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Austen & Cufflinks #1
Four Sides of a Triangle
Twenty-three year old Madeline Perkins loves helping her friends find their one true love. As a personal assistant to Robert Swift, a billionaire CEO and self-proclaimed bachelor-for-life, she doesn't get much time to go on dates herself. Instead, she lives vicariously through her only successfully matched couple. When Robert hires Jewel Baker to help Madeline with the company's increasingly busy schedule, Madeline sets her sights on the girl as her new project and has the perfect man in mind! Her plans start to crumble when the guy turns out to be a jerk and Jewel starts falling for the last man Madeline believes is capable of ever falling in love - Robert Swift himself. Madeline is forced to reevaluate not only the entire matchmaking process, but her feelings for her playboy boss. If she isn't honest with him or herself, she may be too late to find her own true love. A modern re-telling of Jane Austen's Emma set in the corporate world.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2013
53 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Heather C. Myers
114 books759 followersFull disclosure: I am an acquired taste. I'm a typical blonde Orange County suburbanite who says 'like' more than necessary, laughs loud and probably obnoxiously, and loves to dance in the rain. I'm a 23 year old college graduate with more than a few tricks up my sleeve, and I also happen to be a pretty big Ducks fan. Oh, and I'm a writer. Like, for real.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 4, 2016
A modern Emma-esque novel
This was the first book by Heather C Myers that I have read and I am impressed. It was well written and flowing. This story is in the essence of Jane Austen's Emma, though of course with modern. You don't have to have read Emma to follow this story, but it is interesting to see how Ms Myers modernizes it.
Set in Los Angeles, this story tells of the relationship that Madeline and Robert have and how it evolves. It was written from the POV of Madeline Perkins (Emma) she is the personal assistant to Robert Swift (CEO and playboy extraordinaire). She has been his PA for the past 3 yrs after pulling him out his depressive funk after his parents died. This is the longest relationship Robert has with a female ever in his life. Madeline keeps Robert in the course, literally it is a 24/7 job, cleaning up his one-night-stands, picking up dry-cleaning, getting his coffee and lunch, etc.
Madeline believes she knows all about love and loves to play matchmaker with her knowledge. Robert is a self professed bachelor who doesn't believe in love. All the people from Emma are represented with similar events happening that add challenge to Madeline and Robert's relationship.
The only thing I will say was a little annoying is that when the story is told solely in one person's perspective, there can be some repetition of thoughts from that person several times throughout the story. As if someone just started mid or late book and we're reading those thoughts for the first time. Otherwise I loved that book and would recommend this story to everyone.
This was the first book by Heather C Myers that I have read and I am impressed. It was well written and flowing. This story is in the essence of Jane Austen's Emma, though of course with modern. You don't have to have read Emma to follow this story, but it is interesting to see how Ms Myers modernizes it.
Set in Los Angeles, this story tells of the relationship that Madeline and Robert have and how it evolves. It was written from the POV of Madeline Perkins (Emma) she is the personal assistant to Robert Swift (CEO and playboy extraordinaire). She has been his PA for the past 3 yrs after pulling him out his depressive funk after his parents died. This is the longest relationship Robert has with a female ever in his life. Madeline keeps Robert in the course, literally it is a 24/7 job, cleaning up his one-night-stands, picking up dry-cleaning, getting his coffee and lunch, etc.
Madeline believes she knows all about love and loves to play matchmaker with her knowledge. Robert is a self professed bachelor who doesn't believe in love. All the people from Emma are represented with similar events happening that add challenge to Madeline and Robert's relationship.
The only thing I will say was a little annoying is that when the story is told solely in one person's perspective, there can be some repetition of thoughts from that person several times throughout the story. As if someone just started mid or late book and we're reading those thoughts for the first time. Otherwise I loved that book and would recommend this story to everyone.
May 15, 2015
This book came to my attention when Ceri, on Goodreads, posted a number of books, either free or at a reduced price. This book was free and I bought it without reading either the reviews or the Sample.
