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The Jane Austen Academy Series #3
When I’m With You
This is an alternate cover edition of 9781938268038
Dive into the fabulous, fun lives of six Academy girls as their friendships are tested, torn and ultimately triumph.
Kat is destined to be a star and her big break has arrived at last! As the assistant to a celebrity classmate on the set of a feature film, she's going to show everyone she has what it takes. That is, until she discovers pursuing her dreams may mean forfeiting her heart. Unless she can find a way to have both…
* * *
The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is hot guys to flirt with. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And it’s about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down…
The Jane Austen Academy series are modern retellings of Jane Austen classics set at a beachside California boarding school. Don't miss the rest of the Jane Austen Academy series, where sassy girls, hot guys and Jane Austen collide!
Dive into the fabulous, fun lives of six Academy girls as their friendships are tested, torn and ultimately triumph.
Kat is destined to be a star and her big break has arrived at last! As the assistant to a celebrity classmate on the set of a feature film, she's going to show everyone she has what it takes. That is, until she discovers pursuing her dreams may mean forfeiting her heart. Unless she can find a way to have both…
* * *
The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is hot guys to flirt with. But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And it’s about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down…
The Jane Austen Academy series are modern retellings of Jane Austen classics set at a beachside California boarding school. Don't miss the rest of the Jane Austen Academy series, where sassy girls, hot guys and Jane Austen collide!
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First published December 22, 2012
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About the author
Cecilia Gray
37 books142 followersCecilia Gray writes stories about first love, second chances, and forever friendships. She--much like her characters--resides in quite a few places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 25, 2015
Book three left the academy campus during winter break and took acting and drama lover Kat to a movie shoot in the company of the less than stellar Josh Wickham as his assistant. Kat learns more than how to make movies and act on the set with her encounters with Josh, Izzie and Henry the show's stars. She returns to Jane Austen Academy with a new appreciation for the school, her friends and most of all herself.
As with the others, I strongly advice getting them in order so best enjoy the series arcs and ongoing plot threads. Each story has a tie to a Jane Austen novel and in this case, it's Northanger Abbey. I love the author's creativity in figuring out how to bring the spirit of that novel into the modern age. I thought it was done well and I appreciated that the author didn't attempt strict parallels so that the story had some originality to it as well.
Each story has a different tone to match the girl who is having her chance in the limelight. They each have things to learn as they come into their own. Kat's book is exciting and has a bit of intrigue too. I had a really good time with this one. And like the others, the romance is there, but its not the only element nor is it necessarily the strongest one.
Looking forward to the next book.
As with the others, I strongly advice getting them in order so best enjoy the series arcs and ongoing plot threads. Each story has a tie to a Jane Austen novel and in this case, it's Northanger Abbey. I love the author's creativity in figuring out how to bring the spirit of that novel into the modern age. I thought it was done well and I appreciated that the author didn't attempt strict parallels so that the story had some originality to it as well.
Each story has a different tone to match the girl who is having her chance in the limelight. They each have things to learn as they come into their own. Kat's book is exciting and has a bit of intrigue too. I had a really good time with this one. And like the others, the romance is there, but its not the only element nor is it necessarily the strongest one.
Looking forward to the next book.
December 31, 2014
When I’m With You: A Modern Retelling of Northanger Abbey is the third book of the Jane Austen Academy Series. Cecilia Gray brings this Regency classic to the present day, putting her spin on it in a fun and clever way!
Kat Morley is a star on stage, at least she is at the Jane Austen Academy. She knows her characters and delivers their lines well, but in real life she doesn’t quite fit in. She never knows what to say, and often feels like an outsider. She agrees to spend her Christmas holiday helping out a classmate, Josh Wickham while he’s on set filming his part in a horror movie. This part is important for Josh, who’s trying to make a comeback after taking a couple of years off. Kat agrees to be his personal assistant in the hope of catching the break she needs to get into the business herself.
While on set, she meets Henry Trenton, one of the co-stars of the movie. Henry is playing a serial killer in the film. He is an interesting character, a man of many hats, literally! He likes to wear different types of hats depending on his mood and what he is wearing. Kat is awestruck and is crushing on him.
I love the whole boarding school aspect of the story. Although, most of this story happens during winter break, away from school. I also liked to see how Gray worked aspects of Northanger into this story.
I could relate to Kat’s character; I’ve been there. I never know what to say. I often feel overlooked, and not part of the crowd. I don’t know if she realized it, but she made friends quickly on set and was well respected.
I really enjoyed When I’m With You! I haven’t read the first two books, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything. I felt it could stand alone. Although, I could see some threads that must continue through the series, for example, a mystery about the new owners of the Jane Austen Academy and what their plans for the school’s future are. Now, I’m going to have to read the first two, and I’ll be looking forward to the next three!
FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from the author for my honest review.
Kat Morley is a star on stage, at least she is at the Jane Austen Academy. She knows her characters and delivers their lines well, but in real life she doesn’t quite fit in. She never knows what to say, and often feels like an outsider. She agrees to spend her Christmas holiday helping out a classmate, Josh Wickham while he’s on set filming his part in a horror movie. This part is important for Josh, who’s trying to make a comeback after taking a couple of years off. Kat agrees to be his personal assistant in the hope of catching the break she needs to get into the business herself.
While on set, she meets Henry Trenton, one of the co-stars of the movie. Henry is playing a serial killer in the film. He is an interesting character, a man of many hats, literally! He likes to wear different types of hats depending on his mood and what he is wearing. Kat is awestruck and is crushing on him.
I love the whole boarding school aspect of the story. Although, most of this story happens during winter break, away from school. I also liked to see how Gray worked aspects of Northanger into this story.
I could relate to Kat’s character; I’ve been there. I never know what to say. I often feel overlooked, and not part of the crowd. I don’t know if she realized it, but she made friends quickly on set and was well respected.
I really enjoyed When I’m With You! I haven’t read the first two books, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything. I felt it could stand alone. Although, I could see some threads that must continue through the series, for example, a mystery about the new owners of the Jane Austen Academy and what their plans for the school’s future are. Now, I’m going to have to read the first two, and I’ll be looking forward to the next three!
FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from the author for my honest review.
October 1, 2016
This review is also available on my blog, Bows & Bullets Reviews
Kat is determined to become a successful actress. Acting has been a passion as long as she can remember, so when famous classmate Josh Wickham offers to let her be his assistant on a real movie set over Christmas break, there is no way she can refuse him. She'll be onset with famous actors and actresses and maybe she'll get her big break.
As the third novel in this series, all the characters are pretty well established. We get nothing new, just Josh being put squarely back into the bad guy role, which I'm slightly annoyed with. I make no secret that one of my favorite Pride & Prejudice retellings is Lost In Austen, A BBC mini-series. Part of the reason I love it is because of what they do with Wickham's character, so I always feel like his capable of much more and am disappointed when he is still stuck in the perpetual bad guy for bad guys sake role. There are still three more books in the series, so hopefully that will change.
Plotwise, this was adorable. I have not read any of Austen's works beyond P&P (I know, shame on me), so I can't speak to how well it represents it's source material, but I can say that it is my favorite thus far in the series. Kat's journey felt very realistic and I loved how she just falls into the role of helper on set, trying to give everyone who is struggling a bit of a hand. I also loved how into acting she is. She is hard-core dedicated to that dream and it was awesome to see that.
Henry, the love interest, was a character I instantly loved. He's charming and sweet and has a hat obsession I can definitely relate to. Once you know the story of the hats, it's even sweeter. He's definitely perfect for our Kat, even if it takes a while for them to finally get it together.
As I predicted after reading the first book in this series, it definitely gets better and better. As the series progresses, we get to see more and more of all the characters, even though the books each focus on a specific couple, the other characters aren't abandoned. In a lot of novels lately where each book in the series focuses on a specific couple, book 1 will portray two girls (or two guys or a guy and a girl) as best friends and then when book two comes out from the friends perspective, it's like that bestie was lost because we don't see them much and that is not the case here. We see all the old characters as we are being introduced to new ones. What you really need to know is this series is great, with interesting characters and good writing. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
****Thank you to Gray Life LLC and Cecilia Gray for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review****
Kat is determined to become a successful actress. Acting has been a passion as long as she can remember, so when famous classmate Josh Wickham offers to let her be his assistant on a real movie set over Christmas break, there is no way she can refuse him. She'll be onset with famous actors and actresses and maybe she'll get her big break.
As the third novel in this series, all the characters are pretty well established. We get nothing new, just Josh being put squarely back into the bad guy role, which I'm slightly annoyed with. I make no secret that one of my favorite Pride & Prejudice retellings is Lost In Austen, A BBC mini-series. Part of the reason I love it is because of what they do with Wickham's character, so I always feel like his capable of much more and am disappointed when he is still stuck in the perpetual bad guy for bad guys sake role. There are still three more books in the series, so hopefully that will change.
Plotwise, this was adorable. I have not read any of Austen's works beyond P&P (I know, shame on me), so I can't speak to how well it represents it's source material, but I can say that it is my favorite thus far in the series. Kat's journey felt very realistic and I loved how she just falls into the role of helper on set, trying to give everyone who is struggling a bit of a hand. I also loved how into acting she is. She is hard-core dedicated to that dream and it was awesome to see that.
