’s The Austens series and it crossovers with her Bennet Brothers series. I believe this book will be most enjoyed after reading both series but I haven’t read the rest of The Austens and I still loved it. Now, this story is focused on Laney Bennet and Liam Darcy’s advertising competition for all the Wasted Words locations and, of course, it is all about their hate to love relationship. We all know how that goes! And even better, the story also includes a secondary romance between Jett Bennet and Georgie Darcy.
He was beautiful destruction, a tempest conjuring mountains from waves and putting out the stars with his fury, leaving the world beneath him heaving in the dark.
I love Staci’s writing. Pride and Papercuts was an absolute delight to read. It’s beautifully written, engaging you from start to finish and with a style that reminds you of the beloved classic but still with Hart’s unique and modern twist. It was like reading Pride and Prejudice all over again but so different at the same time. It was all about Laney and Liam, their “hate” for each other, their prides, their prejudices, their longing for each other and their beautiful connection. Mr. Darcy *SIGH* I loved him. I loved him and Laney SO MUCH. I loved everything about them. The yearning, GAH! My heart!
“If you can tell me you’ve never wished for me the way I’ve wished for you, I won’t kiss you.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then God help us both.”
This novel, as the original, is focused on the emotions and I completely understand why. Yes, I have to say I was expecting a bit more steam but that did not stop me from loving this book. As I said, I get why Staci developed it this way (just like Austen’s novel). And another aspect that was also here and I loved in the Bennet Brothers series is the secondary characters and family dynamics. The secondary story with Jett and Georgie’s love story was as sublime as the main romance. My heart was so full while reading this book because, as I said, it was like reading Austen’s original all over again but with Staci’s style.
“Until my last breath. There’s no other way to love you.”
Therefore, I am rating Pride and Papercuts with 4 STARS because Staci Hart has given us everything we love about Pride and Prejudice but with her very own unique modern interpretation. I loved how she kept everything we loved on the original classic but also went a bit outside the lines and gave us more of these beloved characters. Mr. Darcy continues being one of my favorites and Laney was just as brilliant as a heroine as I expected. I highly recommend this retelling to any Austen / Hart fan out there. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
It’s surely is not an easy task to retell a love story that is considered one of the best romance novels ever written but I knew before even starting it that Staci Hart would do a beautiful job. And I wasn’t wrong. Many of us know and love Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Staci’s bewitching take on it cannot be missed. Pride and Papercuts is a wonderful modern retelling of the beloved classic with characters as amazing as the original ones.
So, Pride and Papercuts is part of Staci’s The Austens series and it crossovers with her Bennet Brothers series. I believe this book will be most enjoyed after reading both series but I haven’t read the rest of The Austens and I still loved it. Now, this story is focused on Laney Bennet and Liam Darcy’s advertising competition for all the Wasted Words locations and, of course, it is all about their hate to love relationship. We all know how that goes! And even better, the story also includes a secondary romance between Jett Bennet and Georgie Darcy.
He was beautiful destruction, a tempest conjuring mountains from waves and putting out the stars with his fury, leaving the world beneath him heaving in the dark.
I love Staci’s writing. Pride and Papercuts was an absolute delight to read. It’s beautifully written, engaging you from start to finish and with a style that reminds you of the beloved classic but still with Hart’s unique and modern twist. It was like reading Pride and Prejudice all over again but so different at the same time. It was all about Laney and Liam, their “hate” for each other, their prides, their prejudices, their longing for each other and their beautiful connection. Mr. Darcy *SIGH* I loved him. I loved him and Laney SO MUCH. I loved everything about them. The yearning, GAH! My heart!
“If you can tell me you’ve never wished for me the way I’ve wished for you, I won’t kiss you.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then God help us both.”
This novel, as the original, is focused on the emotions and I completely understand why. Yes, I have to say I was expecting a bit more steam but that did not stop me from loving this book. As I said, I get why Staci developed it this way (just like Austen’s novel). And another aspect that was also here and I loved in the Bennet Brothers series is the secondary characters and family dynamics. The secondary story with Jett and Georgie’s love story was as sublime as the main romance. My heart was so full while reading this book because, as I said, it was like reading Austen’s original all over again but with Staci’s style.
“Until my last breath. There’s no other way to love you.”
Therefore, I am rating Pride and Papercuts with 4 STARS because Staci Hart has given us everything we love about Pride and Prejudice but with her very own unique modern interpretation. I loved how she kept everything we loved on the original classic but also went a bit outside the lines and gave us more of these beloved characters. Mr. Darcy continues being one of my favorites and Laney was just as brilliant as a heroine as I expected. I highly recommend this retelling to any Austen / Hart fan out there. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
September 28, 2020
WOW. Wow x 1,000. I have been waiting for a book to steal my breath this year, to sweep me off my feet, to whisk me away and wrap me up in a romantic spell. Nothing had delivered until now.
"I followed the line of her finger across the croweded room to the door, and I felt the entirety of the universe lean in the same direction. Toward him."
Pride and Papercuts is the book I've been waiting for. It's everything I loved about the classics, melted with everything I love about modern indie romance. Hart’s wit and charm meet Austen’s historic magic, leaving you breathless and enchanted from the first chapter to the last. Liam Darcy and Laney Bennet are absolutely magnetic on the page, and every encounter between them sizzles and pops in a way that only forbidden romance can.
"You drive me insane. Every thought is haunted by you. You've invaded me, invaded my work, my mind, my life, and I'm unable to be rational or patient where you're concerned."
Consider this the crown jewel on an already beautiful, poignant, and impressive stack of Staci Hart's unforgettable novels. Pride and Papercuts is THE romance book of 2020, and every obsinate, headstrong girl needs this one -- to steal their heart, to charm their soul, and to live on their bookshelf forevermore.
"A man shouldn't be this lucky," he said quietly, earnestly. "It leaves so much to lose."
"I followed the line of her finger across the croweded room to the door, and I felt the entirety of the universe lean in the same direction. Toward him."
Pride and Papercuts is the book I've been waiting for. It's everything I loved about the classics, melted with everything I love about modern indie romance. Hart’s wit and charm meet Austen’s historic magic, leaving you breathless and enchanted from the first chapter to the last. Liam Darcy and Laney Bennet are absolutely magnetic on the page, and every encounter between them sizzles and pops in a way that only forbidden romance can.
"You drive me insane. Every thought is haunted by you. You've invaded me, invaded my work, my mind, my life, and I'm unable to be rational or patient where you're concerned."
Consider this the crown jewel on an already beautiful, poignant, and impressive stack of Staci Hart's unforgettable novels. Pride and Papercuts is THE romance book of 2020, and every obsinate, headstrong girl needs this one -- to steal their heart, to charm their soul, and to live on their bookshelf forevermore.
"A man shouldn't be this lucky," he said quietly, earnestly. "It leaves so much to lose."
October 18, 2020
My favorite Staci Hart book so far!
P&P is my favorite Jane Austen novel and so I have to admit I've been waiting impatiently for this one in the series. It lived up to all my expectations! It's so difficult to write a retelling of a beloved classic but Staci does it so well. One of the challenging aspects of a retelling of an early nineteenth century novel is that often the major obstacles that stand in the protagonist's way are no longer as dramatically insurmountable in modern society. That's why Staci Hart is so clever. While she beautifully captures the essence of Elizabeth and Darcy's personalities in Laney and Liam, she's reimagined P&P for modern times, tweaking the problems that stand in their way without losing what makes P&P the ultimate enemies-to-lovers romance.
I read this in one sitting, folks, and that hasn't happened in a while. A MUST READ for 2020!
P&P is my favorite Jane Austen novel and so I have to admit I've been waiting impatiently for this one in the series. It lived up to all my expectations! It's so difficult to write a retelling of a beloved classic but Staci does it so well. One of the challenging aspects of a retelling of an early nineteenth century novel is that often the major obstacles that stand in the protagonist's way are no longer as dramatically insurmountable in modern society. That's why Staci Hart is so clever. While she beautifully captures the essence of Elizabeth and Darcy's personalities in Laney and Liam, she's reimagined P&P for modern times, tweaking the problems that stand in their way without losing what makes P&P the ultimate enemies-to-lovers romance.
I read this in one sitting, folks, and that hasn't happened in a while. A MUST READ for 2020!
October 13, 2020
****AVAILABLE NOW - FULL REVIEW****
5 PRIDEFUL CROWNS
Laney and Darcy stole the show with Pride and Papercuts by Staci Hart. She kept everything that Austen fans love about Pride & Prejudice and added that Staci Hart twist, modernizing this beloved romance.
The one thing that I have consistently said about this standalone series is how wonderful each book has been in staying true to the Bennett family as well as the retellings of Austen classics. This one is no different. Hart details Laney and Darcy exactly as they are in the book, with both characters having their pride and perceived prejudices preventing them from having their HEA. It also allows for an wonderful enemies to lovers romance with chemistry that sizzles. Interestingly, the chemistry translates to one of Hart’s most romantic couples once they both get over themselves.
As always, the secondary cast is perfection. I have grown to love this family so much, and the secondary romantic plot line was not only fun and ideological but the perfect juxtaposition to the darker nature of Laney and Darcy. Either way, the whole host of characters are delightful and charming, and I lived for the family moments.
Hart’s prose as always is delightful. Her syntax and diction please my literary mind, and I love that she provides readers with a romance that has so much heart, romantic and familial.
The utter perfection of this book. Liam Darcy owns my heart. The way Staci Hart kept all the best parts of Pride & Prejudice on this retelling while making it solely her own is PERFECTION.