In reading this book it very quickly became clear that this is a modern take-off of Jane Austen's Emma. Throughout the story it was fairly easy to predict what would happen due to knowing the story of Emma so well. The author was not dogmatic in re-staging every event or circumstance so it was not completely a contemporary ditto-copy of canon. We have Knightley, Harriet, Robert Martin, Frank Churchill with his father and stepmother, Rev. Elton, Jane Fairfax, etc. But there are a few missing characters. There is no Mr. Woodhouse and no Mrs. or Miss Bates, and no sister for Emma nor brother to Knightley, no nieces and nephews, etc. I liked identifying all those characters as I read about them but also enjoyed reading the different backgrounds for our protagonists.
My main reason for not giving this book five stars is that there were spelling and grammatical mistakes, i.e., I vs. me, savior vs. savor, to vs. two, hand vs. hang. Others have mentioned this also.
I did find myself drawn into the story line, despite its predictability. As I read Madeline/Maddie relate her role as Personal Assistant to Robert (yes, a Tony Stark type figure) I had to be amused. She has seen him naked how many times as she rescues him from another one-night stand with one or more over-the-top beautiful women and has her hangover remedy at hand. She views him not only as a womanizer who vows never to settle down but also as an alcoholic. She is pretty much on-call 24/7 and both have keys to each other's domiciles. So she has no time for any type of love interest of her own. This latter part is pretty much unrealistic set in this day and age. She is described as a knock-out but has for over three years had not one real date, not one kiss, much less anything close to a sex life. Yes, in the book, if you are following canon, Emma was a Regency virgin and stated to Harriet that she would never marry, but set in LA in our times Madeline is not truly believable. But, OK, for the sake of remaining true to the story, I have to accept that she is just really good at repressing any urges or desires much less the need for someone to give her attention in a romantic way.
But, on the other hand, her boss, Robert keeps propositioning her and the paparazzi keeps hinting that this couple must be in bed together. Both shrug off those latter gossip page reports while Maddie considers his overtures as part of his teasing personality. I read of how she helped arrange his ties and approve his clothing color combinations and thought "it is so obvious" that they are going to go up in flames any second. She does state how his touch or how her first sight of him in the morning at work or as the door opens at her apartment/his house sends frissons up her arm, etc. but any picking up on those signs of sexual chemistry are totally ignored by this couple.
I did completely love the conversations between these two: during discussions of matches she is attempting to make (you know – “Emma” style) or even when finally we read his admission of how he has fallen in love and she is totally without a clue as with whom he has done so. Sigh!
I usually like a more complete wrap-up, a wedding or an epilogue. However with this novel the way in which the author brought things to a head and left the readers, was satisfying for me…maybe because of all the connections to the story, Emma.
This novel had never come across my radar until 4 days ago. I am glad Ceri brought it to my attention. I am returning the favor by recommending this read to all who like JAFF or even to all who are looking for an engrossing romance.
In reading this book it very quickly became clear that this is a modern take-off of Jane Austen's Emma. Throughout the story it was fairly easy to predict what would happen due to knowing the story of Emma so well. The author was not dogmatic in re-staging every event or circumstance so it was not completely a contemporary ditto-copy of canon. We have Knightley, Harriet, Robert Martin, Frank Churchill with his father and stepmother, Rev. Elton, Jane Fairfax, etc. But there are a few missing characters. There is no Mr. Woodhouse and no Mrs. or Miss Bates, and no sister for Emma nor brother to Knightley, no nieces and nephews, etc. I liked identifying all those characters as I read about them but also enjoyed reading the different backgrounds for our protagonists.
My main reason for not giving this book five stars is that there were spelling and grammatical mistakes, i.e., I vs. me, savior vs. savor, to vs. two, hand vs. hang. Others have mentioned this also.