Henry, the love interest, was a character I instantly loved. He's charming and sweet and has a hat obsession I can definitely relate to. Once you know the story of the hats, it's even sweeter. He's definitely perfect for our Kat, even if it takes a while for them to finally get it together.
As I predicted after reading the first book in this series, it definitely gets better and better. As the series progresses, we get to see more and more of all the characters, even though the books each focus on a specific couple, the other characters aren't abandoned. In a lot of novels lately where each book in the series focuses on a specific couple, book 1 will portray two girls (or two guys or a guy and a girl) as best friends and then when book two comes out from the friends perspective, it's like that bestie was lost because we don't see them much and that is not the case here. We see all the old characters as we are being introduced to new ones. What you really need to know is this series is great, with interesting characters and good writing. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
****Thank you to Gray Life LLC and Cecilia Gray for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review****
March 8, 2013
I have to say that The Jane Austen Academy Series has been such an enjoyable series to read, and When I'm With You, the third installment in the series, did not disappoint. When I'm With You is Cecilia Gray's version of a modern day retelling of Northanger Abbey. This story focuses on Kat Morley, one of the girls from the Academy. It is Christmas break and most of the girls are going home to spend time with family. Kat is on the drama team and is very good, having had the lead roll in all the school's productions for the last few years.
Josh Wickham is also one of the students at the school, who just happens to be a famous actor. Josh has invited Kat to go with him over the Christmas break to the set where he will be shooting his next film, as his personal assistant. Of course Kat is bouncing off the walls because she is so excited. She also meets another famous actor Henry Trenton, whose father happens to be Tom Trenton, one of the most well known actors ever, as well as Izzy Engel, the lead teenage female actress in the movie. Izzy seems really nice on the surface, but are her intentions really honorable?
Kat soon finds out that being on a movie set is extremely hard work and not that glamorous, but also finds a new love for working behind the scenes. She also finds out about the paparazzi, how the different actors handle them, and just how cut throat the acting business can be. She and Henry hit it off really well, and in fact, he asks her out, but somehow their plans keep getting sabotaged. When the week of shooting is over and she and Josh head to LA for the remainder of the Christmas break, who they are staying with and what happens while they are there proves to test Kat's loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness, but will it be enough to hold onto the budding romance between Kat and Henry, or will things be sabotaged once again?
When I'm With You was an absolutely charming story and I really enjoyed it. This is the first installment in the series where the majority of the story took place outside the Academy, and that was really interesting. I really enjoyed getting to know Kat and watching her mature as the story progressed, revealing not only someone who was willing to forgive and say I'm sorry, but also someone who was willing to do the menial tasks required, while learning to enjoy them in the process, which was something that I think even surprised Kat herself. Henry, the love interest was an absolute doll, and even though he grew up with a famous father and is now famous himself, he was one of the nicest, easy going, and down to earth people there. Josh and Izzy, however, weren't quite as nice. This is a relatively short read, and the entire story is fast paced and really enjoyable. The ending was really great to. Cecilia Gray has done another outstanding job with this third installment in the Jane Austen Series, and I am really looking forward to reading book number four.
Josh Wickham is also one of the students at the school, who just happens to be a famous actor. Josh has invited Kat to go with him over the Christmas break to the set where he will be shooting his next film, as his personal assistant. Of course Kat is bouncing off the walls because she is so excited. She also meets another famous actor Henry Trenton, whose father happens to be Tom Trenton, one of the most well known actors ever, as well as Izzy Engel, the lead teenage female actress in the movie. Izzy seems really nice on the surface, but are her intentions really honorable?
Kat soon finds out that being on a movie set is extremely hard work and not that glamorous, but also finds a new love for working behind the scenes. She also finds out about the paparazzi, how the different actors handle them, and just how cut throat the acting business can be. She and Henry hit it off really well, and in fact, he asks her out, but somehow their plans keep getting sabotaged. When the week of shooting is over and she and Josh head to LA for the remainder of the Christmas break, who they are staying with and what happens while they are there proves to test Kat's loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness, but will it be enough to hold onto the budding romance between Kat and Henry, or will things be sabotaged once again?
When I'm With You was an absolutely charming story and I really enjoyed it. This is the first installment in the series where the majority of the story took place outside the Academy, and that was really interesting. I really enjoyed getting to know Kat and watching her mature as the story progressed, revealing not only someone who was willing to forgive and say I'm sorry, but also someone who was willing to do the menial tasks required, while learning to enjoy them in the process, which was something that I think even surprised Kat herself. Henry, the love interest was an absolute doll, and even though he grew up with a famous father and is now famous himself, he was one of the nicest, easy going, and down to earth people there. Josh and Izzy, however, weren't quite as nice. This is a relatively short read, and the entire story is fast paced and really enjoyable. The ending was really great to. Cecilia Gray has done another outstanding job with this third installment in the Jane Austen Series, and I am really looking forward to reading book number four.
December 29, 2013
So, I'm a big Jane Austen fan and I've lately been reading quite a bit of modern retellings as I find I love them just as much because the themes really do carry over well and we all need our Austen "fix" every once and a while. So, I literally did a little happy dance when I found out about a series dedicated to modern retellings of Miss Austen's works. This was the first book I'd read in the Jane Austen Academy series, but I also purchased the first book on Kindle and plan on reading it soon as well.
I must say, the author did a wonderful job in making the story her own-- at times I found myself forgetting that this was actually a retelling as the characters were uniquely written and extremely likable(yes, even Izzy!). Kat is set on making it into the movie as an extra, and she does with help from Izzy who is one of the stars. She finds herself forging lots of friendships with not only the stars of the film(Izzy Engel, Josh Wickham--who she is the assistant of on set, and Henry Trenton), but also people like the caterer, and makeup and wardrobe specialists. Each and every character is so well developed that when they leave the set and head to L.A. to finish up you find yourself really missing the little side-characters. To be completely honest, I can't wait to read the rest of the series as this is by far my favorite Northanger Abbey retelling to date. Kat and Henry's relationship, both the ups and the downs, are so beautifully and honestly portrayed that When I'm With You has become an instant favorite. I highly recommend for young teens on up to adults even!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley, but this in no way affected my review or opinion.*
I must say, the author did a wonderful job in making the story her own-- at times I found myself forgetting that this was actually a retelling as the characters were uniquely written and extremely likable(yes, even Izzy!). Kat is set on making it into the movie as an extra, and she does with help from Izzy who is one of the stars. She finds herself forging lots of friendships with not only the stars of the film(Izzy Engel, Josh Wickham--who she is the assistant of on set, and Henry Trenton), but also people like the caterer, and makeup and wardrobe specialists. Each and every character is so well developed that when they leave the set and head to L.A. to finish up you find yourself really missing the little side-characters. To be completely honest, I can't wait to read the rest of the series as this is by far my favorite Northanger Abbey retelling to date. Kat and Henry's relationship, both the ups and the downs, are so beautifully and honestly portrayed that When I'm With You has become an instant favorite. I highly recommend for young teens on up to adults even!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley, but this in no way affected my review or opinion.*
March 6, 2013
When I'm With You is another total hit for Cecilia Gray! Lord knows I love this series. I love how each girl goes through their own sets of growing pains and in that they learn something very valuable that they can take with them. I have been captivated by this series since book one and in this one we meet Kat. I love how Kat grows and matures in this one. She wants to be an actress and she is very good at it. She wants it so bad she can taste it. So when Josh asks her to be his Personal Assistant while he is filming a new movie she jumps at the chance. She can use all the exposure she can get and she wants to learn and master the ways the pro's do it. She really has nothing to worry about because quite frankly she is better than Josh at acting and can blow him out the box with her crazy skills.
I have to say that I am not a fan of Josh's because he can be so rude and nasty and condescending that it irks me. I know deep down that he is jealous of Kat and her natural talents and I also think that his career is taking a nose dive and he is scared of losing everything he worked so hard for. I mean he took douchery to another level in this book with the way he treated Kat. But I am proud of my girl because she stood up for herself and she grew as a person and that is what matters most.
Plus we meet Henry. Lord lord lord I thought Henry was a little out there but then I got to reading more and more and I loved him. He is quirky but in a good way and he and Kat well you just have to read the book to find out!
I have to say that I am not a fan of Josh's because he can be so rude and nasty and condescending that it irks me. I know deep down that he is jealous of Kat and her natural talents and I also think that his career is taking a nose dive and he is scared of losing everything he worked so hard for. I mean he took douchery to another level in this book with the way he treated Kat. But I am proud of my girl because she stood up for herself and she grew as a person and that is what matters most.
Plus we meet Henry. Lord lord lord I thought Henry was a little out there but then I got to reading more and more and I loved him. He is quirky but in a good way and he and Kat well you just have to read the book to find out!
May 10, 2014
This is absolutely my favorite of the series so far. I adored Kat's character, and even more than that I adored Henry's character.
I thought that how Izzy was portrayed was perfect, and all of the characters worked well together.
Kat had some great growth through this novel, and also seeing her relationship develop with Henry was brilliant.
It isn't simply the wonderfully written characters which made this so great though, it was also the way that Northanger Abbey was intepreted in this novel.