Beta read.
5 PRIDEFUL CROWNS
Laney and Darcy stole the show with Pride and Papercuts by Staci Hart. She kept everything that Austen fans love about Pride & Prejudice and added that Staci Hart twist, modernizing this beloved romance.
The one thing that I have consistently said about this standalone series is how wonderful each book has been in staying true to the Bennett family as well as the retellings of Austen classics. This one is no different. Hart details Laney and Darcy exactly as they are in the book, with both characters having their pride and perceived prejudices preventing them from having their HEA. It also allows for an wonderful enemies to lovers romance with chemistry that sizzles. Interestingly, the chemistry translates to one of Hart’s most romantic couples once they both get over themselves.
As always, the secondary cast is perfection. I have grown to love this family so much, and the secondary romantic plot line was not only fun and ideological but the perfect juxtaposition to the darker nature of Laney and Darcy. Either way, the whole host of characters are delightful and charming, and I lived for the family moments.
Hart’s prose as always is delightful. Her syntax and diction please my literary mind, and I love that she provides readers with a romance that has so much heart, romantic and familial.
The utter perfection of this book. Liam Darcy owns my heart. The way Staci Hart kept all the best parts of Pride & Prejudice on this retelling while making it solely her own is PERFECTION.
Beta read.
October 12, 2022
A Pride and Prejudice retelling with a perfect amount of modern touch to make it exquisite on their own. Honestly, what are we expecting? This book has been delightful right from the start till the end.
This book is all I ever wanted at the moment, a rich Alpha male character with a subordinate from the enemies to lovers trope. This book has all the spices, delectable romance with unnerving sexual tension that I need. It was so dramatic ironic because clearly the two of them have hots on each other, I just need you people to kiss already! But till the time I get them, it was painfully beautiful.
I always wanted to read Staci Hart books since they always have the nice covers but I don't know why I never get to do it and somehow, I'm so glad that this was my first time and it has been a wonderful experience.
Liam and Laney just hit off with the chemistry and they literally had one of the most satisfying and romantic happily ever after. I love Laney. She's strong-headed and fiesty. Then there's Liam too, with both equally egoistical. This book just makes you wanna pull your hair but for good reasons. The conflict was a worthy read, with a mix of forbidden love that will never make you wanna stop from keeping going.
I also happened to enjoy the other side stories as it was not overly done but you can still get enough idea of what was going on with Laney's twin, Jett and Liam's sister, Georgie. Both are equally adorable too and I like that the author provides us with cute and familial romance. Highly recommended.
"No one in this world made me so angry as Liam Darcy. Nothing confused and upset me like the presence of a man who could kiss me and insult me in the same breath."
This book is all I ever wanted at the moment, a rich Alpha male character with a subordinate from the enemies to lovers trope. This book has all the spices, delectable romance with unnerving sexual tension that I need. It was so dramatic ironic because clearly the two of them have hots on each other, I just need you people to kiss already! But till the time I get them, it was painfully beautiful.
I always wanted to read Staci Hart books since they always have the nice covers but I don't know why I never get to do it and somehow, I'm so glad that this was my first time and it has been a wonderful experience.
Liam and Laney just hit off with the chemistry and they literally had one of the most satisfying and romantic happily ever after. I love Laney. She's strong-headed and fiesty. Then there's Liam too, with both equally egoistical. This book just makes you wanna pull your hair but for good reasons. The conflict was a worthy read, with a mix of forbidden love that will never make you wanna stop from keeping going.
I also happened to enjoy the other side stories as it was not overly done but you can still get enough idea of what was going on with Laney's twin, Jett and Liam's sister, Georgie. Both are equally adorable too and I like that the author provides us with cute and familial romance. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2020
Nope. What was I thinking wanting to read a P&P spin off. Not ever possible. Also, the “inspiration” behind dialogues and characters and names was too literal. The mc’s are based out of New York and yet would talk in a British way (and hence the literal copying of JA’s work). Extreme cringe.
October 14, 2020
Oh dear God, the writing is terrible. None of the books in this series have been well-written, but this is sooo much worse. Example:
Were I a different man, I'd have met her out there, soaked up some of her joy.
But I was who I was. Freedom of that kind was unknown to me.
I took a sip of my scotch, which I'd procured on exiting the unpleasant conversation with Laney Bennet. Not because she was particularly unpleasant, but because I'd found myself lacking things to say. In part because I couldn't stop watching her lips as she spoke.
An enigma. One I needed to leave unsolved.
SMDH. Also, the updated plot makes no sense. How are the Bennets the "wrong class" for Darcy if the real reason is that Aunt Catherine and Mrs. Bennet have known and hated each other since they were kids? Why is finding out Wickham lied to her (which she kind of already knew) enough to change Laney's mind completely without the Lydia subplot (totally removed), given that Darcy has been an ass to her?
also, does that thing where she's updating an older story with a "sassy, independent" heroine, but since women are generally more independent now, she overdoes the "sassiness" and just makes her girl irrational and angry.
Were I a different man, I'd have met her out there, soaked up some of her joy.
But I was who I was. Freedom of that kind was unknown to me.
I took a sip of my scotch, which I'd procured on exiting the unpleasant conversation with Laney Bennet. Not because she was particularly unpleasant, but because I'd found myself lacking things to say. In part because I couldn't stop watching her lips as she spoke.
An enigma. One I needed to leave unsolved.
SMDH. Also, the updated plot makes no sense. How are the Bennets the "wrong class" for Darcy if the real reason is that Aunt Catherine and Mrs. Bennet have known and hated each other since they were kids? Why is finding out Wickham lied to her (which she kind of already knew) enough to change Laney's mind completely without the Lydia subplot (totally removed), given that Darcy has been an ass to her?
also, does that thing where she's updating an older story with a "sassy, independent" heroine, but since women are generally more independent now, she overdoes the "sassiness" and just makes her girl irrational and angry.
October 9, 2020
Nostalgic and refreshing all in one gorgeous bundle this novel is designed to draw you in and demand that you fall in love. The flow, the pace, the characters, the prose, the nod to the Jane Austen original all lend themselves to one breathtaking take on Pride and Prejudice- and I for one have already nominated myself as it’s biggest fan. I want to marry this book and have done with it. However, my current real life husband may have a thing or a two to say about that, so for now I’ll make do with my moony and love lost longing in regards to this novel and re read until it’s ridiculous. Readers, just know this, you can’t have a romance readers fulfilled life without this book in it. Over the top you may say? Well I challenge you to read this book and then disagree with my sentiment. Staci Hart, has convincingly and whole heartedly won my heart - which let’s be honest, comes as no surprise. This is my favourite Staci Hart book to date, absolute perfection and wonderment - I’m in reading heaven.
October 7, 2020
With every book I read, I fall more and more in love with the magic that is Staci Hart. Pride and Papercuts was PERFECT. We have all of the chemistry and nostalgia of the original Pride and Prejudice layered with the Staci Hart magic we love- the quirky wit, clever humor, the emotional depth, nuanced characters, charming chemistry, and a loving but sharp thematic meaning. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I literally was sighing and awwwing out loud. I’m simply obsessed.
Pride and Papercuts merges two amazing series- the Bennet brothers and the Austens/Wasted Words crew in this reimagined story. Staci keeps all the parts of the original story we’d want to see- that we are attached to and desperate to see play out. But she made them true to these characters, this version of the story- and most importantly, true to Staci Hart. Meanwhile other parts are updated- reimagined. Folks who already have read the Bennett brothers know the once vapid sisters are now charming and complex brothers. The meddlesome, but harmful mother is now meddlesome, but loving. And the boring, one-note Jane is the fantastic, charming brother Jett. Best of all, our modern day Lizze is just as outspoken and endearing, but reimagined as a talented, albeit a bit lost, career woman who still carries the weight of her family on her shoulders. Darcy is the same prideful, stoic and somewhat shy man, but we get to see his heart faster, and his sister is less fragile, more dimensional, and more important. I LOVED these characters, perhaps even more than the originals- and that is truly an exceptional feat. These characters all have the essence of what made them compelling in the classic, the bones of who they are, enough to make me nostalgic but to also recognize them as unique and evolved beings. Dare I say, we get more complexity here, a bit deeper because we’re in both of their heads. And SWOOOON, being in Darcy’s head is just as wonderful as you thought it would be. We have that same tense, longing-filled chemistry we love, but also something richer- more emotionally laden, more transparent, and certainly more modern.
This is what a classic-inspired story should be. It reminded why I loved the original, but also helped me see it with new eyes, while simultaneously telling a version of the story that stands on its own very strong legs, that has its own voice, its own style and point of view. `And that, dear friends, is in part why I love Staci Hart so much. Her books are wrapped in the sweet and inviting allure of her charm and wit, enjoyable and entertaining by those merits alone- but Staci’s books aren’t just a sweet love story. She has something to SAY about life and humanity, about the act of living and loving. I always leave her books pensive and emboldened- like I’m seeing something I thought I understood anew. Ironically enough- even before I read this series, it reminded me of a contemporary Austen - an author that has a distinct niche and who uses sweet and charming love stories not only to make us feel good but also to helps us examine and understand the artifices and realities of the world around us- subtly, kindly, and through the lens of in depth character journeys. And here, what Staci does is such genius, because she recognizes something that we might not recognize reading P and P- which is that our society, we as humans, still need the SAME message. We are still Lizzie and Darcy. Sure, class marriage limitations, arranged marriages, and the trappings of regency life aren’t our reality, but Laney and Liam grow in the same way as Lizzie and Darcy. The pride, the prejudice, the vanity, the first impression- sure, that’s part of it, but what this book, and the classic, REALLY speak to is self-awareness. Self -growth. Laney and Liam’s preconceptions, false narratives say way more about who THEY are than the person they have them about- and just like the classic, our characters see parts of themselves for the first time through the eyes of an “enemy.’ And that is the magic- Staci shows us the same trapping now as in the early 19th century. Shows that we need to be looking inward- examining our own hearts and minds. And learning from our faults, our judgement- GROWING. And y’all, given the current state of affairs we’re living in, I can’t think of anything more important. More poignant. Austen herself would be proud.