I did find myself drawn into the story line, despite its predictability. As I read Madeline/Maddie relate her role as Personal Assistant to Robert (yes, a Tony Stark type figure) I had to be amused. She has seen him naked how many times as she rescues him from another one-night stand with one or more over-the-top beautiful women and has her hangover remedy at hand. She views him not only as a womanizer who vows never to settle down but also as an alcoholic. She is pretty much on-call 24/7 and both have keys to each other's domiciles. So she has no time for any type of love interest of her own. This latter part is pretty much unrealistic set in this day and age. She is described as a knock-out but has for over three years had not one real date, not one kiss, much less anything close to a sex life. Yes, in the book, if you are following canon, Emma was a Regency virgin and stated to Harriet that she would never marry, but set in LA in our times Madeline is not truly believable. But, OK, for the sake of remaining true to the story, I have to accept that she is just really good at repressing any urges or desires much less the need for someone to give her attention in a romantic way.
But, on the other hand, her boss, Robert keeps propositioning her and the paparazzi keeps hinting that this couple must be in bed together. Both shrug off those latter gossip page reports while Maddie considers his overtures as part of his teasing personality. I read of how she helped arrange his ties and approve his clothing color combinations and thought "it is so obvious" that they are going to go up in flames any second. She does state how his touch or how her first sight of him in the morning at work or as the door opens at her apartment/his house sends frissons up her arm, etc. but any picking up on those signs of sexual chemistry are totally ignored by this couple.
I did completely love the conversations between these two: during discussions of matches she is attempting to make (you know – “Emma” style) or even when finally we read his admission of how he has fallen in love and she is totally without a clue as with whom he has done so. Sigh!
I usually like a more complete wrap-up, a wedding or an epilogue. However with this novel the way in which the author brought things to a head and left the readers, was satisfying for me…maybe because of all the connections to the story, Emma.
This novel had never come across my radar until 4 days ago. I am glad Ceri brought it to my attention. I am returning the favor by recommending this read to all who like JAFF or even to all who are looking for an engrossing romance.
December 4, 2018
It was okay. Technically clean, but there's innuendo. A little too long and a very short ending.
August 31, 2018
Lighthearted, witty, and engaging! Four Sides of a Triangle is all that and more. I must confess that I've never read Austen's Emma, so I can't say how this compares, but I do know that I thoroughly enjoyed this easy, fun read. For me, this one was a bit like Clueless and Two Weeks Notice, both of which were a little bit cheesy but fun nonetheless. Madeline and Robert are absolutely perfect together even when they don't see it. The story is told from Madeline's point of view and the way her complete oblivion to what's right in front of her is shown is absolutely brilliant, and her aha moment was adorable. The story is fast-paced and overall, it's just one of those feel-good reads that keeps you chuckling and smiling from beginning to end.
January 18, 2017
Easy read. But mostly because it was almost exactly like Clueless
I love Emma by Jane Austen and this book said it was based on Emma. As is the movie Clueless. Other than the edit marks that were left in the Kindle edition I read, which I can easily ignore, what I could not ignore was the dance scene in this book was practically taken word for word from the movie Clueless. I can understand and appreciate "inspired by" but blatant plagiarism is not forgivable.
I love Emma by Jane Austen and this book said it was based on Emma. As is the movie Clueless. Other than the edit marks that were left in the Kindle edition I read, which I can easily ignore, what I could not ignore was the dance scene in this book was practically taken word for word from the movie Clueless. I can understand and appreciate "inspired by" but blatant plagiarism is not forgivable.
May 5, 2019
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2018
Four Sides of a Triangle is the first book in the Austen and Cufflinks series. This can be read as a standalone. This is a modern version of Emma by Jane Austen. The storyline was average and okay, I just wish that Madeline acted a bit less clueless. Still, it was worth reading.
May 10, 2017
So, I'm completely picturing this as the romantic retelling of the movie Iron Man, just without the secret identity, murder plots, saving the world, and the Avengers - you know, everything Marvel. We have a playboy billionaire genius who builds world altering technology in his basement while running a company he inherited after his father's tragic death. His woefully overworked and under-appreciated personal assistant keeps his entire life running smoothly while fending off the flirtatious teasing of her boss and the advances of men she has no interest in and is completely unaware that she's stunningly gorgeous. All of these, and other, similarities wildly appeal to the nerd-girl in me and only enhanced my enjoyment of the story. For the most part, I loved that the romance developed slowly. Though I did reach a point where I was dying for at least one of them to "man-up" and take that final step. I think Robert and Madeline are perfectly matched to each other. Neither one lets the other get away with too much nonsense and they know each other better than they know themselves.