I really liked how the more gothic elements of Northanger Abbey, were brought into it by having them make a horror movie. That was a fantastic touch, and a great way to make this storyline work in a modern setting.
It was also really interesting to have a story set away from the academy, and have the introduction of characters who weren't students there.
There were so many cute moments in this story, that I practically had a grin on my face the entire time. Most of these moments were between Kat and Henry, because they were such a great pairing.
One of the things I liked the most about this, is that while I was reading, I could easily recognise parts of Northanger Abbey which had been taken and reinvented for a modern YA setting.
On the whole, this is definitely my favourite of the series so far, which makes me even more excited to read the rest, because I haven't even got to my favourite Austen novel yet.
I thought that how Izzy was portrayed was perfect, and all of the characters worked well together.
Kat had some great growth through this novel, and also seeing her relationship develop with Henry was brilliant.
It isn't simply the wonderfully written characters which made this so great though, it was also the way that Northanger Abbey was intepreted in this novel.
I really liked how the more gothic elements of Northanger Abbey, were brought into it by having them make a horror movie. That was a fantastic touch, and a great way to make this storyline work in a modern setting.
It was also really interesting to have a story set away from the academy, and have the introduction of characters who weren't students there.
There were so many cute moments in this story, that I practically had a grin on my face the entire time. Most of these moments were between Kat and Henry, because they were such a great pairing.
One of the things I liked the most about this, is that while I was reading, I could easily recognise parts of Northanger Abbey which had been taken and reinvented for a modern YA setting.
On the whole, this is definitely my favourite of the series so far, which makes me even more excited to read the rest, because I haven't even got to my favourite Austen novel yet.
July 9, 2017
4.5 stars
This is a modern NA retelling, part 3 in the JAA series, and my favourite installment so far. I loved Kat - she was a credible modern version of Catherine Morland - and her quest for her own indentity. Henry was great as well, and Josh Wickham served as a perfect foil for him. The only thing I was not so sure about was Izzy - I could not work her out. She is Isabella Thorpe, and the she is not - or is she? I wonder if she is going to make an appearance in the next books. Also, the epilogue! It sure does make me want to read on. ;)
This is a modern NA retelling, part 3 in the JAA series, and my favourite installment so far. I loved Kat - she was a credible modern version of Catherine Morland - and her quest for her own indentity. Henry was great as well, and Josh Wickham served as a perfect foil for him. The only thing I was not so sure about was Izzy - I could not work her out. She is Isabella Thorpe, and the she is not - or is she? I wonder if she is going to make an appearance in the next books. Also, the epilogue! It sure does make me want to read on. ;)
March 5, 2013
When I’m With You is the third book in the Jane Austen Academy series. I really enjoyed this book. I think it is well known by now that I am really love this series. The writing is great and the characters make the stories come alive. The third installment in this series is the same in those two aspects but overall it had a different feel from the first two books. This book takes place away from the academy, and many of the main characters were gone. Kat tags along with Josh over winter break when he goes to film a new movie. At first I thought that I would miss Lizzy and the rest of the gang because I love them so much, but Kat’s story turned out to be so great that within the first two chapters, I actually forgot about the rest of the characters and I was completely focused on Kat.
Plus, we got all sorts of new characters to make up for the ones that we left behind at the school. We got to get to see a familiar face with Josh, although I was not really impressed with him. We also got to meet Henry and Izzy. Right away, I liked Henry, but it took me much longer to make up my mind about her. I just couldn’t be sure whether she was playing Kat or not. I’m not going to tell you which way she goes because I think that is part of the fun while reading. Getting back to Henry, he is just plain adorable. I loved all the hats he wore, he was lovable and kind of wacky, but it just endeared him to me. Henry is the perfect addition to the story for Kat.
I was surprised by how much I really liked Kat. I never really disliked her in the first two books but I wasn’t screaming her praises from the rooftops. But I really got a better look at the kind of person she is in When I’m With You. She is smart and funny and just a genuinely good person. I was really impressed with the caliber of person Kat was in this book. I LOVED her! She has a little stubborn streak but I just thought it gave her spunk.
If you liked the first two books in the Jane Austen Academy series, you should read When I’m with You. It is a solid installment for the series. I have read enough of Celia’s books now that I know I the quality will always be exceptional. I know there will be great writing, great characters and a storyline that just makes you fall in love with the characters. She writes cute stories like it’s effortless. This is such a great series. Plus, the ending look at the next book makes me think it is going to be incredible! We will be back on the hunt to save Jane Austen Academy and I. CAN’T. WAIT.
Plus, we got all sorts of new characters to make up for the ones that we left behind at the school. We got to get to see a familiar face with Josh, although I was not really impressed with him. We also got to meet Henry and Izzy. Right away, I liked Henry, but it took me much longer to make up my mind about her. I just couldn’t be sure whether she was playing Kat or not. I’m not going to tell you which way she goes because I think that is part of the fun while reading. Getting back to Henry, he is just plain adorable. I loved all the hats he wore, he was lovable and kind of wacky, but it just endeared him to me. Henry is the perfect addition to the story for Kat.
I was surprised by how much I really liked Kat. I never really disliked her in the first two books but I wasn’t screaming her praises from the rooftops. But I really got a better look at the kind of person she is in When I’m With You. She is smart and funny and just a genuinely good person. I was really impressed with the caliber of person Kat was in this book. I LOVED her! She has a little stubborn streak but I just thought it gave her spunk.
If you liked the first two books in the Jane Austen Academy series, you should read When I’m with You. It is a solid installment for the series. I have read enough of Celia’s books now that I know I the quality will always be exceptional. I know there will be great writing, great characters and a storyline that just makes you fall in love with the characters. She writes cute stories like it’s effortless. This is such a great series. Plus, the ending look at the next book makes me think it is going to be incredible! We will be back on the hunt to save Jane Austen Academy and I. CAN’T. WAIT.
August 11, 2016
Kat Morley was born to be a star. She’s been the lead in the Jane Austen Academy school plays every spring and fall since she joined and she knows that she has what it takes to be a famous actress. When she’s given the chance to be a personal assistant to a fellow student and get to spend her winter break on a real life film set, Kat jumps at the chance. This might be her opportunity to get her big break. Cute boys, diva starlets and the pesky paparazzi threaten to ruin Kat’s break and Kat is left to wonder if being an actor is all she imagines it to be.
When I’m With You is a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. I studied the original text at university as part of a gothic literature class and whilst I never imagined the story on the set of a Californian film, it works surprisingly well. Kat is curious and hard-working. Her single-minded focus towards her goal is admirable yet makes her somewhat unapproachable by the other students. I liked the cast of characters that she met on set. Josh Wickham makes another appearance in this series – and I think it’s terrific how Cecilia Gray has used him as yet another Austen character whilst still maintaining him as believable and consistent with what readers of the Jane Austen Academy series have come to expect from the previous books. Izzy Engel and Henry Trenton are great too, each for their own reasons.
One thing I didn’t particularly enjoy about this book was Kat’s naivety. I didn’t believe it nor did I find it in tune with who I believed her to be as a character. I understand that in the original Jane Austen story, Catherine Morley’s innocent view of the world was how a lot of the plot was driven but due to some of the other differences between these two characters I just didn’t believe Kat to be that trusting. I didn’t quite understand why certain things happened and I feel like those events were just so it would be in tandem with Northanger Abbey.
This book is cute and charming. I like that it can be read without having knowledge of the book it’s based on – and perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had not been subconsciously comparing the two. The romance is adorable (I loved Henry’s hats!) and despite this book being mostly set away from the Academy, there is still the unspoken camaraderie between the girls – even if Kat doesn’t quite realize it yet. Despite my low rating of this book, I do enjoy the series and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
When I’m With You is a modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. I studied the original text at university as part of a gothic literature class and whilst I never imagined the story on the set of a Californian film, it works surprisingly well. Kat is curious and hard-working. Her single-minded focus towards her goal is admirable yet makes her somewhat unapproachable by the other students. I liked the cast of characters that she met on set. Josh Wickham makes another appearance in this series – and I think it’s terrific how Cecilia Gray has used him as yet another Austen character whilst still maintaining him as believable and consistent with what readers of the Jane Austen Academy series have come to expect from the previous books. Izzy Engel and Henry Trenton are great too, each for their own reasons.
One thing I didn’t particularly enjoy about this book was Kat’s naivety. I didn’t believe it nor did I find it in tune with who I believed her to be as a character. I understand that in the original Jane Austen story, Catherine Morley’s innocent view of the world was how a lot of the plot was driven but due to some of the other differences between these two characters I just didn’t believe Kat to be that trusting. I didn’t quite understand why certain things happened and I feel like those events were just so it would be in tandem with Northanger Abbey.
This book is cute and charming. I like that it can be read without having knowledge of the book it’s based on – and perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I had not been subconsciously comparing the two. The romance is adorable (I loved Henry’s hats!) and despite this book being mostly set away from the Academy, there is still the unspoken camaraderie between the girls – even if Kat doesn’t quite realize it yet. Despite my low rating of this book, I do enjoy the series and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 21, 2017
The romance was the least interesting part of this book by far, though I did find Kat's internal/external life really interesting and relatable. I little too far from the original context of Northanger Abbey for me.
