Review: Definitely, Maybe in Love by Ophelia London
Definitely, Maybe in Love
by: Ophelia London
Publication Date: Oct. 28, 2013
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 260 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4/5 stars
Spring Honeycutt wants two things: to ace her sustainable living thesis and to save the environment. Both seem hopelessly unobtainable until her college professor suggests that with a new angle, her paper could be published. Spring swears she’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that happens.
“Whatever it takes,” however, means forming a partnership with the very hot, very privileged, very conceited Henry Knightly.
Henry is Spring's only hope at publication, but he's also the über-rich son of a land developer and cash-strapped Spring’s polar opposite. Too bad she can't help being attracted to the way he pushes her buttons, both politically and physically. As they work on her thesis, Spring finds there's more to Henry than his old money and argyle sweaters…but can she drop the loud-and-proud act long enough to let him in? Suddenly, choosing between what she wants and what she needs puts Spring at odds with everything she believes in.
Definitely, Maybe in Love is a modern take on Pride and Prejudice that proves true love is worth risking a little pride.
“Whatever it takes,” however, means forming a partnership with the very hot, very privileged, very conceited Henry Knightly.
Henry is Spring's only hope at publication, but he's also the über-rich son of a land developer and cash-strapped Spring’s polar opposite. Too bad she can't help being attracted to the way he pushes her buttons, both politically and physically. As they work on her thesis, Spring finds there's more to Henry than his old money and argyle sweaters…but can she drop the loud-and-proud act long enough to let him in? Suddenly, choosing between what she wants and what she needs puts Spring at odds with everything she believes in.
Definitely, Maybe in Love is a modern take on Pride and Prejudice that proves true love is worth risking a little pride.
As soon as I heard this book was a modern day Pride and Prejudice I knew I had to read it. I, like most other bibliophiles I know, am obsessed with all things Pride and Prejudice. I love when these classics are given a modern take- one of my favorites being The Lizzie Bennet Diaries (check them out here!) I really enjoyed Definitely, Maybe in Love. This was my first P&P retelling and it was a sweet, fun story that I didn't want to put down!
What I liked most of all was that, because this is a contemporary, we didn't have to wait like we did in the classic P&P for things to escalate between the two MC's. The pacing of Spring and Henry's relationship was perfectly constructed and I loved watching them fall for one another, despite their differing opinions.
I really liked how London portrayed Spring's character. She didn't change who she was or what she believed in just because people such as Lilah (her popular, snobby nemesis) made fun of her and looked down at her. She stayed true to herself, even if it was a little extreme, and I really respected her for that. And I'm not the only one. Henry also saw that strength of character in her and that's part of what made him fall for her. Sure, he was classic Darcy in the beginning- he wasn't overly friendly to her upon their first meeting and she hears him talking about her in a not so positive way to his best friend Dart. I love how Spring calls him out on what he said- it just goes to show you she's not a pushover and that while his words sting, he doesn't intimidate her. I think this is where he really becomes intrigued by her and realizes she's not just a follower, but believes in what she's doing.
Spring is forced to seek out Henry's help, as she needs an opposing side to help better her thesis. Henry is the perfect candidate, but I love how she makes all these assumptions about him, but really they have more in common than they think. They challenge each other and drive each other crazy but that's all part of the appeal. After Spring and her best friend Julia, who is very into Dart, are forced to stay with the guys during Thanksgiving, things between Spring and Henry really start to change. Food fight, anyone? However, what would a P&P retelling be without a little drama? We know the classic tale and sure enough we have factors such as Lilah (Dart's snobby, beautiful sister who is hung up on Henry), Alex (the handsome playboy who has history with Henry and his sister), as well as the whole Julia-Dart relationship. All of these factors thrown in threaten Spring and Henry's burgeoning relationship and whether the two can get past their pride and misconceptions of the other make this an excellent ride.
I was a bit letdown by how Julia and Dart's story came to a close. I personally feel we didn't get closure on their storyline. I also felt Julia's twist was out of character for her and that did irk me a bit. Otherwise, those two were also adorable and I liked how sweet Dart was, despite having such a vapid sister.
Set in a college setting with parties, classes, and other such activities- this makes for a fun read and I really felt London did a great job with her story and her characters. The witty banter between Spring and Henry as well as their delicious chemistry, is sure to make you swoon!
14 comments
I didn't realize this was a P&P retelling, this is what happens when I only glance over the synopsis lol. Now I am a bit more intigued... cause obviously I love P&P. Great review Jessica!
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa! This was such a cute one! I really enjoyed reading it! I love P&P so much!
DeleteThis cover seriously reminds me of Jennifer E. Smith's books (in a good way).
ReplyDeleteI've read (and seen) a lot of different adaptations of P&P, but would you believe I've never read the original all the way through? Lol. I just can't get into it. I suppose that's a good thing though, because it means I tend to be unbias and enjoy all the different variations / adaptations of the story.
I'm glad as a die-hard fan this one didn't disappoint! Shows a lot of effort was put into making this story authentic and true :)
Btw LOVED the Lizzie Bennet Diaries. So sad when it ended (but what an ending!). Emma, Approved on the other hand ... not loving that so much.
Allie @ Little Birdie Books
Yes! I thought that too when I saw the cover! Wow! You've never read P&P?! I can see the whole not getting into though. I remember reading it in HS and really enjoyed it, but it was hard to get through. I was so sad when LBD ended! I haven't watched Emma, Approved. That stinks you don't love it!
DeleteGreat review! I'm looking forward to reading this one next week :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks girl! I can't wait to read your review!
DeleteGreat review. I've read several on this book today. It sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen! It was a cute read- just what I needed!
DeleteI like P&P too, and think it's so cool this is inspired. And the fact it has a faster pace is exciting too. Great review!
ReplyDeleteYes! I love the P&P movie, but I'm nearly dying by the end because there's no kissing! LOL!
DeleteGreat review Jess! Sucks you weren't satisfied with the ending but I'm glad you enjoyed it overall!
ReplyDeleteThanks chica! I really liked this one! The ending worked out okay, but didn't love the direction they took one of the characters.
DeleteI've got to get this book! Great review!
ReplyDeleteOh I think you'll really enjoy it Heather!
DeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
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