May 10, 2017
I haven't read Jane Austen or watched Clueless, the book and movie this is compared to, so I have nothing to compare this book to. It was original to me. Maddy and Robert would drive me crazy at times. It's a sweet, funny, and light read that is like a fairy tale to me. Maddy loves to be a matchmaker while she's won't date anyone because she's too afraid to get hurt. Robert is kind of sleezy with women, taking all of them home he meets all the time. I could tell it was just a front to everyone. He had always done this and I feel like he no longer wanted to but knew people would talk if he changed his ways. I just knew he was in love with Maddy. She tried to stay professional and I felt she was afraid to give in because she really loved him. But I kept wanting them to hurry up lol. This was a fun read that makes you laugh out loud through a lot of it. It sucked me right in and I couldn't put it down.
March 28, 2019
What do you do if you're privy to all your bosses personal & business issues & he's a huge player? Youre also his rock, go to girl & clean up all his messes. But what happens if there's underlying feelings that haven't really surfaced for both? I suppose when others are involved it becomes a square instead of a triangle. Especially since the boss hires an assistant to help you. Add in the multitude of women on his doorstep.
My initial thoughts on Robert weren't favourable & Im really not sure what Madeline saw in him but that's a story for you! I liked he's wasn't the typical H with the height etc so that was a nice touch. Madeline was everyone's type of h as well.
I'm sure anyone into the millionaire genre would enjoy this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My initial thoughts on Robert weren't favourable & Im really not sure what Madeline saw in him but that's a story for you! I liked he's wasn't the typical H with the height etc so that was a nice touch. Madeline was everyone's type of h as well.
I'm sure anyone into the millionaire genre would enjoy this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2017
Four Sides of a Triangle was a fun read, although there were a few times I just wanted these two to get on with it already. Overall, though, an enjoyable read that still makes me shake my head and think: does this really happen to people? I know the working for a billionaire – well, the gorgeous, hunky part anyway – isn’t gonna happen to me and this is the reason I read what I call escape books. Madeline Perkins is personal assistant to billionaire Robert Swift. These two will make your head snap back and forth as if you are watching a tennis match! It’s fun, it’s flirty, it’s a good way to spend a book reading afternoon.
May 13, 2017
Friends to lovers with a spin
This was a unique spin on the friends to lovers story. This time, one person got jealous of people they thought the other person was interested in, thus creating a triangle, then another side to the triangle. I really liked the relationship between the hero and the heroine. It was really comfortable and easy. What I didn't like was that the book is mainly from the heroine's perspective, with sporadic bits from the hero's perspective. The book either needs to have regular insights from the hero or none at all. The way it was written was a little confusing. That being said, this is a solid story and a good way to spend a few hours.
This was a unique spin on the friends to lovers story. This time, one person got jealous of people they thought the other person was interested in, thus creating a triangle, then another side to the triangle. I really liked the relationship between the hero and the heroine. It was really comfortable and easy. What I didn't like was that the book is mainly from the heroine's perspective, with sporadic bits from the hero's perspective. The book either needs to have regular insights from the hero or none at all. The way it was written was a little confusing. That being said, this is a solid story and a good way to spend a few hours.
July 20, 2018
The title of this book changed to "Denial" on my Kindle, I couldn't find the download on my kindle cloud. As much as this could've been a better storyline for me, it just wasn't appealing to me. I became more and more irritated with characters especially Madeline's. Her character is just ignorant to the most obvious. I just couldn't like her or hate her, I just wanted the story to end. I guess I'm just not patient enough to read about a woman being willfully ignorant to everything and everyone around her. I guess their is certain cat and mouse games in a fictional stories I can't even comprehend.