August 2, 2018
The thing I love about finding Jane Austen remakes is seeing what will be done with all 6 books. It's funny because it is rather cut down the middle on which books were more popular with the others. Which is why I liked how Gray made the third book based off of Northanger Abbey. Not just that, she made this story completely her own with enough ties to remind everyone where the base is coming from without feeling as if the reader is rereading the story.
March 21, 2022
I would recommend this book over “Northanger Abbey” by Val McDermid *any day.* Henry is cute, what more can you want
December 30, 2012
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
First I have to say OH MY GOODNESS. MY NAME IS IN A BOOK! If you check out the acknowledgements in the latest installment of the Jane Austen Academy, you'll see ANGIELEIGH.
THAT'S ME!!!
Now that I've had my moment...
I don't really recall Kat from the other books; I'm not sure if she wasn't really mentioned or if she was just so unimportant to me that I blocked out her name. This was the first in the series so far to be mostly set outside of the Academy, which was weird, but fun all the same.
Kat needs to be an actress. She doesn't just desire it, she needs it like she needs air to breathe. She's not a snob nor does she think she's better than anyone else; she knows she's damn good and everyone who's ever seen her agrees. She grows up so much in this book and learns some very important lessons.
Josh, as always, is a complete and total tool. He asks her to be his personal assistant, but only leaves her orders without giving her any clue how she's supposed to make things happen. It's my suspicion that Josh wants her to fail because he's pretty sure his career is over. In fact, I'm almost certain that Josh is jealous of Kat because she can really, really act and has had the lead in all of the school plays; I think he's probably the most insecure person out of them all.
I'm so thankful that Cecilia didn't have Izzy be a total and complete wench. She had her moments when I wanted to strangle her, but eventually Kat figures things out and stands up for herself.
Henry and his dad were just WEIRD. I'm not sure why, but every time Henry's dad was mentioned I thought of Tom Cruise. Henry and Kat had more in common than either of them thought they did, but of course in true boy fashion, Henry pushed her away.
I really enjoyed getting to know the side of movies that you don't ever get to see...what it's like in an actor's head when they're preparing for a role. I hope that Kat and company get their own series somewhere down the line. Especially Megan.
Oh and there's a tease at the end of the book hinting towards what's to come in the next that has me totally and completely exasperated. What is up with Franny?!
As always, Ms. Gray knows how to pull you in time and time again as you get lost in the retelling of Austen's classics. It's my goal to read them all - Ms. Austen's books that is - this coming year. Unfortunately, I don't see them being half as interesting as the Jane Austen Academy books.
First I have to say OH MY GOODNESS. MY NAME IS IN A BOOK! If you check out the acknowledgements in the latest installment of the Jane Austen Academy, you'll see ANGIELEIGH.
THAT'S ME!!!
Now that I've had my moment...
I don't really recall Kat from the other books; I'm not sure if she wasn't really mentioned or if she was just so unimportant to me that I blocked out her name. This was the first in the series so far to be mostly set outside of the Academy, which was weird, but fun all the same.
Kat needs to be an actress. She doesn't just desire it, she needs it like she needs air to breathe. She's not a snob nor does she think she's better than anyone else; she knows she's damn good and everyone who's ever seen her agrees. She grows up so much in this book and learns some very important lessons.
Josh, as always, is a complete and total tool. He asks her to be his personal assistant, but only leaves her orders without giving her any clue how she's supposed to make things happen. It's my suspicion that Josh wants her to fail because he's pretty sure his career is over. In fact, I'm almost certain that Josh is jealous of Kat because she can really, really act and has had the lead in all of the school plays; I think he's probably the most insecure person out of them all.
I'm so thankful that Cecilia didn't have Izzy be a total and complete wench. She had her moments when I wanted to strangle her, but eventually Kat figures things out and stands up for herself.
Henry and his dad were just WEIRD. I'm not sure why, but every time Henry's dad was mentioned I thought of Tom Cruise. Henry and Kat had more in common than either of them thought they did, but of course in true boy fashion, Henry pushed her away.
I really enjoyed getting to know the side of movies that you don't ever get to see...what it's like in an actor's head when they're preparing for a role. I hope that Kat and company get their own series somewhere down the line. Especially Megan.
Oh and there's a tease at the end of the book hinting towards what's to come in the next that has me totally and completely exasperated. What is up with Franny?!
As always, Ms. Gray knows how to pull you in time and time again as you get lost in the retelling of Austen's classics. It's my goal to read them all - Ms. Austen's books that is - this coming year. Unfortunately, I don't see them being half as interesting as the Jane Austen Academy books.
November 21, 2013
Book Review: When I’m with You by Cecilia Gray
Kat Morley is the lead actress in all the plays at the Jane Austen Academy. Her dream is to be an actress in Hollywood. So imagine her excitement when Josh Wickham invites her to be his Personal Assistant over Christmas Break for a movie he is shooting. Kat is over the moon. It becomes all she talks about.
When she gets on set she meets the other stars of the movie, Izzy Engel and Henry Trenton. Izzy is famous and Kat wants to be just like her. Henry is the son of a very famous actor and has been around the business his whole life. Kat is star struck by them both. She is exactly where she wants to be. She is determined to soak up all the information and experience she can. She hopes she can even get a part as an extra while she is there.
However, Josh is more focused on himself and refuses to help her get a part. Instead he gives her a to do list every morning. Izzy decides to help her out and seems to include Kat as the group. Kat is so happy that she could want nothing more than this or so she thinks.
Henry has caught her eye and she starts to question what it really is to be a part of a production like this. The more time she spends on set with the actors, she becomes more confident in herself not a role she is playing. She finds herself seeing what it means to be a star and how things can get turned around or even become a game.
When scandal breaks and Kat is blamed for leaking information, she is devastated. She thought they had seen the real her, especially Henry. A dose of reality is what she gets and a new outlook on how she is gong to get what she wants.
Even though this book didn’t have the whole group from the academy there, it was still a great story. It was fun to see the making of a movie and the drama that goes into it. It was also exciting to see Kat enter her dream world and have her eyes opened to what it is really like. Once she was inside it wasn’t as perfect as she thought. In fact it was hard to watch Kat be manipulated by the people around her because of her eagerness. She figured it out in time though and became a stronger person as a result. This was a great continuation of the series. I loved this approach to a Jane Austen classic. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Kat Morley is the lead actress in all the plays at the Jane Austen Academy. Her dream is to be an actress in Hollywood. So imagine her excitement when Josh Wickham invites her to be his Personal Assistant over Christmas Break for a movie he is shooting. Kat is over the moon. It becomes all she talks about.
When she gets on set she meets the other stars of the movie, Izzy Engel and Henry Trenton. Izzy is famous and Kat wants to be just like her. Henry is the son of a very famous actor and has been around the business his whole life. Kat is star struck by them both. She is exactly where she wants to be. She is determined to soak up all the information and experience she can. She hopes she can even get a part as an extra while she is there.
However, Josh is more focused on himself and refuses to help her get a part. Instead he gives her a to do list every morning. Izzy decides to help her out and seems to include Kat as the group. Kat is so happy that she could want nothing more than this or so she thinks.
Henry has caught her eye and she starts to question what it really is to be a part of a production like this. The more time she spends on set with the actors, she becomes more confident in herself not a role she is playing. She finds herself seeing what it means to be a star and how things can get turned around or even become a game.
When scandal breaks and Kat is blamed for leaking information, she is devastated. She thought they had seen the real her, especially Henry. A dose of reality is what she gets and a new outlook on how she is gong to get what she wants.
Even though this book didn’t have the whole group from the academy there, it was still a great story. It was fun to see the making of a movie and the drama that goes into it. It was also exciting to see Kat enter her dream world and have her eyes opened to what it is really like. Once she was inside it wasn’t as perfect as she thought. In fact it was hard to watch Kat be manipulated by the people around her because of her eagerness. She figured it out in time though and became a stronger person as a result. This was a great continuation of the series. I loved this approach to a Jane Austen classic. I give it a 4 out of 5.
March 5, 2013
See this review & more @Insightful Minds Reviews
Well; first let me just start by saying – THANK YOU – to Cecilia for mentioning me in the Acknowledgements! && I agree, Josh’s jaw will never be the same. Like I have said a million times before – Dude Had That Coming! :) && if you haven’t checked it out yet – YOU SHOULD! –Fan Girl Moment Over!– This book was slightly different for me; but in a good way. I had grown used to the books being set in/around the academy. This one however, flipped the script on us! haha – Get ready for life outside the Academy!
I love me some Kat. No joke – she shaped up to be one of my favorites from this series so far! She’s driven; focused – knows what she wants and is dead set on reaching her goal. She wants to be an actor. Then again, if you asked her – she would says shes GOING to be an actor! Confidence – I love it! I was never a fan of “girls following guys all over the planet,” but I enjoyed watching her grow into her own in this story. Sometimes we have to learn our own lessons the hard way lol.
Then we have Josh. Talk about a Grade A Jerk! Since being introduced to Josh – I felt he had a bit of an insecurity problem. To me, this is what makes him such a big Jerk. I guess if he acts like he does – it makes up for whatever it is he is so insecure about. I don’t understand how the minds of men work & this just baffles me lol.