I can’t help but also just marvel at the TECHNICAL genius she has as a writer...no, that word feels not enough here. As a creator, as an artist. Because that is what she is. She has a prose style that is all her own- a writing really more akin to poetry- the way she plays with imagery, symbolism, the delightful dialogue, and the artful characterization- there is just something so distinctly graceful around how she constructs her words. Like describing Darcy as, “He was a vast darkness, a vacuum of power, and every molecule in the room raced towards him as if they were all his, simply by means of his presence.” I mean WOW- that image! She always makes me nostalgic for the romance writers of yore- but then we also get dialogue like this, “Oh, so he’s not made out of marble and disdain?” This nexus of vintage sentimentality with sharp, clever, and modern humor- it is just so amazing to read. I can’t think of any others who write in this way- and that’s why her stories are so arresting. You are swept away by these amazing worlds and characters that are so vivid, so creative that you’re envious that you can’t really live in them, to know them. She’s a dream to read.
Real talk-Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books of all time. I believed in Staci, but I didn’t know how I’d feel about this book. To me, the classic is the pinnacle of the romance genre. Retelling this story is a Herculean task- often done, rarely well. But this is the best, and most creative, reimagining of this beloved tale I’ve ever read. Hands down one of my favorite reads of 2020- the perfect balance of originality and nostalgia. If you haven’t discovered the brilliance of Staci Hart yet- pick this magical story up. You’ll be swept away into a love story reminiscent of one of the most celebrated love stories of all time knowing that this version more than does it justice.
Random note- Romance readers, this book is super slow burn (makes sense given source story) and more in the “clean” category. I’m a fast burn girl myself, but I literally said to myself “I don’t even care if they have sex EVER, I love them so much.” Which says a lot about how awesome it is!
Pride and Papercuts merges two amazing series- the Bennet brothers and the Austens/Wasted Words crew in this reimagined story. Staci keeps all the parts of the original story we’d want to see- that we are attached to and desperate to see play out. But she made them true to these characters, this version of the story- and most importantly, true to Staci Hart. Meanwhile other parts are updated- reimagined. Folks who already have read the Bennett brothers know the once vapid sisters are now charming and complex brothers. The meddlesome, but harmful mother is now meddlesome, but loving. And the boring, one-note Jane is the fantastic, charming brother Jett. Best of all, our modern day Lizze is just as outspoken and endearing, but reimagined as a talented, albeit a bit lost, career woman who still carries the weight of her family on her shoulders. Darcy is the same prideful, stoic and somewhat shy man, but we get to see his heart faster, and his sister is less fragile, more dimensional, and more important. I LOVED these characters, perhaps even more than the originals- and that is truly an exceptional feat. These characters all have the essence of what made them compelling in the classic, the bones of who they are, enough to make me nostalgic but to also recognize them as unique and evolved beings. Dare I say, we get more complexity here, a bit deeper because we’re in both of their heads. And SWOOOON, being in Darcy’s head is just as wonderful as you thought it would be. We have that same tense, longing-filled chemistry we love, but also something richer- more emotionally laden, more transparent, and certainly more modern.
This is what a classic-inspired story should be. It reminded why I loved the original, but also helped me see it with new eyes, while simultaneously telling a version of the story that stands on its own very strong legs, that has its own voice, its own style and point of view. `And that, dear friends, is in part why I love Staci Hart so much. Her books are wrapped in the sweet and inviting allure of her charm and wit, enjoyable and entertaining by those merits alone- but Staci’s books aren’t just a sweet love story. She has something to SAY about life and humanity, about the act of living and loving. I always leave her books pensive and emboldened- like I’m seeing something I thought I understood anew. Ironically enough- even before I read this series, it reminded me of a contemporary Austen - an author that has a distinct niche and who uses sweet and charming love stories not only to make us feel good but also to helps us examine and understand the artifices and realities of the world around us- subtly, kindly, and through the lens of in depth character journeys. And here, what Staci does is such genius, because she recognizes something that we might not recognize reading P and P- which is that our society, we as humans, still need the SAME message. We are still Lizzie and Darcy. Sure, class marriage limitations, arranged marriages, and the trappings of regency life aren’t our reality, but Laney and Liam grow in the same way as Lizzie and Darcy. The pride, the prejudice, the vanity, the first impression- sure, that’s part of it, but what this book, and the classic, REALLY speak to is self-awareness. Self -growth. Laney and Liam’s preconceptions, false narratives say way more about who THEY are than the person they have them about- and just like the classic, our characters see parts of themselves for the first time through the eyes of an “enemy.’ And that is the magic- Staci shows us the same trapping now as in the early 19th century. Shows that we need to be looking inward- examining our own hearts and minds. And learning from our faults, our judgement- GROWING. And y’all, given the current state of affairs we’re living in, I can’t think of anything more important. More poignant. Austen herself would be proud.
I can’t help but also just marvel at the TECHNICAL genius she has as a writer...no, that word feels not enough here. As a creator, as an artist. Because that is what she is. She has a prose style that is all her own- a writing really more akin to poetry- the way she plays with imagery, symbolism, the delightful dialogue, and the artful characterization- there is just something so distinctly graceful around how she constructs her words. Like describing Darcy as, “He was a vast darkness, a vacuum of power, and every molecule in the room raced towards him as if they were all his, simply by means of his presence.” I mean WOW- that image! She always makes me nostalgic for the romance writers of yore- but then we also get dialogue like this, “Oh, so he’s not made out of marble and disdain?” This nexus of vintage sentimentality with sharp, clever, and modern humor- it is just so amazing to read. I can’t think of any others who write in this way- and that’s why her stories are so arresting. You are swept away by these amazing worlds and characters that are so vivid, so creative that you’re envious that you can’t really live in them, to know them. She’s a dream to read.
Real talk-Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books of all time. I believed in Staci, but I didn’t know how I’d feel about this book. To me, the classic is the pinnacle of the romance genre. Retelling this story is a Herculean task- often done, rarely well. But this is the best, and most creative, reimagining of this beloved tale I’ve ever read. Hands down one of my favorite reads of 2020- the perfect balance of originality and nostalgia. If you haven’t discovered the brilliance of Staci Hart yet- pick this magical story up. You’ll be swept away into a love story reminiscent of one of the most celebrated love stories of all time knowing that this version more than does it justice.
Random note- Romance readers, this book is super slow burn (makes sense given source story) and more in the “clean” category. I’m a fast burn girl myself, but I literally said to myself “I don’t even care if they have sex EVER, I love them so much.” Which says a lot about how awesome it is!
October 13, 2020
4.5 Stars!
“You drive me insane. You’ve invaded me, invaded my work, my mind, my life, and I’m unable to be rational or patient where you’re concerned. Do you have any idea how little control I have when you’re near me? Against my will, against my reason, against my character, I am explicitly desperate fro you. And you can’t even see past your pride.”
Pride and Prejudice is without a doubt, one of my most beloved and cherished reads. So, when I heard that Staci Hart was going to put her special spin on it and re-tell it, in the only way she can, I just knew I had to read it. And I have to tell you, Staci Hart does not disappoint.
Pride and Papercuts sucks you in from the very first page and leaves you gasping for more. Liam and Lainey captivated me instantly and I couldn’t help but devour their story. I could see and picture their story so clearly. The fight and the pull. The need and want despite their stature. The truths that their prejudice wouldn’t allow them to see. Ugh! I could just gush about their perfection all day.
Lainey was perfection. She was loyal and stubborn to a fault. She thought she knew everything when it came to Liam, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. And Liam. Liam Darcy, there are no words to describe your perfection. You were everything I wanted Mr. Darcy to be and then some. You captured my heart and left me a swoony mess. I loved every moment of yours and Lainey’s story, from beginning to end….
Pride and Papercuts is a fantastic modern take on a beloved classic. Lainey was the perfect Elizabeth Bennett and Liam was the perfect Mr. Darcy. Staci Hart’s writing is vivid and impeccable. The characters and their story so easy to see, so easy to connect with, so easy to fall head over heels in love with.
When it’s all said I done, I couldn’t be happier with the story this author has given us. I loved every moment of this story and couldn’t be happier with this authors take on a beloved classic!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
“You drive me insane. You’ve invaded me, invaded my work, my mind, my life, and I’m unable to be rational or patient where you’re concerned. Do you have any idea how little control I have when you’re near me? Against my will, against my reason, against my character, I am explicitly desperate fro you. And you can’t even see past your pride.”
Pride and Prejudice is without a doubt, one of my most beloved and cherished reads. So, when I heard that Staci Hart was going to put her special spin on it and re-tell it, in the only way she can, I just knew I had to read it. And I have to tell you, Staci Hart does not disappoint.