August 1, 2018
I read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I am amazed at the versatility of writing that Ms. Myers has. I have enjoyed all her hockey stories and now have the pleasure of reading Four Sides of a Triangle. I fell in love with Madeline and how long it took her to realize her feelings. Her admiration of her boss and her willingness to adapt herself to his every comfort. Smart as a whip boss Robert who will never fall for “the one” but cannot live without Madeline. I love how he realizes how important she is to him. There is no recipe for falling in love and this story was very enjoyable following their journey.
I am amazed at the versatility of writing that Ms. Myers has. I have enjoyed all her hockey stories and now have the pleasure of reading Four Sides of a Triangle. I fell in love with Madeline and how long it took her to realize her feelings. Her admiration of her boss and her willingness to adapt herself to his every comfort. Smart as a whip boss Robert who will never fall for “the one” but cannot live without Madeline. I love how he realizes how important she is to him. There is no recipe for falling in love and this story was very enjoyable following their journey.
August 31, 2018
A really good romance. 💞💓💞
Madeline is the PA for Mr. Robert Swift and yet there has always been more to it than that, even though neither one has acted on it. But lately, things are starting to get to Robert about his "Maddy" and he's begun wondering what that means. Madeline does everything for Mr. Swift and has absolutely no illusions about who he is. And yet, she hasn't dated since she took this job. And yet, slowly, things are changing and evolving into much more than just a job. ❤️️😍❤️️
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Madeline is the PA for Mr. Robert Swift and yet there has always been more to it than that, even though neither one has acted on it. But lately, things are starting to get to Robert about his "Maddy" and he's begun wondering what that means. Madeline does everything for Mr. Swift and has absolutely no illusions about who he is. And yet, she hasn't dated since she took this job. And yet, slowly, things are changing and evolving into much more than just a job. ❤️️😍❤️️
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2017
I got this mainly for the assume title! And found a lighthearted fun loving story.
You know how some girls go on and on over analyzing things but can’t see what in right in front of them? Well, that’s Maddy. Maddy is the assistant to Robert. Robert reminds me of ironman minus the super hero bit. If the movie Ironman were to focus on the relationship between him and his assistant you would have Four Sides of a Triangle.
You know how some girls go on and on over analyzing things but can’t see what in right in front of them? Well, that’s Maddy. Maddy is the assistant to Robert. Robert reminds me of ironman minus the super hero bit. If the movie Ironman were to focus on the relationship between him and his assistant you would have Four Sides of a Triangle.
December 3, 2018
What, you never thought someone was perfect for somebody and then realize that it's you? Ok me neither but I did enjoy this book. Madeline's kind of late discovery creates a bit of a problem for Robert and Jewel, the "perfect couple", damn it! Frustrating to watch how slow they are to something we realize way sooner. Can't wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2017
I love Emma and Clueless so I was excited to see a modern day, adult version of the story. This was a light read but there were a few too many straight from Clueless scenes, word for word, for me to love it. These characters are not in high school so some of the things that said seemed immature and juvenile. Overall, I liked the story.
May 31, 2017
Pure unadulterated romance. I've read a number of books now by author Heather C Myers and enjoyed every one. This is a good, well-written book. I can't help but be amazed by the sheer volume of writing she can produce. *SPOILER* I had the HEA figured out in the first few pages but the book was so well-written I had to read the whole thing anyway! I'll still be reading more by her in the future.
June 9, 2018
A great storyline! Hard to put down! Intense and Emotional! Hot Chemistry! I truly enjoyed this read! Get it and Read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2018
she is a great matchmaker and great at her other job. trouble is about to happen when she starts to fall for the man her best friend wants and he just happens to her boss. things are about to get complicated
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2018
Four Sides of a Triangle is the first book in the Austen and Cufflinks series. This can be read as a standalone. This is a modern version of Emma by Jane Austen. The storyline was average and okay, I just wish that Madeline acted a bit less clueless. Still, it was worth reading.