Henry was the most interesting character to me from this book! My husband read it and thought he was weird – what can I say? The weird really knows how to captivate me! Speaking of weird – Henry’s dad had me going for a little while there too! Henry REALLY confused me when it came to him and Kat. Seriously; I was one big ball of confusion man!
Overall, Gray has written another story that I am in love with! It’s hard to keep a series going with the same Characters – yet she has managed to do it for the 3rd time :) I never get sick of reading about the Jane Austen Academy! I am hoping to see some characters in their own books in the future! I would def recommend this to anyone who loves YA and Romance.. It’s such a cute read!
Well; first let me just start by saying – THANK YOU – to Cecilia for mentioning me in the Acknowledgements! && I agree, Josh’s jaw will never be the same. Like I have said a million times before – Dude Had That Coming! :) && if you haven’t checked it out yet – YOU SHOULD! –Fan Girl Moment Over!– This book was slightly different for me; but in a good way. I had grown used to the books being set in/around the academy. This one however, flipped the script on us! haha – Get ready for life outside the Academy!
I love me some Kat. No joke – she shaped up to be one of my favorites from this series so far! She’s driven; focused – knows what she wants and is dead set on reaching her goal. She wants to be an actor. Then again, if you asked her – she would says shes GOING to be an actor! Confidence – I love it! I was never a fan of “girls following guys all over the planet,” but I enjoyed watching her grow into her own in this story. Sometimes we have to learn our own lessons the hard way lol.
Then we have Josh. Talk about a Grade A Jerk! Since being introduced to Josh – I felt he had a bit of an insecurity problem. To me, this is what makes him such a big Jerk. I guess if he acts like he does – it makes up for whatever it is he is so insecure about. I don’t understand how the minds of men work & this just baffles me lol.
Henry was the most interesting character to me from this book! My husband read it and thought he was weird – what can I say? The weird really knows how to captivate me! Speaking of weird – Henry’s dad had me going for a little while there too! Henry REALLY confused me when it came to him and Kat. Seriously; I was one big ball of confusion man!
Overall, Gray has written another story that I am in love with! It’s hard to keep a series going with the same Characters – yet she has managed to do it for the 3rd time :) I never get sick of reading about the Jane Austen Academy! I am hoping to see some characters in their own books in the future! I would def recommend this to anyone who loves YA and Romance.. It’s such a cute read!
March 6, 2013
This another book in the Jane Austen Academy Series but is perfect as a stand alone as it only has a few references to the Academy. Kat the female main character isn't part of the main group of girls so we've never seen her before. She wants to be an actress, knows how to be in the spotlight and is always the lead in the school plays, a renowned theater company. This year, during Christmas break, she's going to be movie star (A- to B+ lister) Josh Wickham's PA while he tries to revive his dying career. On the set will be two very A++ starts, one the very enigmatic son of a mega star.
Kat was unbelievable on the set. Josh gave her a list of things to do at 5 am and then would take off running. She would have no idea how to find the things he wanted or get what he needed, but she either lucked into them or had the tenacity to find them. I really think Josh was trying to get her to fail. Then she gets a part in the movie and the female lead takes all her improve moves. But it's okay. Kat does everything from schlep meals to highlight scripts and always smiling because she's right where she is and bonus, Henry the mega star's son, seems to be interested in her despite Josh and co-star Izzy's attempts to keep them apart.
Then she finds out she's spend the second week at Henry's house with Josh and Henry and Henry's father the famous Tom Trenton world wide superstar!
But things happen and the fragile relationship that has begun between Henry and Kat takes a disastrous turn. Kat has to find it in herself to trust herself and believe in herself to go forward. She comes to realize that her biggest question is who is she when she isn't on stage? The answer is surprising.
Again, this is a light sweet romance, I believe based on Northanger Abbey. It was a great story, quick and light and one that promises we'll see snippets of Kat again. (I hope). One bit of disturbing news was discovered at the end of the book while Fanny was running about the fate of the school. I believe everyone will be a senior, but they won't take it quietly. Expect so big protests.
I was given a free copy of the novel through AToMR blog tours from the author for review for the blog tour. This in no way influenced my review.
Kat was unbelievable on the set. Josh gave her a list of things to do at 5 am and then would take off running. She would have no idea how to find the things he wanted or get what he needed, but she either lucked into them or had the tenacity to find them. I really think Josh was trying to get her to fail. Then she gets a part in the movie and the female lead takes all her improve moves. But it's okay. Kat does everything from schlep meals to highlight scripts and always smiling because she's right where she is and bonus, Henry the mega star's son, seems to be interested in her despite Josh and co-star Izzy's attempts to keep them apart.
Then she finds out she's spend the second week at Henry's house with Josh and Henry and Henry's father the famous Tom Trenton world wide superstar!
But things happen and the fragile relationship that has begun between Henry and Kat takes a disastrous turn. Kat has to find it in herself to trust herself and believe in herself to go forward. She comes to realize that her biggest question is who is she when she isn't on stage? The answer is surprising.
Again, this is a light sweet romance, I believe based on Northanger Abbey. It was a great story, quick and light and one that promises we'll see snippets of Kat again. (I hope). One bit of disturbing news was discovered at the end of the book while Fanny was running about the fate of the school. I believe everyone will be a senior, but they won't take it quietly. Expect so big protests.
I was given a free copy of the novel through AToMR blog tours from the author for review for the blog tour. This in no way influenced my review.
May 16, 2014
4/5 stars
Cute. Adorable. Genius. Amazing. I'm running out of synonyms. The book was just wonderful!
Can I just say that Cecilia Gray is a genius for writing this magnificent book? I thought making Kat an actress was definitely the right angle for retelling Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.
Henry? Kat's Love interest? Well, Hellooooo new book boyfriend! *waves*
I loved every minute of this book. I would say I couldn't put it down, but I had to put it down at those wonderfully intense parts to catch my breath for a second or so.
Kat wants to be a star someday, so she's thrilled when Josh Wickham (movie star/hottie) invites her to be his personal assistant while he's shooting a movie. While she's there, she gets closer to some interesting (and famous) people, including Henry Tilney.
Some of my non-spoilery thoughts on Josh Wickham while reading:
1. I hate Josh
2. I love Josh
3. Does Josh ever get a happy ending?
4. I feel bad for Josh
5. I hate Josh
6. I love Josh
That's how much the book played with my emotions. I loved it! :D
What I liked: Everything!
What I disliked: I disliked that the book wasn't longer. I also hated that I didn't get to see the rest of our heroines: Lizzie, Eleanor, Anne and Emma. Yes, guys, I actually missed Emma in this book. I didn't miss her half as much as I missed the others, but I still missed her :)
Oh, I missed the other guys too, but Henry kept me fully entertained.
I'm trying to do this review without fangirling all over the place, but I'm not succeeding, so allow me to conclude.
If you've read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, you'll appreciate the creative spin the author placed on the story. If you haven't read the book and you need a cute, light-hearted book, definitely pick up this one! Warning: The epilogue at the end will make you super anxious for the next book in the series.
I'm going to hurry up and read Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. It's the only novel by Jane Austen that I haven't read so far, and the next book in this series will be a retelling of Mansfield Park. I'm super excited! I loved this book!
Cute. Adorable. Genius. Amazing. I'm running out of synonyms. The book was just wonderful!
Can I just say that Cecilia Gray is a genius for writing this magnificent book? I thought making Kat an actress was definitely the right angle for retelling Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.
Henry? Kat's Love interest? Well, Hellooooo new book boyfriend! *waves*
I loved every minute of this book. I would say I couldn't put it down, but I had to put it down at those wonderfully intense parts to catch my breath for a second or so.
Kat wants to be a star someday, so she's thrilled when Josh Wickham (movie star/hottie) invites her to be his personal assistant while he's shooting a movie. While she's there, she gets closer to some interesting (and famous) people, including Henry Tilney.
Some of my non-spoilery thoughts on Josh Wickham while reading:
1. I hate Josh
2. I love Josh
3. Does Josh ever get a happy ending?
4. I feel bad for Josh
5. I hate Josh
6. I love Josh
That's how much the book played with my emotions. I loved it! :D
What I liked: Everything!
What I disliked: I disliked that the book wasn't longer. I also hated that I didn't get to see the rest of our heroines: Lizzie, Eleanor, Anne and Emma. Yes, guys, I actually missed Emma in this book. I didn't miss her half as much as I missed the others, but I still missed her :)
Oh, I missed the other guys too, but Henry kept me fully entertained.
I'm trying to do this review without fangirling all over the place, but I'm not succeeding, so allow me to conclude.
If you've read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, you'll appreciate the creative spin the author placed on the story. If you haven't read the book and you need a cute, light-hearted book, definitely pick up this one! Warning: The epilogue at the end will make you super anxious for the next book in the series.
I'm going to hurry up and read Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. It's the only novel by Jane Austen that I haven't read so far, and the next book in this series will be a retelling of Mansfield Park. I'm super excited! I loved this book!
April 26, 2013
Kat is star crazy and waiting for her big break to become an actress. So, when Josh Wickham invites her to be his assistant at a movie set over winter break, Kat is more than excited. But getting coffee, ironing suits, and highlighting lines on the movie script at six a.m. is not how Kat envisioned it! But then extras are needed on set, and Kat knows this might be her big chance to get noticed!