Pride and Papercuts sucks you in from the very first page and leaves you gasping for more. Liam and Lainey captivated me instantly and I couldn’t help but devour their story. I could see and picture their story so clearly. The fight and the pull. The need and want despite their stature. The truths that their prejudice wouldn’t allow them to see. Ugh! I could just gush about their perfection all day.
Lainey was perfection. She was loyal and stubborn to a fault. She thought she knew everything when it came to Liam, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. And Liam. Liam Darcy, there are no words to describe your perfection. You were everything I wanted Mr. Darcy to be and then some. You captured my heart and left me a swoony mess. I loved every moment of yours and Lainey’s story, from beginning to end….
Pride and Papercuts is a fantastic modern take on a beloved classic. Lainey was the perfect Elizabeth Bennett and Liam was the perfect Mr. Darcy. Staci Hart’s writing is vivid and impeccable. The characters and their story so easy to see, so easy to connect with, so easy to fall head over heels in love with.
When it’s all said I done, I couldn’t be happier with the story this author has given us. I loved every moment of this story and couldn’t be happier with this authors take on a beloved classic!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
October 13, 2020
First off, I'm going to admit that I haven't read Pride and Prejudice. But I have watched the movies. I know I know. Don't judge. But the first thing I wanted to do after finishing this book was queue up my Netflix to see what P & P they had to offer and watch it. And watch it I did! The first thing I thought after watching the movie? What a great job Staci Hart did of retelling a story that so many people have tried to before. She did the characters justice while staying true to her own characters she has created in her books. A little Hart and Austen love baby, if you will.
Pride and Papercuts is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. We are in NYC and the setting is a book store and a flower shop and combines two series of standalones (The Bennets and the Austens). You absolutely do not have to read any other books in the series, but once you fall in love with the Bennet crew, trust me when I say you will want to meet all of them and get their stories.
Laney and Jett Bennet are working with a PR team to expand the Wasted Words book store. It is there that we meet Georgie and Liam Darcy. While one romance seems to take off right from the start, the other is dead in it's tracks. But because these two families are from very different worlds, will either romance take flight? Or will their families and obligations to their families get in the way?
Staci Hart carefully crafted a retelling of a classic and made it her own. The characters proved to have a love/hate relationship while providing us humor and a plot that worked for the merging of the two series. Laney was a stubborn spitfire and loved to push Liam's buttons. And Liam was seemingly cold and turned off to any of her quirks. Or so it seemed. His attitude was very much like the Mr Darcy that so many of you loyal Austen fans will be familiar with. I loved that Ms Hart stayed true to the characters she's already created while combining it with a bit of an Austen dramatic flair.
I wanted her, all of her. Her willful mind, her fiery heart. Her body, yes, but only as a way to reach the rest of her.
This story is wonderfully told and you will absolutely fall in love with the main characters as well as the supporting characters. Even if this was Laney and Liam's story, we also have a side romance with Jett and Georgie. And they are both so perfectly matched in very different ways. How can you not fall for the whole Bennet clan? They are family first and love fiercely. I love the way that their family comes together and fights together.
If you're a lover of Jane Austen and her stories, this book will be for you. And for any of you romance readers out there that aren't, take warning that this is a slow burn. The chemistry absolutely crackles and sizzles and you feel an attraction between words not spoken, but it takes awhile for our Laney and Liam to open up to one another. While it is slow going, the build up of the attraction and the story to get us there is is perfection! I adored these characters and wish their family could go on and on and on. I don't think I'd ever tire of them.
Pride and Papercuts is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. We are in NYC and the setting is a book store and a flower shop and combines two series of standalones (The Bennets and the Austens). You absolutely do not have to read any other books in the series, but once you fall in love with the Bennet crew, trust me when I say you will want to meet all of them and get their stories.
Laney and Jett Bennet are working with a PR team to expand the Wasted Words book store. It is there that we meet Georgie and Liam Darcy. While one romance seems to take off right from the start, the other is dead in it's tracks. But because these two families are from very different worlds, will either romance take flight? Or will their families and obligations to their families get in the way?
Staci Hart carefully crafted a retelling of a classic and made it her own. The characters proved to have a love/hate relationship while providing us humor and a plot that worked for the merging of the two series. Laney was a stubborn spitfire and loved to push Liam's buttons. And Liam was seemingly cold and turned off to any of her quirks. Or so it seemed. His attitude was very much like the Mr Darcy that so many of you loyal Austen fans will be familiar with. I loved that Ms Hart stayed true to the characters she's already created while combining it with a bit of an Austen dramatic flair.
I wanted her, all of her. Her willful mind, her fiery heart. Her body, yes, but only as a way to reach the rest of her.
This story is wonderfully told and you will absolutely fall in love with the main characters as well as the supporting characters. Even if this was Laney and Liam's story, we also have a side romance with Jett and Georgie. And they are both so perfectly matched in very different ways. How can you not fall for the whole Bennet clan? They are family first and love fiercely. I love the way that their family comes together and fights together.
If you're a lover of Jane Austen and her stories, this book will be for you. And for any of you romance readers out there that aren't, take warning that this is a slow burn. The chemistry absolutely crackles and sizzles and you feel an attraction between words not spoken, but it takes awhile for our Laney and Liam to open up to one another. While it is slow going, the build up of the attraction and the story to get us there is is perfection! I adored these characters and wish their family could go on and on and on. I don't think I'd ever tire of them.
June 22, 2021
"This was the thing I'd feared, the redemption I'd craved. Because now that I knew her power, I would be a slave to her. And I'd be shackled willingly."
This has been emo-poetry time with Mr. Darcy. Tune in next week when he once again bemoans that he is too dark to save.
This has been emo-poetry time with Mr. Darcy. Tune in next week when he once again bemoans that he is too dark to save.
October 14, 2020
I love this series and I totally enjoyed this twofer romance. Staci Hart has such an eloquent way of writing and truly making me feel smarter with her words. Her descriptions and word usage is of the HIGHEST quality and let's be honest it has me fucking using the tap for word meaning on my kindle more than once. I close a Ms Hart book with a smile and the satisfaction of knowing I am smarter than when I started. I love an intelligent read, an author that can connect with you romance and entice you with knowledge. Bravo my beautiful soul, bravo!! These kids were oil and water, and lightning hot all at once. They blended and broke in the same sentence. The harshness of both of their personalities has you on the edge of your seat with admiration and tension...I fucking love it. Read this series. It's addicting, sweet, heart-wrenching, all the things we as romance addicts love to love. xo
Want to read
June 22, 2020
Liam Darcy...
How Many Ways...
Can I Express...
My Feelings About Him...
Should I be Politically Correct...
And Say I Abhor Him...
Or Maybe I Should Use Loathe...
But to Get to The Nitty Gritty...
I Just, Absolutely...
Undeniably HATE HIM...
Yes, I Said Hate...
The Joke Is He Hates Me Too...
But Even Funnier...
He Has To Work With Me...
Because He May Be The Big Cheese...
The Main Man at His Advertising Company...
BUT I REPRESENT THE CLIENT, HA!
So I Will Be Civil...
He Will Tolerate My Presence...
And the Client Will Be Satisfied...
So Hate Him...
I Will...
But Just Like the Saying Says...
"There's a Thin Line...
Between Love and Hate..."
I Think There is a Thin Line Between...
Pride and Papercuts (The Austens, #5)
Wasted Words (The Austens, #1)
A Thousand Letters (The Austens, #2)
Love, Hannah (The Austens, #3)
Love Notes (The Austens, #4)
Pride and Papercuts
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
How Many Ways...
Can I Express...
My Feelings About Him...
Should I be Politically Correct...
And Say I Abhor Him...
Or Maybe I Should Use Loathe...
But to Get to The Nitty Gritty...
I Just, Absolutely...
Undeniably HATE HIM...
Yes, I Said Hate...
The Joke Is He Hates Me Too...
But Even Funnier...
He Has To Work With Me...
Because He May Be The Big Cheese...
The Main Man at His Advertising Company...
BUT I REPRESENT THE CLIENT, HA!
So I Will Be Civil...
He Will Tolerate My Presence...
And the Client Will Be Satisfied...
So Hate Him...
I Will...
But Just Like the Saying Says...
"There's a Thin Line...
Between Love and Hate..."
I Think There is a Thin Line Between...
Pride and Papercuts (The Austens, #5)
Wasted Words (The Austens, #1)
A Thousand Letters (The Austens, #2)
Love, Hannah (The Austens, #3)
Love Notes (The Austens, #4)
Pride and Papercutshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 8, 2020
Oh how I loved this book. I was swooped off my feet and not once hit the ground. I was left constantly smiling and a whole lot giddy. Laney Bennet and Liam Darcy left me dazed, completely and utterly dazed. Staci Hart took a classic that is Pride & Prejudice and weaved her magic and made this retelling exhilarating and phenomenal and one that is not to be missed.
What is there to be said about Laney and Liam? These two don’t like each other and can’t stand to be around the other. They might butt heads, but they’re more alike than they think. They’re both stubborn and more than not get in the way of their own happiness. The constant bickering between them made for amazing banter. They had unmistakable chemistry and their sexual tension was every bit tantalizing. I was transfixed by Laney and Liam and their fiery magnetism.