September 1, 2018
Speechless...
I think this book was marvelous. All the twists and turns just made me want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. I couldn't put this book down. I strongly suggest you reading it.
I think this book was marvelous. All the twists and turns just made me want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. I couldn't put this book down. I strongly suggest you reading it.
May 7, 2019
This was a cute retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. It was a fusion of Emma and Robert Downey, Jr.'s Iron Man character (when he's not in the suit). It needed better editing since words were misused sporadically, causing unintentional humor.
May 11, 2017
Cute but she over analyzes everything. It seemed a little lengthy.
May 14, 2017
I loved this well written book! This is my first book by her and I am very impressed. This story was engaging from beginning to end. I really loved these well developed characters!
August 2, 2018
Most definitely recommend this book! Enjoyed it.
August 25, 2018
The storyline is a take on an old classic. I thought the story was pretty humorous and fun. The characters were interesting and I loved the banter between them.
May 12, 2017
Malgré un début quelque peu prometteur, les défauts de ce texte m’ont semblé s’accumuler au fur et à mesure de ma lecture.
Ce qui est intéressant, c’est qu’il s’agit d’une adaptation moderne d’Emma, de Jane Austen. Je ne lis jamais d’œuvres dérivées de celles d’Austen, et même si je veux bien croire qu’il en existe de tous les types et de tous les niveaux, ce premier essai m’a confirmé pourquoi. Parce que, si tu prends un chef d’œuvre et que tu le modifies à ta sauce, quelles sont sérieusement tes chances d’obtenir un résultat à la hauteur de l’original ?
Je me suis rendu compte en lisant Four Sides of a Triangle à quel point je connais bien l’intrigue d’Emma et, si certains éléments complètement calqués sur le modèle (donc pour lesquels l’auteure n’a aucun mérite) m’ont fait sourire, la plupart des changements opérés m’ont à l’inverse semblé gâcher l’histoire. Tout d’abord, cette adaptation est une romance, ce qu’Emma n’est pas. Dans ce roman d’Austen, il n’y a aucun développement de relation amoureuse entre Emma et Mr. Knightley, ce qui permet précisément à l’auteure de nous faire vivre avec l’héroïne le choc (en même temps que l’évidence) de sa soudaine réalisation qu’elle aime ce dernier, et crée un petit suspense puisqu’on ignore initialement ses sentiments à lui.
Dans Four Sides of a Triangle, la relation entre Robert Swift, genius billionaire playboy philanthropist, et Madeline, son assistante personnelle, est dès le départ au centre de l’histoire, et très chargée en tension sexuelle et émotionnelle. Au passage, tous les deux m’ont fait penser à Tony Stark et Pepper Potts (des films). En fait, le comportement de Robert est complètement dans la zone « harcèlement sexuel », et je ne vois pas comment Madeline peut l’accepter sans se rendre compte que c’est parce qu’elle l’aime. Ensuite, comme si ce n’était pas assez clair, on a droit au milieu du bouquin à deux passages écrits du point de vue de Robert, où il réalise la nature de ses propres sentiments…
C’est d’autant plus maladroit que le reste de la narration est à la première personne. Encore un choix discutable. J’adore le personnage d’Emma pour ses défauts ; sauf qu’ici, on est dans la tête de la coupable, donc ses actions ont tendance à être systématiquement et lourdement justifiées (alors qu’Austen peut prendre un recul bienvenu avec sa propre héroïne). De plus, si Mr. Knightley ne se montre pas toujours tendre avec Emma, Robert est beaucoup plus complaisant envers son assistante. C’est le gros problème de la narration à la première personne : les auteurs ont tendance à trop s’investir dans le personnage qu’ils font parler.