Another sweet and charming Jane Austen Academy novel! This time with adventures outside the school!!
In this modern retelling of Northanger Abbey, Cecilia Gray keeps the innocence of the original heroine and brings to the front the issue of not being able to distinguish between who we really are and what we portray for other people.
Not everything is bad in the set. Kat makes a ton of friends, including the notorious the sexy Henry Trenton who wears a different hat every day and can get into any character the hat demands. What is his secret? He asks her on a date twice, but bails. The tabloids Kat likes to read and the other actors have painted an unfavorable image of Henry, so him bailing hurts but doesn’t exactly surprise her. Instead of getting her own opinion of him, Kat simply goes along with what others say even when they’re not the best of people.
Izzy Engel was just horrible to Kat on set. I couldn’t believe Kat didn’t see through Izzy’s good girl persona. I still don’t get if Izzy was interested in Henry or if she just wanted to make him feel unwanted. Josh Wickham is always a bit of a jerk, but maybe more son here, snapping at poor Kat.
As an actress, Kat has lost sight of who she really is when not on set. But Henry knows exactly who he is and knows the characters he plays in movies are just hats he can put on and take off right after. He will have to prove to Kat he’s different, but a personal matter destroys what little trust they built. Will Henry ever trust her? Will Kat ever forgive him?
Buy our copy now and find out! I wish these novels came out faster, because OMG just as the book ends, Kat’s best friend Fanny discovers a sinister plot that just might end the school! And It’ll all be revealed in book 4, Suddenly You.
Another sweet and charming Jane Austen Academy novel! This time with adventures outside the school!!
In this modern retelling of Northanger Abbey, Cecilia Gray keeps the innocence of the original heroine and brings to the front the issue of not being able to distinguish between who we really are and what we portray for other people.
Not everything is bad in the set. Kat makes a ton of friends, including the notorious the sexy Henry Trenton who wears a different hat every day and can get into any character the hat demands. What is his secret? He asks her on a date twice, but bails. The tabloids Kat likes to read and the other actors have painted an unfavorable image of Henry, so him bailing hurts but doesn’t exactly surprise her. Instead of getting her own opinion of him, Kat simply goes along with what others say even when they’re not the best of people.
Izzy Engel was just horrible to Kat on set. I couldn’t believe Kat didn’t see through Izzy’s good girl persona. I still don’t get if Izzy was interested in Henry or if she just wanted to make him feel unwanted. Josh Wickham is always a bit of a jerk, but maybe more son here, snapping at poor Kat.
As an actress, Kat has lost sight of who she really is when not on set. But Henry knows exactly who he is and knows the characters he plays in movies are just hats he can put on and take off right after. He will have to prove to Kat he’s different, but a personal matter destroys what little trust they built. Will Henry ever trust her? Will Kat ever forgive him?
Buy our copy now and find out! I wish these novels came out faster, because OMG just as the book ends, Kat’s best friend Fanny discovers a sinister plot that just might end the school! And It’ll all be revealed in book 4, Suddenly You.
November 3, 2013
E-galley received through Netgalley for review
When I'm With You is the third book in the Jane Austen Academy series, and a retelling of Northanger Abbey. I've only read the original twice and I haven't picked it up for a long time, so I don't know if I will be able to comment of similiarities and differences to Northanger Abbey. Anyway, I definitely enjoyed Kat's story.
Kat Morland is a student at the Jane Austen Academy. Her best friend is Fanny. Kat is passionate about acting, has been the lead in the school play for the last five drama productions, and is determined to become a star. Now she's been giving the opportunity of a lifetime: over Christmas break she's going to be Josh Wickham's personal assistant on his new movie set. Kat is terribly excited, and Josh is more than slightly nervous, as this will be his first job in two years; the fiture of his career depends on it.
On the set, Kat also meets Josh's co-stars: beautiful Izzie Engel and Henry Trenton, son of famous actor Tom Trenton. Kat and Henry grow close, even though Izzie is apparently sabotaging Kat's chances with him. Once the week of filming is up, Kat and Josh move to the Trenton house in L.A. as the boys work on post-production.
From what I remember from Northanger Abbey, Kat is quite different from Jane Austen's Catherine. First of all, she's not poor. She's smart and determined, and not at all silly like Catherine. Yes, she's a bit star-struck and gullible. I could see from a mile away that Izzie was sabotaging Kat and Henry's relationships. I imagined that Izzie and Henry had previously been dating, hence Izzie's jealousy, but this subplot was never explained. Henry is an interesting love interest. He's sweet and funny, and his things with hats is hilarious.
Once the setting moves to the Trenton house, Kat quickly learns that being rich and famous might not be all fun and games. There's something going on with Henry's father, and Kat has an inkling what it is about.
The epilogue of the novel features Fanny, and contains a shocking revelation for the future of the Jane Austen Academy. Ah, what a cliffhanger. Bring on the rest of the series!
When I'm With You is the third book in the Jane Austen Academy series, and a retelling of Northanger Abbey. I've only read the original twice and I haven't picked it up for a long time, so I don't know if I will be able to comment of similiarities and differences to Northanger Abbey. Anyway, I definitely enjoyed Kat's story.
Kat Morland is a student at the Jane Austen Academy. Her best friend is Fanny. Kat is passionate about acting, has been the lead in the school play for the last five drama productions, and is determined to become a star. Now she's been giving the opportunity of a lifetime: over Christmas break she's going to be Josh Wickham's personal assistant on his new movie set. Kat is terribly excited, and Josh is more than slightly nervous, as this will be his first job in two years; the fiture of his career depends on it.
On the set, Kat also meets Josh's co-stars: beautiful Izzie Engel and Henry Trenton, son of famous actor Tom Trenton. Kat and Henry grow close, even though Izzie is apparently sabotaging Kat's chances with him. Once the week of filming is up, Kat and Josh move to the Trenton house in L.A. as the boys work on post-production.
From what I remember from Northanger Abbey, Kat is quite different from Jane Austen's Catherine. First of all, she's not poor. She's smart and determined, and not at all silly like Catherine. Yes, she's a bit star-struck and gullible. I could see from a mile away that Izzie was sabotaging Kat and Henry's relationships. I imagined that Izzie and Henry had previously been dating, hence Izzie's jealousy, but this subplot was never explained. Henry is an interesting love interest. He's sweet and funny, and his things with hats is hilarious.
Once the setting moves to the Trenton house, Kat quickly learns that being rich and famous might not be all fun and games. There's something going on with Henry's father, and Kat has an inkling what it is about.
The epilogue of the novel features Fanny, and contains a shocking revelation for the future of the Jane Austen Academy. Ah, what a cliffhanger. Bring on the rest of the series!
April 6, 2013
This is the first book I have read in the Jane Austen Academy series and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. When I’m With You is a modern-day retelling of the Jane Austen classic “Northanger Abbey”. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet read Austen’s original – though I have read several of her books and consider myself a fan. So, my perspective on this book has absolutely nothing to do with how well it reproduces the original in modern day.
Kat is a star-in-the-making. She has had the lead role in the past 5 drama productions at the Jane Austen Academy and has secured the lead for the spring play. Now she believes she has her opportunity for a break into the big screen. Josh Wickham, fellow classmate and movie star, has invited Kat to come down during Christmas break to be his personal assistant on his current movie. On set, Kat has the opportunity to get to know and develop friendships with the other actors including: Henry Trenton, son of movie legend Tom Trenton, and Izzy Engel, female lead and movie starlit. As a PA, not an actor, Kat also forges relationships with the crew as she helps the caterer prepare meals, the wardrobe girls prepare costuming and assist the stylists in the hair & makeup trailer.
Kat learns through her experiences on set and during post-production that not everyone in “Hollywood” is who they may present themselves to be. Kat has always struggled with her own identity, as life isn’t scripted as her roles in plays always are. Who is Kat Morley when she’s not in character? She begins to realize that, more than anything, she wants to be trustworthy.
I loved reading this cute, fun book. I stayed up to finish it in one sitting. I truly enjoyed the interaction between the characters as they got to know one another. Kat learned a lot from Josh, Henry, and Izzy. She managed to learn from her mistakes and figure out who was truly trustworthy – even though they all made mistakes along the way. Their personalities were all varied and distinct which added great dynamics to their relationships. I would definitely recommend this book.
Kat is a star-in-the-making. She has had the lead role in the past 5 drama productions at the Jane Austen Academy and has secured the lead for the spring play. Now she believes she has her opportunity for a break into the big screen. Josh Wickham, fellow classmate and movie star, has invited Kat to come down during Christmas break to be his personal assistant on his current movie. On set, Kat has the opportunity to get to know and develop friendships with the other actors including: Henry Trenton, son of movie legend Tom Trenton, and Izzy Engel, female lead and movie starlit. As a PA, not an actor, Kat also forges relationships with the crew as she helps the caterer prepare meals, the wardrobe girls prepare costuming and assist the stylists in the hair & makeup trailer.
Kat learns through her experiences on set and during post-production that not everyone in “Hollywood” is who they may present themselves to be. Kat has always struggled with her own identity, as life isn’t scripted as her roles in plays always are. Who is Kat Morley when she’s not in character? She begins to realize that, more than anything, she wants to be trustworthy.