Pride and Papercuts was a book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. I yearned for this book and needed this book desperately. From the very first page I was swept away by the charm and utter brilliance of this novel. Hart never ceases to amaze me with her extraordinary writing and the emotions she evokes. I fell in love with the soul deep beauty of this romance. And just like Liam Darcy and all his broody glory owns my heart so does this book. Bravo Staci, bravo.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
What is there to be said about Laney and Liam? These two don’t like each other and can’t stand to be around the other. They might butt heads, but they’re more alike than they think. They’re both stubborn and more than not get in the way of their own happiness. The constant bickering between them made for amazing banter. They had unmistakable chemistry and their sexual tension was every bit tantalizing. I was transfixed by Laney and Liam and their fiery magnetism.
Pride and Papercuts was a book I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. I yearned for this book and needed this book desperately. From the very first page I was swept away by the charm and utter brilliance of this novel. Hart never ceases to amaze me with her extraordinary writing and the emotions she evokes. I fell in love with the soul deep beauty of this romance. And just like Liam Darcy and all his broody glory owns my heart so does this book. Bravo Staci, bravo.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
October 15, 2020
No, no and no.
My head was spinning the whole time from trying to understand why Americans were sounding like British cast-offs. If you're going to retell a classic in a modern American setting, maybe change the actual dialog the next time. The fact is, the whole time I was reading this, all I could think of was that the author had just substituted the location and almost nothing else.
If you've never read the original, then by all means this story might seem brilliant, but having read P&P over a million times more than 20 years ago, this was crap. I would have thought that a retelling meant keeping the essence of the story and recreating everything else, but hey what do I know right, I'm no author?!
Also it appears that I am in the minority here judging by all the 5 star reviews, so read it, don't read it, I don't care. All I know is that if I ever see another book as a modern retelling of a classic, I'm not touching it with a ten foot pole.
My head was spinning the whole time from trying to understand why Americans were sounding like British cast-offs. If you're going to retell a classic in a modern American setting, maybe change the actual dialog the next time. The fact is, the whole time I was reading this, all I could think of was that the author had just substituted the location and almost nothing else.
If you've never read the original, then by all means this story might seem brilliant, but having read P&P over a million times more than 20 years ago, this was crap. I would have thought that a retelling meant keeping the essence of the story and recreating everything else, but hey what do I know right, I'm no author?!
Also it appears that I am in the minority here judging by all the 5 star reviews, so read it, don't read it, I don't care. All I know is that if I ever see another book as a modern retelling of a classic, I'm not touching it with a ten foot pole.
October 13, 2020
➳ Rate: 3,5/ 5 stars
It should be stated that I've never read Pride and Prejudice so I can't tell you how this retelling is compared to it or anything like that, what I can tell you is that you get a story about two stubborn characters, one more than the other, that despite 'hating' each other fall in love.
I'm gonna be honest... there was a lot about these characters I did not enjoy. Up until this point (in the Bennett series) I had nothing bad to say about Layne but wow she got on my nerves in this book. I hated how she just made assumptions and acted on them, had no interest in knowing the truth, and because of that, she treated people, mainly the hero, super badly. I seriously hated her attitude most of the time.
I did love the fact that she loved her brother her so much and was willing to do anything for him, just as Liam would do anything for his sister. Honestly, I think the two brotherly bonds in this book was my favorite part. I also loved the fact that these two pairs of siblings fell in love with each other. What I also enjoyed was to hang out with all the Bennets again! It all came full circle, seeing everyone paired off and Mama Bennett happy that all her kids had found their significant others. It was a cute ending.
I kind wish that instead of Laney and Darcy we would have gotten Jett and Georgie because their immediate bond and that flirting, the 'I want you but I can't have you', the 'I yearn for you but our love is forbidden' vibes would have been way better than the messy relationship between Laney and Darcy we got. Liam and Laney had a very slow burn relationship because 90% of the book was Laney hating yet wanting Liam bad, and Liam well he hated that he wanted her so bad and that she hated him. As I said, they were messy. What made me even sadder is that I felt like they lacked heat, the book in general did and I feel like that only added to me not enjoy this book or couple all that much. I really wish I had liked it more but oh well this one just wasn't for me I guess.
If there's one thing I dislike more and more in books is pointless or, more baseless, conflict, where there is conflict because there is just no communication between two people. If only Laney and Liam would have just discussed things from the beginning ugh.
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
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It should be stated that I've never read Pride and Prejudice so I can't tell you how this retelling is compared to it or anything like that, what I can tell you is that you get a story about two stubborn characters, one more than the other, that despite 'hating' each other fall in love.
I'm gonna be honest... there was a lot about these characters I did not enjoy. Up until this point (in the Bennett series) I had nothing bad to say about Layne but wow she got on my nerves in this book. I hated how she just made assumptions and acted on them, had no interest in knowing the truth, and because of that, she treated people, mainly the hero, super badly. I seriously hated her attitude most of the time.
I did love the fact that she loved her brother her so much and was willing to do anything for him, just as Liam would do anything for his sister. Honestly, I think the two brotherly bonds in this book was my favorite part. I also loved the fact that these two pairs of siblings fell in love with each other. What I also enjoyed was to hang out with all the Bennets again! It all came full circle, seeing everyone paired off and Mama Bennett happy that all her kids had found their significant others. It was a cute ending.
I kind wish that instead of Laney and Darcy we would have gotten Jett and Georgie because their immediate bond and that flirting, the 'I want you but I can't have you', the 'I yearn for you but our love is forbidden' vibes would have been way better than the messy relationship between Laney and Darcy we got. Liam and Laney had a very slow burn relationship because 90% of the book was Laney hating yet wanting Liam bad, and Liam well he hated that he wanted her so bad and that she hated him. As I said, they were messy. What made me even sadder is that I felt like they lacked heat, the book in general did and I feel like that only added to me not enjoy this book or couple all that much. I really wish I had liked it more but oh well this one just wasn't for me I guess.
If there's one thing I dislike more and more in books is pointless or, more baseless, conflict, where there is conflict because there is just no communication between two people. If only Laney and Liam would have just discussed things from the beginning ugh.
➳ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
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April 17, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars, This story ended at 94% on my Kindle.
This is a modern story said to be inspired by Pride and Prejudice. I would have to say that it is more than just inspired by that classic. It can be read as a standalone. It is set in NYC.
Elaine aka Laney Bennet is the only girl in her family with four brothers, one being her twin, Julius aka Jett. They had returned home to help out when their family's flower shop was in financial trouble but when that was put to rights they branched out to work in Wasted Paper, a bookstore & bar which holds theme nights in which patrons have to dress up. Liam Darcy's family's company is now involved in promoting and expanding that franchise and Laney has been selected to work with his firm in developing creative plans for that venture.
Laney and Liam have a fiery relationship from the get-go - sparks flare and tempers explode and there is also a sexual chemistry which they both fight. Her brother, Jett, is attracted to Liam's sister, Georgie, but there are company rules about no dating between employees. And with the Bennets being hated by the head of the de Bourgh company Jett's and Georgiana's immediate attraction to each other is a "no-no".
I am not going to even attempt to describe the relationship between Laney and Liam. It is so much more passionately written than canon. I was especially impressed with the author's prose as the affair comes to its climax. Well written romance, excellent love scenes...even if MA.
Mrs. Bennet is happy when her children have someone in their lives. In this story, however, she is not pushing anyone together. She is vocal about wanting her only daughter to be part of the business, Longbourn, which has passed down through the Bennet women. (One husband even changed his surname to Bennet.)
I highly recommend this story. It drew me in and kept me turning pages. I was very impressed with the author's excellent skill at describing the feelings/the emotions!
This is a modern story said to be inspired by Pride and Prejudice. I would have to say that it is more than just inspired by that classic. It can be read as a standalone. It is set in NYC.
Elaine aka Laney Bennet is the only girl in her family with four brothers, one being her twin, Julius aka Jett. They had returned home to help out when their family's flower shop was in financial trouble but when that was put to rights they branched out to work in Wasted Paper, a bookstore & bar which holds theme nights in which patrons have to dress up. Liam Darcy's family's company is now involved in promoting and expanding that franchise and Laney has been selected to work with his firm in developing creative plans for that venture.
Laney and Liam have a fiery relationship from the get-go - sparks flare and tempers explode and there is also a sexual chemistry which they both fight. Her brother, Jett, is attracted to Liam's sister, Georgie, but there are company rules about no dating between employees. And with the Bennets being hated by the head of the de Bourgh company Jett's and Georgiana's immediate attraction to each other is a "no-no".
I am not going to even attempt to describe the relationship between Laney and Liam. It is so much more passionately written than canon. I was especially impressed with the author's prose as the affair comes to its climax. Well written romance, excellent love scenes...even if MA.
Mrs. Bennet is happy when her children have someone in their lives. In this story, however, she is not pushing anyone together. She is vocal about wanting her only daughter to be part of the business, Longbourn, which has passed down through the Bennet women. (One husband even changed his surname to Bennet.)
I highly recommend this story. It drew me in and kept me turning pages. I was very impressed with the author's excellent skill at describing the feelings/the emotions!
October 14, 2020
Reading Pride and Papercuts really felt like reading a classic romance novel just with a modern twist. Staci's writing style is genius, the language she used really gave the banter between characters such a classy nostalgic vibe! This is a very sweet slow-burn read with great characters, both the main and the secondary. If you have read Staci's previous novels, you might already know the Bennet brothers and yes, they do make few appearances (some more than others...).