Je m’arrêterai là dans la liste des détails changés (à mon avis) pour le pire, d’autant que ce serait trop spoiler. Peut-être que mon grief principal contre cette histoire est finalement d’être si loin de son modèle, autant en termes d’intérêt que de qualité. Mais c’est à ça qu’on s’expose en voulant copier les classiques…
Ce qui est intéressant, c’est qu’il s’agit d’une adaptation moderne d’Emma, de Jane Austen. Je ne lis jamais d’œuvres dérivées de celles d’Austen, et même si je veux bien croire qu’il en existe de tous les types et de tous les niveaux, ce premier essai m’a confirmé pourquoi. Parce que, si tu prends un chef d’œuvre et que tu le modifies à ta sauce, quelles sont sérieusement tes chances d’obtenir un résultat à la hauteur de l’original ?
Je me suis rendu compte en lisant Four Sides of a Triangle à quel point je connais bien l’intrigue d’Emma et, si certains éléments complètement calqués sur le modèle (donc pour lesquels l’auteure n’a aucun mérite) m’ont fait sourire, la plupart des changements opérés m’ont à l’inverse semblé gâcher l’histoire. Tout d’abord, cette adaptation est une romance, ce qu’Emma n’est pas. Dans ce roman d’Austen, il n’y a aucun développement de relation amoureuse entre Emma et Mr. Knightley, ce qui permet précisément à l’auteure de nous faire vivre avec l’héroïne le choc (en même temps que l’évidence) de sa soudaine réalisation qu’elle aime ce dernier, et crée un petit suspense puisqu’on ignore initialement ses sentiments à lui.
Dans Four Sides of a Triangle, la relation entre Robert Swift, genius billionaire playboy philanthropist, et Madeline, son assistante personnelle, est dès le départ au centre de l’histoire, et très chargée en tension sexuelle et émotionnelle. Au passage, tous les deux m’ont fait penser à Tony Stark et Pepper Potts (des films). En fait, le comportement de Robert est complètement dans la zone « harcèlement sexuel », et je ne vois pas comment Madeline peut l’accepter sans se rendre compte que c’est parce qu’elle l’aime. Ensuite, comme si ce n’était pas assez clair, on a droit au milieu du bouquin à deux passages écrits du point de vue de Robert, où il réalise la nature de ses propres sentiments…
C’est d’autant plus maladroit que le reste de la narration est à la première personne. Encore un choix discutable. J’adore le personnage d’Emma pour ses défauts ; sauf qu’ici, on est dans la tête de la coupable, donc ses actions ont tendance à être systématiquement et lourdement justifiées (alors qu’Austen peut prendre un recul bienvenu avec sa propre héroïne). De plus, si Mr. Knightley ne se montre pas toujours tendre avec Emma, Robert est beaucoup plus complaisant envers son assistante. C’est le gros problème de la narration à la première personne : les auteurs ont tendance à trop s’investir dans le personnage qu’ils font parler.
Je m’arrêterai là dans la liste des détails changés (à mon avis) pour le pire, d’autant que ce serait trop spoiler. Peut-être que mon grief principal contre cette histoire est finalement d’être si loin de son modèle, autant en termes d’intérêt que de qualité. Mais c’est à ça qu’on s’expose en voulant copier les classiques…
August 31, 2018
Four Sides of a Triangle: An Austen & Cufflinks Novel (The Austen & Cufflinks Series Book 1) By: Heather C. MyersMatchmaker, Matchmaker Make Me A Match... As Long As You Don't Look At Mine!!!
When Matchmaking doesn't go exactly the way you picture it....
Now, she's gonna have to choose, is gonna be self-serve or selflessly-serve...
Because she's realizing there are feelings involved when it comes RIGHT down to the HEART surrounding this Man...
I was granted an ARC of Heather C. Myers' "Four Sides of a Triangle: An Austen & Cufflinks Novel (The Austen & Cufflinks Series Book 1)" via Booksprout, & I'm happy to recommend it to others because it's an excellent read... You're definitely going to want to continue reading the entire series, because this book makes you want to know more, More, MORE about the other characters!! I cannot wait to read More!
Trust me, this is definitely a book you'll want to One-Click straight into your library because you'll read, Reread, & then READ it again & AGAIN. Don't miss out because this is a Surefire One-Click! All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given.
Until next time... Happy Reading!
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