I loved reading this cute, fun book. I stayed up to finish it in one sitting. I truly enjoyed the interaction between the characters as they got to know one another. Kat learned a lot from Josh, Henry, and Izzy. She managed to learn from her mistakes and figure out who was truly trustworthy – even though they all made mistakes along the way. Their personalities were all varied and distinct which added great dynamics to their relationships. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 9, 2013
I have to say I haven't read any of the other books in this series so I wasn't really sure what to expect. As shameful as it is I have never read any of the famous Jane Austen books so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. This book is the third in a series but you don't have to read the first two in order to understand it.
Kat wants to be famous. She loves the stage and feels that it really is the only place that she fits in at the Jane Austen Academy she attends. She has one really good friend Fanny and that is about it. Most of the kids seem to shun her but it wasn't because she didn't want more friends it was more that she felt like she didn't belong and the only place that she can be her true self is on stage.
That all changes when fellow student and already famous actor Josh Wickham invites Kat to travel to a movie set where she will act as his personal assistant she goes on a bit of a self-discovery of sorts. Kat gets introduced to several different people, Izzy and Henry who she quickly befriends. She quickly learns the good and bad in the industry of being famous. The lies and dishonesty that exist within the business are apparent, yet she comes out discovering more about herself and what it is that she truly wants. With the help of a famous actor's son she is show the true side of what a charmed Hollywood life can do to you personally.
Love, Lies and Betrayal are all a part of this sweet novel. People you think you can trust aren't exactly what they seem especially when show business is involved. This book is very well written and is a sweet short story. I don't know what the original book that is based off of is like but I enjoyed this modern day adaptation. I give it a solid 4 stars as the book was very clean and well written and the story line and content was spot on. If you like young adult books I would highly recommend this read. I am certainly going to read the previous two.
Kat wants to be famous. She loves the stage and feels that it really is the only place that she fits in at the Jane Austen Academy she attends. She has one really good friend Fanny and that is about it. Most of the kids seem to shun her but it wasn't because she didn't want more friends it was more that she felt like she didn't belong and the only place that she can be her true self is on stage.
That all changes when fellow student and already famous actor Josh Wickham invites Kat to travel to a movie set where she will act as his personal assistant she goes on a bit of a self-discovery of sorts. Kat gets introduced to several different people, Izzy and Henry who she quickly befriends. She quickly learns the good and bad in the industry of being famous. The lies and dishonesty that exist within the business are apparent, yet she comes out discovering more about herself and what it is that she truly wants. With the help of a famous actor's son she is show the true side of what a charmed Hollywood life can do to you personally.
Love, Lies and Betrayal are all a part of this sweet novel. People you think you can trust aren't exactly what they seem especially when show business is involved. This book is very well written and is a sweet short story. I don't know what the original book that is based off of is like but I enjoyed this modern day adaptation. I give it a solid 4 stars as the book was very clean and well written and the story line and content was spot on. If you like young adult books I would highly recommend this read. I am certainly going to read the previous two.
March 4, 2013
"When I'm With You" is the third book in the Jane Austen Academy series. It is a young adult retelling of Jane Austen's Northhanger Abbey (have I ever told you guys about how enamored I am of retellings? they are just so much fun). Although this book is the third in the series, for the most part it is a stand alone story. I say "for the most part" because there is one bit at the end of the book about the Jane Austen Academy itself that I was confused about so I think you may have to read the previous books in order to understand what was going on.
"When I'm With You" is definitely a character driven novel. I really liked the characters a lot. Kat Morley, the main character, follows her classmate, Josh, to the set of his movie over Christmas break to be his assistant. What she really wants is to act. At Jane Austen Academy, she is the star of every theatrical event. She knows that she was meant to act and doesn't want to let anyone stand in her way. At first, this kind of annoyed me because she kind of went about things on the movie set like a bull in a china shop. Her character really did grow on me in the end though. She eventually realizes that there is a better way to go about getting what she wants and seems a little calmer about most everything. I also really liked the love story behind her and Henry.
I wanted to know more about Henry's dad though. At one point, it seems like there's going to be some insight into why he specializes in collecting dead celebrities things. What was this about? It was way creepy but never really explained thoroughly. What was this supposed to tell us about Henry's Dad? It was definitely confusing to me. There were also a couple loose ends that I think may have been ties back to Northanger but they are never really fleshed out.
Bottom line: A good YA love story.
"When I'm With You" is definitely a character driven novel. I really liked the characters a lot. Kat Morley, the main character, follows her classmate, Josh, to the set of his movie over Christmas break to be his assistant. What she really wants is to act. At Jane Austen Academy, she is the star of every theatrical event. She knows that she was meant to act and doesn't want to let anyone stand in her way. At first, this kind of annoyed me because she kind of went about things on the movie set like a bull in a china shop. Her character really did grow on me in the end though. She eventually realizes that there is a better way to go about getting what she wants and seems a little calmer about most everything. I also really liked the love story behind her and Henry.
I wanted to know more about Henry's dad though. At one point, it seems like there's going to be some insight into why he specializes in collecting dead celebrities things. What was this about? It was way creepy but never really explained thoroughly. What was this supposed to tell us about Henry's Dad? It was definitely confusing to me. There were also a couple loose ends that I think may have been ties back to Northanger but they are never really fleshed out.
Bottom line: A good YA love story.
May 22, 2014
When I'm With You is the third book in the Jane Austen Academy series and Kat's story. This is also different from the first two books because it takes place away from the school.
Kat is the star of every school play but has quickly realized she isn't the star in real life. She is actually a loner minus her best friend Fanny and even she is growing more fond of the other girls even though Kat isn't. So when Josh, the resident movie star, invites her to be his personal assistant for his next role, Kat quickly accepts and this is where When I'm With You truly begins.
I don't know much about the inner workings of movies but it really did seem like I was on a real set along with Kat as she did her various tasks. Josh to me took the whole PA thing too far. For being sweet at school he was most of the time very rude and bossy to Kat. I do commend her for keeping her cool and even excelling in her new job. He didn't even want Kat to try and be an extra for the movie which they were desperately in need of but thanks to the main star, Izzy, she made it happen for Kat. Izzy was a somewhat complicated girl. At times she was all movie star I get what I want when I want and I don't care how it happens. Other times she was a normal girl who just needed some friends which Kat became one. Henry I just loved with all his quirky fun persona. He was born into the business but he was always so down to earth that you couldn't tell. It was nice seeing Kat and Henry start a friendship and having that grow throughout the story at the same time Kat was finding herself and figuring out what was truly important.
When I'm With You was a great story that took me two sittings to finish. The ending was cute and there was even a cliffhanger that has me very eager to continue with Suddenly You.
Kat is the star of every school play but has quickly realized she isn't the star in real life. She is actually a loner minus her best friend Fanny and even she is growing more fond of the other girls even though Kat isn't. So when Josh, the resident movie star, invites her to be his personal assistant for his next role, Kat quickly accepts and this is where When I'm With You truly begins.
I don't know much about the inner workings of movies but it really did seem like I was on a real set along with Kat as she did her various tasks. Josh to me took the whole PA thing too far. For being sweet at school he was most of the time very rude and bossy to Kat. I do commend her for keeping her cool and even excelling in her new job. He didn't even want Kat to try and be an extra for the movie which they were desperately in need of but thanks to the main star, Izzy, she made it happen for Kat. Izzy was a somewhat complicated girl. At times she was all movie star I get what I want when I want and I don't care how it happens. Other times she was a normal girl who just needed some friends which Kat became one. Henry I just loved with all his quirky fun persona. He was born into the business but he was always so down to earth that you couldn't tell. It was nice seeing Kat and Henry start a friendship and having that grow throughout the story at the same time Kat was finding herself and figuring out what was truly important.
When I'm With You was a great story that took me two sittings to finish. The ending was cute and there was even a cliffhanger that has me very eager to continue with Suddenly You.
December 11, 2014
Received a copy via Netgalley
When I'm With You is the third book in the series which focuses on Jane Austen Academy's theatre star, Kat Morley. She has talent and her dream is to have her big break on the big screen. Her character is quite ambitious but I love her for being focused and determined to reach her goal.
This may not be my favorite in the series, probably because I missed the academy feel (I missed the girls!!). The story took place outside the academy where Kat became Josh' personal assistant while he's filming and Kat was determined to somehow be one step closer to her dreams. However, I understand the need to step out of the academy in this one which is good to establish Kat's growth and to let her have her own adventures.
Like the other books in this series, it was a quick, enjoyable read. I adore Henry's character; he's sweet and lovely! And I love his hats, too, it definitely adds up to his personality. People believed he has a perfect life (being the son of a Hollywood star and all) but we learned that his life is not that perfect after all. Izzy is not likable; there were times where I wanted to hate her, but in the end I still liked her character! (Crazy, right?) She manipulated Kat, lied to her, and even stole her idea, but I am crazy enough to like her when she's being nice. And then there's jerky-star, Josh. I still didn't like his character here; I feel like his character has a lot of development to do.
And again, I'm going to say this just like I did in the first two books — the cover is not that great but okay. Still, I love this series and would definitely read the next books!