I love that the story is set in marketing/advertising industry, I alway enjoy reading about my work in books lol. Laney Bennet and Liam Darcy are sort of working together/sort of competing. Calling them enemies doesn't seem appropriate, because don't hate each other that much but there is definitely no love lost between these two. On the other hand, even though it's a slow burn the chemistry is VERY palpable! There are certainly few misunderstandings between them and it was amazing reading through it all. Both Laney and Liam are stubborn and strong-willed, just like the characters they were inspired by. That lead to many interesting moments for sure :)
Usually, I'm not a big fan of slow burn romance, but this one was just mind-blowing and very funny at times. I basically read the whole book at one go once I got into it and it felt like it went by so fast. This is a very easy chill read and exactly what I didn't know I needed. Staci could write anything and I'd dive right into it, because she has a very unique writing style that is one of my favorite for sure. I can't even pinpoint what it is about her, but she knows how to set a consistent vibe for her stories and that I totally adore.
Great read, five stars!
I love that the story is set in marketing/advertising industry, I alway enjoy reading about my work in books lol. Laney Bennet and Liam Darcy are sort of working together/sort of competing. Calling them enemies doesn't seem appropriate, because don't hate each other that much but there is definitely no love lost between these two. On the other hand, even though it's a slow burn the chemistry is VERY palpable! There are certainly few misunderstandings between them and it was amazing reading through it all. Both Laney and Liam are stubborn and strong-willed, just like the characters they were inspired by. That lead to many interesting moments for sure :)
Usually, I'm not a big fan of slow burn romance, but this one was just mind-blowing and very funny at times. I basically read the whole book at one go once I got into it and it felt like it went by so fast. This is a very easy chill read and exactly what I didn't know I needed. Staci could write anything and I'd dive right into it, because she has a very unique writing style that is one of my favorite for sure. I can't even pinpoint what it is about her, but she knows how to set a consistent vibe for her stories and that I totally adore.
Great read, five stars!
October 14, 2020
“This was the thing I’d feared, the redemption I’d craved. Because now that I knew her power, I would be a slave to her. And I’d be shackled willingly.”
Will I ever tire of Pride and Prejudice retellings? The answer is no, especially when they are this good. If there’s a JA retelling, you can bet I’m reading it. Laney and Liam were perfect as our modern Lizzy and Darcy. The banter. The sizzle. The longing! He loves her so much and knows he’s lost to her. Gah. I’m so happy we had his POV. Some of my favorite P&P retellings are from Darcy’s POV.
Let’s not forget about Jett (as Jane) and Georgie. This fit the book perfectly and I’m just in love with how it all worked together. Catherine was still terrible as always. The one thing I missed was a Bingley. Darcy had Georgie but was still so alone.
This book absolutely hit the mark with me, and listen, I read literally ALL OF THE VARIATIONS. It’s my most read genre; JA variations. If you’re a Austen fanatic like I am, this series will not let you down. It gave me all the same feels I get when thinking about my beloved characters and left me with tears in my eyes because the love story never fails to hit me right in the heart. Thank you Staci for providing an early copy!
Will I ever tire of Pride and Prejudice retellings? The answer is no, especially when they are this good. If there’s a JA retelling, you can bet I’m reading it. Laney and Liam were perfect as our modern Lizzy and Darcy. The banter. The sizzle. The longing! He loves her so much and knows he’s lost to her. Gah. I’m so happy we had his POV. Some of my favorite P&P retellings are from Darcy’s POV.
Let’s not forget about Jett (as Jane) and Georgie. This fit the book perfectly and I’m just in love with how it all worked together. Catherine was still terrible as always. The one thing I missed was a Bingley. Darcy had Georgie but was still so alone.
This book absolutely hit the mark with me, and listen, I read literally ALL OF THE VARIATIONS. It’s my most read genre; JA variations. If you’re a Austen fanatic like I am, this series will not let you down. It gave me all the same feels I get when thinking about my beloved characters and left me with tears in my eyes because the love story never fails to hit me right in the heart. Thank you Staci for providing an early copy!
October 11, 2020
4.5 STARS
NO SPOILERS!
Pride and Papercuts was a beautifully written slow burn, enemies-to-lovers retelling of the infamous and beloved Pride and Prejudice.
Staci Hart did a wonderful job with Liam Darcy and Laney Bennet’s story. She truly nailed the slow burn (emphasis on slow burn) and enemies-to-lovers tropes, and kept me entertained throughout. Pride and Papercuts honestly would’ve been a five-star read for me had there distinctly been more romance and intimate moments between Liam and Laney, but I was still satisfied with the conclusion.
The characters were something to behold. Liam and Laney were something else and definitely gave each other a run for their money. The enemies-to-lovers aspect was alive and well between these two, and they certainly knew how to push one another’s buttons. Liam and Laney were stubborn, independent, and opinionated, yet had loving personalities. And underneath that prideful exterior, they were kind and loyal and fiercely protective of their families and friends. Liam and Laney, despite not wanting to admit it, were a lot alike and ultimately made an excellent couple. I loved most of the secondary characters as well and thoroughly enjoyed seeing several familiar faces again.
Pride and Papercuts was an incredibly well done retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Staci Hart crafted a beautifully written slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance for Liam and Laney, and you won’t want to miss it!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com
NO SPOILERS!
Pride and Papercuts was a beautifully written slow burn, enemies-to-lovers retelling of the infamous and beloved Pride and Prejudice.
Staci Hart did a wonderful job with Liam Darcy and Laney Bennet’s story. She truly nailed the slow burn (emphasis on slow burn) and enemies-to-lovers tropes, and kept me entertained throughout. Pride and Papercuts honestly would’ve been a five-star read for me had there distinctly been more romance and intimate moments between Liam and Laney, but I was still satisfied with the conclusion.
The characters were something to behold. Liam and Laney were something else and definitely gave each other a run for their money. The enemies-to-lovers aspect was alive and well between these two, and they certainly knew how to push one another’s buttons. Liam and Laney were stubborn, independent, and opinionated, yet had loving personalities. And underneath that prideful exterior, they were kind and loyal and fiercely protective of their families and friends. Liam and Laney, despite not wanting to admit it, were a lot alike and ultimately made an excellent couple. I loved most of the secondary characters as well and thoroughly enjoyed seeing several familiar faces again.
Pride and Papercuts was an incredibly well done retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Staci Hart crafted a beautifully written slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance for Liam and Laney, and you won’t want to miss it!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, please visit: https://theromancebibliophile.com
July 2, 2021
I was thinking that I would round up this 3.5 star book to a four due to sentimentality for Pride and Prejudice, but after sleeping on it for a night and really evaluating my feelings for this story I'm going to round it down to three stars, even thinking that it might be more worthy of two. Here's the thing ... it's pretty tricky to do a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. The story is so universally loved and so well-known that it's hard not to compare the two books. I've rarely read a retelling of P&P that works. The best ones only use P&P as a loose foundation for a story that doesn't really resemble the original. With the previous books in The Austens series I thought Staci Hart did a fairly good job of using the source material stories, but transplanting things into a modern setting that made sense. I ended up liking the Emma retread, hating the Persuasion one, and ADORING the Sense and Sensibility one. But this story was the first one that made me cringe a bit with its use of the source material.
Here's what happened:
Laney (the Elizabeth Bennet character) is an okay character, but she's no Lizzie Bennet. While Elizabeth is witty and strong and intelligent, Laney comes across as emotional and volatile. She freaks out over EVERYTHING. There are moments when she is talking to Liam (the Darcy character) when out of nowhere she starts berating him. Sometimes it makes a little bit of sense, but other times it just seems ridiculous. Why would anyone fall in love with a person so moody? Her verbal sparring with Liam doesn't come across as witty and clever like the Elizabeth/Darcy encounters. They are just annoying.
Liam's not much better. He's a giant controlling grump, who has a touch of wimpiness about him as well. For a man who is described as commanding a room whenever he enters, he sure cows to his aunt pretty quickly, even when she is being horrible. His motivations and his explanations for his horrible actions don't fly at all. And the first disastrous declaration of love that was awesome in P&P was infuriating in this one. Liam was a total ninnyhammer to Laney. He didn't seem conflicted in his feelings. He seemed horrible and hateful, and his explanation for why he needed to stay away from Laney was completely dumb.
Wyatt's (Wickham) angle was weird too. I'm sorry, but in this story Wyatt didn't seem all that horrible. Yeah, Laney didn't need to choose him. He had all sorts of red flag warnings regarding his life choices, but he didn't seem nearly as dangerous or manipulative as Wickham. I had a hard time feeling bad about him. And I still don't understand why his actions toward Georgie (Georgiana) were more awful than any other broken engagement in the modern world. Wickham seemed way worse in P&P.
It turns out that this is a spinoff story from Staci Hart's The Bennet Brothers series. I have not read that series, but the events in this one totally tie into that one. In this version, instead of having five Bennet girls, there are four boys and one girl. Three of the boys get their HEA endings in that previous series, and I guess that the actions in one of those stories lead to the hatred that Catherine de Bourgh (same as P&P) has for the Bennets. Since I did not read that series I had NO IDEA what was going on. Why all the anger? It was never adequately explained, so I couldn't feel much depth about the rivalries.
It took forever to get to the payoff moment in this story. I guess that is true to the original P&P, but in P&P the fun was in the journey to get there. I loved seeing Darcy and Elizabeth evolve in their feelings for one another. I loved their sparring. In this one their love seemed to come out of the blue, their fights were more irritating that endearing, and the eventual kiss felt wrong or unexplained in some way. It just seemed like these two people hated each other until they woke up one day and decided that they were Made For Each Other. Unsatisfying.
But the absolute worst thing of all about this story was that Staci Hart tried too hard to keep things true to P&P. Some of the dialogue came straight from that story, and in a modern day setting it sounded totally weird. Cringe-worthy weird. The fighting using Elizabeth and Darcy's words but in a totally different setting and with totally different things going on didn't work at all. The declarations of love using Darcy's words fell flat. The Laney/Catherine encounters using P&P language were almost laughable. It didn't work at all. Staci Hart would have done better to avoid anything close to the original conversations and just made it her own. Because this is the 21st century, lots of the conflicts of P&P don't make any sense in our world. This book did not do a good job of translating into a modern world at all. Like I say, it would have been better to use the bones of P&P and change everything else to make it more applicable to today.
I did really like the Jett (Jane) and Georgie (Georgiana) bonus love story. Their relationship made sense, and I almost wish more time had been spent on them.
I guess this seems like I hated the book, but I didn't. It was readable, and I did enjoy it for the most part. I did think I was going to give it an extra star when I headed to bed last night, but it didn't age well in my head. Too many problems to overcome. But I'm happy for the HEA ending, and this was a nice enough series to keep me entertained this summer. I'm giving it a generous three stars.
Here's what happened:
Laney (the Elizabeth Bennet character) is an okay character, but she's no Lizzie Bennet. While Elizabeth is witty and strong and intelligent, Laney comes across as emotional and volatile. She freaks out over EVERYTHING. There are moments when she is talking to Liam (the Darcy character) when out of nowhere she starts berating him. Sometimes it makes a little bit of sense, but other times it just seems ridiculous. Why would anyone fall in love with a person so moody? Her verbal sparring with Liam doesn't come across as witty and clever like the Elizabeth/Darcy encounters. They are just annoying.
Liam's not much better. He's a giant controlling grump, who has a touch of wimpiness about him as well. For a man who is described as commanding a room whenever he enters, he sure cows to his aunt pretty quickly, even when she is being horrible. His motivations and his explanations for his horrible actions don't fly at all. And the first disastrous declaration of love that was awesome in P&P was infuriating in this one. Liam was a total ninnyhammer to Laney. He didn't seem conflicted in his feelings. He seemed horrible and hateful, and his explanation for why he needed to stay away from Laney was completely dumb.
Wyatt's (Wickham) angle was weird too. I'm sorry, but in this story Wyatt didn't seem all that horrible. Yeah, Laney didn't need to choose him. He had all sorts of red flag warnings regarding his life choices, but he didn't seem nearly as dangerous or manipulative as Wickham. I had a hard time feeling bad about him. And I still don't understand why his actions toward Georgie (Georgiana) were more awful than any other broken engagement in the modern world. Wickham seemed way worse in P&P.
It turns out that this is a spinoff story from Staci Hart's The Bennet Brothers series. I have not read that series, but the events in this one totally tie into that one. In this version, instead of having five Bennet girls, there are four boys and one girl. Three of the boys get their HEA endings in that previous series, and I guess that the actions in one of those stories lead to the hatred that Catherine de Bourgh (same as P&P) has for the Bennets. Since I did not read that series I had NO IDEA what was going on. Why all the anger? It was never adequately explained, so I couldn't feel much depth about the rivalries.
It took forever to get to the payoff moment in this story. I guess that is true to the original P&P, but in P&P the fun was in the journey to get there. I loved seeing Darcy and Elizabeth evolve in their feelings for one another. I loved their sparring. In this one their love seemed to come out of the blue, their fights were more irritating that endearing, and the eventual kiss felt wrong or unexplained in some way. It just seemed like these two people hated each other until they woke up one day and decided that they were Made For Each Other. Unsatisfying.
But the absolute worst thing of all about this story was that Staci Hart tried too hard to keep things true to P&P. Some of the dialogue came straight from that story, and in a modern day setting it sounded totally weird. Cringe-worthy weird. The fighting using Elizabeth and Darcy's words but in a totally different setting and with totally different things going on didn't work at all. The declarations of love using Darcy's words fell flat. The Laney/Catherine encounters using P&P language were almost laughable. It didn't work at all. Staci Hart would have done better to avoid anything close to the original conversations and just made it her own. Because this is the 21st century, lots of the conflicts of P&P don't make any sense in our world. This book did not do a good job of translating into a modern world at all. Like I say, it would have been better to use the bones of P&P and change everything else to make it more applicable to today.
I did really like the Jett (Jane) and Georgie (Georgiana) bonus love story. Their relationship made sense, and I almost wish more time had been spent on them.
I guess this seems like I hated the book, but I didn't. It was readable, and I did enjoy it for the most part. I did think I was going to give it an extra star when I headed to bed last night, but it didn't age well in my head. Too many problems to overcome. But I'm happy for the HEA ending, and this was a nice enough series to keep me entertained this summer. I'm giving it a generous three stars.
March 2, 2021
"Because that's what love is. No one walks into love without knowing it's going to hurt."
I'm a bit puzzled. You see, part of me is very prone to please others, which comes with a free package of not criticizing, or commenting on aspects that I particularly didn't like, for the fear that I will sound annoying, evil. Deep down, the truth is that we all have different and complex emotions: that's the condition and the beauty and the fun of human existence - but it also means that humans, things, sometimes just aren't meant to be.
And me and this book just didn't click.
I'll admit I picked it from the promise of a Pride & Prejudice retailing, one of my favorite films ever. There is something so timeless about hating and loving, how they balance each other out. Still, it was as if I jumped into a pool with no expectations but hated every second of it, complaining that the water was too warm or too cold, that the texture didn't feel right. Likewise, the writing style (the stakes, if you want to call them that) felt wrong. What worked in the 1800s didn't work here, which is not really supposed to happen, given that this is a retelling.
It's extremely counterproductive and perhaps even petty of me to point out that the things I disliked about this book are exactly the things you were supposed to search for in a Pride & Prejudice retailing: the family feud, the pinning, the longing. They were all so detached, so out of touch to me. That's the charm usually when reading books, that you're able to forget the real world, but here, reading about rich people's problems - and not even entertaining ones - was extremely annoying. I couldn't stop rolling my eyes every now and then...
There were things to like about this book: I loved Georgie, I liked Laney's sharp wit and the fact we got to read Darcy's povs. Stacy Hart clearly let herself be creative - from names with concepts (which I hated) and Bennet having a business of their own, it shows that Hart is able to put her own touch to this book, to have Laney, at least, become something else outside of the mold Austen's Elizabeth Bennet created. As with Darcy, I wouldn't say she succeeded as well. The scenes where they bonded over work, over their mutual passion for marketing were genuinely good, a breath of fresh air. Real. I wished they had bonded more like that throughout the book, having intellectual wars was much more fun and attractive than having to read about licking flames.
"Good times, bad times, doesn't matter. All things are temporary, even if they feel endless."
Maybe if I had read the rest of the series, this book would feel different. Maybe, nothing would've changed. I just don't think we're meant to be, and I'm letting the book go with this review. It wasn't that bad if you're looking for some angsty and longing stuff, but it sure doesn't live up to the 2006 film.
I'm a bit puzzled. You see, part of me is very prone to please others, which comes with a free package of not criticizing, or commenting on aspects that I particularly didn't like, for the fear that I will sound annoying, evil. Deep down, the truth is that we all have different and complex emotions: that's the condition and the beauty and the fun of human existence - but it also means that humans, things, sometimes just aren't meant to be.
And me and this book just didn't click.
I'll admit I picked it from the promise of a Pride & Prejudice retailing, one of my favorite films ever. There is something so timeless about hating and loving, how they balance each other out. Still, it was as if I jumped into a pool with no expectations but hated every second of it, complaining that the water was too warm or too cold, that the texture didn't feel right. Likewise, the writing style (the stakes, if you want to call them that) felt wrong. What worked in the 1800s didn't work here, which is not really supposed to happen, given that this is a retelling.
It's extremely counterproductive and perhaps even petty of me to point out that the things I disliked about this book are exactly the things you were supposed to search for in a Pride & Prejudice retailing: the family feud, the pinning, the longing. They were all so detached, so out of touch to me. That's the charm usually when reading books, that you're able to forget the real world, but here, reading about rich people's problems - and not even entertaining ones - was extremely annoying. I couldn't stop rolling my eyes every now and then...
There were things to like about this book: I loved Georgie, I liked Laney's sharp wit and the fact we got to read Darcy's povs. Stacy Hart clearly let herself be creative - from names with concepts (which I hated) and Bennet having a business of their own, it shows that Hart is able to put her own touch to this book, to have Laney, at least, become something else outside of the mold Austen's Elizabeth Bennet created. As with Darcy, I wouldn't say she succeeded as well. The scenes where they bonded over work, over their mutual passion for marketing were genuinely good, a breath of fresh air. Real. I wished they had bonded more like that throughout the book, having intellectual wars was much more fun and attractive than having to read about licking flames.
"Good times, bad times, doesn't matter. All things are temporary, even if they feel endless."
Maybe if I had read the rest of the series, this book would feel different. Maybe, nothing would've changed. I just don't think we're meant to be, and I'm letting the book go with this review. It wasn't that bad if you're looking for some angsty and longing stuff, but it sure doesn't live up to the 2006 film.
October 6, 2020
I am obsessed with Staci Harts books, and when i found out that she was writing a modern retelling of one of my favourite classics, I absolutely screamed out loud and eagerly awaited it becoming available.
I was lucky enough to receive and ARC of this book, and I was unable to put it down - literally reading it all in one sitting!