When I'm With You is the third book in the series which focuses on Jane Austen Academy's theatre star, Kat Morley. She has talent and her dream is to have her big break on the big screen. Her character is quite ambitious but I love her for being focused and determined to reach her goal.
This may not be my favorite in the series, probably because I missed the academy feel (I missed the girls!!). The story took place outside the academy where Kat became Josh' personal assistant while he's filming and Kat was determined to somehow be one step closer to her dreams. However, I understand the need to step out of the academy in this one which is good to establish Kat's growth and to let her have her own adventures.
Like the other books in this series, it was a quick, enjoyable read. I adore Henry's character; he's sweet and lovely! And I love his hats, too, it definitely adds up to his personality. People believed he has a perfect life (being the son of a Hollywood star and all) but we learned that his life is not that perfect after all. Izzy is not likable; there were times where I wanted to hate her, but in the end I still liked her character! (Crazy, right?) She manipulated Kat, lied to her, and even stole her idea, but I am crazy enough to like her when she's being nice. And then there's jerky-star, Josh. I still didn't like his character here; I feel like his character has a lot of development to do.
And again, I'm going to say this just like I did in the first two books — the cover is not that great but okay. Still, I love this series and would definitely read the next books!
October 31, 2015
Un tome un peu déroutant par rapport aux deux précédents. Cette fois, Lizzie, Ellie, Anne & Emma sont totalement absentes et nous faisons la connaissance de Kat, (la meilleure amie de Fanny), actrice et obsédée par le fait de devenir une star. Recrutée par Josh Wickham (l'acteur des tomes précédents) pour lui servir d'assistante sur le tournage d'un film, elle va faire la connaissance d'Henry et ... d'Izzy. Comme vous l'aurez deviné, ce tome est une réécriture young adult de Northanger Abbey. Pourtant, pas de fantomes ni de romans gothiques au programme, mais une plongée dans le monde des jeunes acteurs. L'histoire suit celle de Northanger dans les grandes lignes (les bords sont larges) et c'est assez divertissant. Le personnage de Kat est particulièrement réussi, elle est aussi naïve que Catherine et se laisse facilement manipuler par Izzy et Josh. Le tout est léger et amusant. Bien entendu, Henry et Kat ont une incompréhension, assez créative par rapport à l'original et j'ai apprécié que ce soit Henry qui jette Kat et non son père. Bien entendu, la fin est à la hauteur et nous offre une scène digne d'un film tout en introduisant la suite des aventures de élèves de l'aventure !
Ce que j'aime : le personnage de Kat, l'écriture au ton léger
Ce que j'aime moins : beaucoup (trop ?) de coupes dans le scénario de Northanger
En bref : Un tome au ton léger très divertissant qui nous permet de faire connaissance avec la gentille Kat, nul doute qu'elle finisse par s'intégrer au quatuor des précédents tomes
Ma note
7/10
July 12, 2014
A lot was riding on this book. Northanger Abbey is my favorite of Jane Austen's, so I was excited. Did When I'm with You fulfill my expectations? YES!
Thank you, Cecilia Gray (and NetGalley and her publisher) for giving me this free book to review!
One thing I love about the Jane Austen Academy is how different all of the characters are. Lizzie is determined, Ellie is considerate, and Kat is awesome. I completely related to how she felt like she needed a script for day-to-day life and the thrill she gets when she says something right in a conversation. It's pretty exciting.
I wish we could have seen more about Josh's life though. Henry, however, was perfect. What. A. Cutie. And he loves hats, just like I do. :)
When I'm with You is the first (and possibly only) book not set in the Jane Austen Academy itself, but the book didn't lose anything by it. The plot was addictive and quick.
I'm not an actor, but I've worked with school plays before. I loved seeing how similar--and different-- being in a movie is with being in a play. The main difference is, onscreen actors are a lot more famous than onstage ones are. Thus, they're put into magazines a lot, and magazines aren't always true. When I'm with You has convinced me to disbelieve nearly everything I see about actors now!
Thank you, Cecilia Gray (and NetGalley and her publisher) for giving me this free book to review!
One thing I love about the Jane Austen Academy is how different all of the characters are. Lizzie is determined, Ellie is considerate, and Kat is awesome. I completely related to how she felt like she needed a script for day-to-day life and the thrill she gets when she says something right in a conversation. It's pretty exciting.
I wish we could have seen more about Josh's life though. Henry, however, was perfect. What. A. Cutie. And he loves hats, just like I do. :)
When I'm with You is the first (and possibly only) book not set in the Jane Austen Academy itself, but the book didn't lose anything by it. The plot was addictive and quick.
I'm not an actor, but I've worked with school plays before. I loved seeing how similar--and different-- being in a movie is with being in a play. The main difference is, onscreen actors are a lot more famous than onstage ones are. Thus, they're put into magazines a lot, and magazines aren't always true. When I'm with You has convinced me to disbelieve nearly everything I see about actors now!
July 29, 2016
I think I enjoyed When I'm With You even more than the first two books in this series. Northanger Abbey is far from my favorite Austen novel, but I really enjoyed this updated version. Kat is still naive, but instead of being enamored with gothic novels, she's in love with acting and being the center of attention. Josh Wickham appears as yet another bad guy (John Thorpe this time), but the only other characters who made the cut were Isabella, Henry, Henry's father (all as fellow actors). Izzy and Josh were perfect as the manipulative Thorpes, and as much as I hated the way they treated Kat, I couldn't help but love (and pity) them. Henry was adorable, and his hats (and the explanation behind them) were a nice touch. I appreciated the changes made to the original plot - Izzy's redemption, Tom Trenton's apparent duplicity - because it seemed more believable (at least, by my understanding of Hollywood). I also enjoyed getting away from the Academy for a bit and letting Kat have her own adventure, free from the other girls. It was great to see her grow as a character and learn from her mistakes. I'm hoping that she will interact more with the others now, because I really enjoyed her as a protagonist and want her story to continue.
March 31, 2014
Reviewed on Kathryn Cooper Writes
I LOVED this book! I’ve read the first 4 books in this series, and this is definitely my favorite.
There was something about Kat that I connected with. I thought she was so passionate about life. I could not act to save my life so we definitely didn’t have that in common, but I respected her passion to entertain and be true to herself. She didn’t really know who she was at first so watching that journey was great. She was also kind to others even if they weren’t that nice to her.
Henry was dreamy dreamy. Not sure what made him that way, but he just came across like a caring guy who was a gentlemen. Those attributes in men need to be more valued these days.
The funny thing is this was a retelling of Northanger Abbey which was not my favorite of Jane Austen’s books. But I highly recommend reading this series just so you can read When I’m With You. It was so great!
Content Ratings:
Sexual: mild
Language: very mild
Violence: none
*I received this ebook from the author via NetGalley. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*
I LOVED this book! I’ve read the first 4 books in this series, and this is definitely my favorite.
There was something about Kat that I connected with. I thought she was so passionate about life. I could not act to save my life so we definitely didn’t have that in common, but I respected her passion to entertain and be true to herself. She didn’t really know who she was at first so watching that journey was great. She was also kind to others even if they weren’t that nice to her.
Henry was dreamy dreamy. Not sure what made him that way, but he just came across like a caring guy who was a gentlemen. Those attributes in men need to be more valued these days.
The funny thing is this was a retelling of Northanger Abbey which was not my favorite of Jane Austen’s books. But I highly recommend reading this series just so you can read When I’m With You. It was so great!
Content Ratings:
Sexual: mild
Language: very mild
Violence: none
*I received this ebook from the author via NetGalley. I am not paid for my reviews. My reviews are solely my opinion.*
May 2, 2013
Now we have Kat’s story! This one didn’t hit me as well as the others did. I thought the pacing and plot development was a bit slower. But maybe I’m already biased to the Jane Austen Academy! Even with thinking this was a tad slower, I still loved the plot.
Kat is a bit of a mess though and it took me longer to actually like her! I don’t know what it was but I just didn’t feel the connection that I felt with the first two. But as the story progresses and you get to know more about her, I started to come around. I was trying to fight it though!!
So, by the end I was a huge fan. And I have to say, all three books ended wonderfully. Not much on the cliff hangers except when it comes to the information about the school. But each gal’s story comes to a good ending but one where you still want to know more! I thought this was brilliant!
Although When I’m With You didn’t hit every button for me, it’s still absolutely fantastic! If you’re looking for a fun read and don’t have time to read the first time, definitely pick this one up! You’ll find yourself reading into the night just to see who Kat’s romantic interest is!
Kat is a bit of a mess though and it took me longer to actually like her! I don’t know what it was but I just didn’t feel the connection that I felt with the first two. But as the story progresses and you get to know more about her, I started to come around. I was trying to fight it though!!
So, by the end I was a huge fan. And I have to say, all three books ended wonderfully. Not much on the cliff hangers except when it comes to the information about the school. But each gal’s story comes to a good ending but one where you still want to know more! I thought this was brilliant!
Although When I’m With You didn’t hit every button for me, it’s still absolutely fantastic! If you’re looking for a fun read and don’t have time to read the first time, definitely pick this one up! You’ll find yourself reading into the night just to see who Kat’s romantic interest is!
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