Pride and Papercuts is the fifth book in the Austen Book series, and features the HEA’s of Laney and Jett Bennet, the final two siblings of the Bennet family to find their forever loves. I was so excited to see how this modern retelling would be executed, and I was not disappointed. I knew it was going to be good, but I was not prepared for how emotionally all over the place I’d be with this one. One moment I was crying real tears at some of the emotionally poignant moments, and the next laughing at some of Laney’s witty and on point comebacks, but I also completed this book feeling completely and utterly satisfied with a reminder of why I’m so in love with the romance genre and Hart’s words.
Hart has this incredible way of choosing amazing characters who are relatable, and her descriptions make them easy to imagine in my mind. The plot is clever, unique and felt incredibly real.
Laney and Jett are the oldest of the Bennett children, and both work at Wasted Words, the bookstore bar that many readers may have already been familiar with. But when a marketing firm is contracted to help boost exposure, Laney is forced to comply and work alongside Liam and his younger sister Georgiana Darcy. The two Darcy siblings could not be more different, Georgie is caring, fun and everyone takes easily to her carefree and innocent nature. But then there is Liam Darcy, the stern brooding man who has a permanent severe scowl upon his face, who has a penchant of saying all the wrong things in order to rile Laney.
Laney however is badass, she is always one for speaking her mind and being confident in her own abilities, and she is not about to let Liam Darcy get the better of her. However, sometimes a quick assumption can create a false lasting impression, and Laney is so certain she knows exactly the type of man Liam Darcy is, and it’s not a good one! He hurts the ones he loves, and seems to be determined to ruin everyone’s happiness, and when Wyatt an ex-close friend of the Darcy’s helps to confirm her assumptions, it only enhances her hatred of him.
I love Laney’s fierce protective nature of not only her family, but her brother Jett. Their connection as siblings is a language of their own, and when he loves, she does, and it was truly beautiful to read.
Darcy has a story of his own, and I loved the layers of his character, and he was the one I couldn’t help but warm to. He is handsome, severe but also one to completely give you all the feels.
“He was a vast darkness, a vacuum of power, and every molecule in the room raced toward him as if they were all his, simply by means of his presence.”
An amazing retelling that i would highly recommend to all lovers of romance and the classics. It has an excellent modern twist to a well loved story, and I am completely and utterly taken by this book. It is my fave read of 2020 and is definitely one of my now all time fave books.
Beautiful writing style, excellent character depictions and a story that will melt any book lovers heart. Perfect as a stand-alone or as part of the overall Austen series, and once you read one of the books in this series you will be completely suckered in.
I was lucky enough to receive and ARC of this book, and I was unable to put it down - literally reading it all in one sitting!
Pride and Papercuts is the fifth book in the Austen Book series, and features the HEA’s of Laney and Jett Bennet, the final two siblings of the Bennet family to find their forever loves. I was so excited to see how this modern retelling would be executed, and I was not disappointed. I knew it was going to be good, but I was not prepared for how emotionally all over the place I’d be with this one. One moment I was crying real tears at some of the emotionally poignant moments, and the next laughing at some of Laney’s witty and on point comebacks, but I also completed this book feeling completely and utterly satisfied with a reminder of why I’m so in love with the romance genre and Hart’s words.
Hart has this incredible way of choosing amazing characters who are relatable, and her descriptions make them easy to imagine in my mind. The plot is clever, unique and felt incredibly real.
Laney and Jett are the oldest of the Bennett children, and both work at Wasted Words, the bookstore bar that many readers may have already been familiar with. But when a marketing firm is contracted to help boost exposure, Laney is forced to comply and work alongside Liam and his younger sister Georgiana Darcy. The two Darcy siblings could not be more different, Georgie is caring, fun and everyone takes easily to her carefree and innocent nature. But then there is Liam Darcy, the stern brooding man who has a permanent severe scowl upon his face, who has a penchant of saying all the wrong things in order to rile Laney.
Laney however is badass, she is always one for speaking her mind and being confident in her own abilities, and she is not about to let Liam Darcy get the better of her. However, sometimes a quick assumption can create a false lasting impression, and Laney is so certain she knows exactly the type of man Liam Darcy is, and it’s not a good one! He hurts the ones he loves, and seems to be determined to ruin everyone’s happiness, and when Wyatt an ex-close friend of the Darcy’s helps to confirm her assumptions, it only enhances her hatred of him.
I love Laney’s fierce protective nature of not only her family, but her brother Jett. Their connection as siblings is a language of their own, and when he loves, she does, and it was truly beautiful to read.
Darcy has a story of his own, and I loved the layers of his character, and he was the one I couldn’t help but warm to. He is handsome, severe but also one to completely give you all the feels.
“He was a vast darkness, a vacuum of power, and every molecule in the room raced toward him as if they were all his, simply by means of his presence.”
An amazing retelling that i would highly recommend to all lovers of romance and the classics. It has an excellent modern twist to a well loved story, and I am completely and utterly taken by this book. It is my fave read of 2020 and is definitely one of my now all time fave books.
Beautiful writing style, excellent character depictions and a story that will melt any book lovers heart. Perfect as a stand-alone or as part of the overall Austen series, and once you read one of the books in this series you will be completely suckered in.
October 4, 2020
If you have read Pride and Prejudice, you will get a sense of fond excitement and nostalgic yet novel pleasure from Pride and Papercuts by Staci Hart. Like the author has transformed and remodelled something old and precious to you into something totally different but more brilliant. And if you haven't read Pride and Prejudice, you will still feel the power of Staci Hart's writing in every page as she delivers one of the most amazing enemies to lovers romance. The chemistry. The characters. The emotions. The set up. Unputdownable and unparalleled writing.
Laney Benett and Liam Darcy started on the proverbial wrong foot and it goes downhill from there. She has to work with Liam as her current workplace book bar Wasted Words and Liam's ad agnecy are working on new campaigns and expansions. Liam gives this air of snobbery, brooding coldness and disdain towards Laney. And she bites back with equal hate. But we all know hate is only another side of love. With their clashing backgrounds and seeming impossibility to compromise on anything, they are standing on the precipice of love and hate.
I always feel my love for asshole heroes started with Mr. Darcy. And as I read and basked into glory of Liam's beauty, that feeling consolidated. Liam shows this cold, bitter, almost angry and rule following facade to everyone. Inside lives a misunderstood and empty man who is too scared to lose and too dark to let anyone in. God I love this infuriating man so much !His deep emotional side is first exposed through his overprotectiveness and concerns for his sister Georgiana. And Laney just burst through his armours no matter how hard he tried to deny and deflect. Laney is the epitome of sassy heroines. She has so much fire and stubbornness and smartness! She refuse to let anyone dictate her life. Be it her meddling mother or be it her angry co worker. Her only mistake was letting pride and judgement cloud her feelings for Liam. She blamed him, berated him and pushed him away only to realise the truth a little late. They collide and fire is made. And two souls are moulded together. They are true partners every way.
Their connection is something otherworldly. They pushed and teased. The chemistry was angsty and electrifying. You will feel the sweet longing , the deep craving, the heartbreaking love and the strong desire. The author maintained the old world romance feel expertly and it was a real treat. There was drama. There was tension. There were villains like Liam's aunt and owner of company Catherine De Bourgh who is ready to destroy the Bennetts out of spite or Wyatt Wickham, the wicked reporter. There were family love of the Bennetts.
Staci Hart's words has woven a dreamy and intense tale of true romance in Pride and Papercuts. I have fallen in love with Liam and Laney's stubborn, soul deep and explosive love story. It is a masterpiece on its own merit.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Laney Benett and Liam Darcy started on the proverbial wrong foot and it goes downhill from there. She has to work with Liam as her current workplace book bar Wasted Words and Liam's ad agnecy are working on new campaigns and expansions. Liam gives this air of snobbery, brooding coldness and disdain towards Laney. And she bites back with equal hate. But we all know hate is only another side of love. With their clashing backgrounds and seeming impossibility to compromise on anything, they are standing on the precipice of love and hate.
I always feel my love for asshole heroes started with Mr. Darcy. And as I read and basked into glory of Liam's beauty, that feeling consolidated. Liam shows this cold, bitter, almost angry and rule following facade to everyone. Inside lives a misunderstood and empty man who is too scared to lose and too dark to let anyone in. God I love this infuriating man so much !His deep emotional side is first exposed through his overprotectiveness and concerns for his sister Georgiana. And Laney just burst through his armours no matter how hard he tried to deny and deflect. Laney is the epitome of sassy heroines. She has so much fire and stubbornness and smartness! She refuse to let anyone dictate her life. Be it her meddling mother or be it her angry co worker. Her only mistake was letting pride and judgement cloud her feelings for Liam. She blamed him, berated him and pushed him away only to realise the truth a little late. They collide and fire is made. And two souls are moulded together. They are true partners every way.
Their connection is something otherworldly. They pushed and teased. The chemistry was angsty and electrifying. You will feel the sweet longing , the deep craving, the heartbreaking love and the strong desire. The author maintained the old world romance feel expertly and it was a real treat. There was drama. There was tension. There were villains like Liam's aunt and owner of company Catherine De Bourgh who is ready to destroy the Bennetts out of spite or Wyatt Wickham, the wicked reporter. There were family love of the Bennetts.
Staci Hart's words has woven a dreamy and intense tale of true romance in Pride and Papercuts. I have fallen in love with Liam and Laney's stubborn, soul deep and explosive love story. It is a masterpiece on its own merit.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
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