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For the Love of Austen #3
Anne of Avenue A
Jane Austen’s Persuasion meets the Big Apple in this swoon-worthy holiday romance from the authors of Elizabeth of East Hampton and Emma of 83rd Street.
Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic—she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere—but that goes out the window when, thanks to her father’s bad spending habits, her childhood apartment is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.
Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he’s been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he’s shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.
Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie’s fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again.
Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic—she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere—but that goes out the window when, thanks to her father’s bad spending habits, her childhood apartment is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.
Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he’s been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he’s shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.
Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie’s fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again.
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First published October 28, 2025
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June 1, 2025
✨ Anne of Avenue A is a sparkling, second-chance love story that whisks you into the heart of New York with warmth, wit, and a touch of holiday magic. It’s equal parts cozy and clever—a romance that plays with timing, proximity, and old wounds in a way that feels both timeless and undeniably modern.
Reuniting two former lovers nearly a decade after their hearts went separate ways, the novel poses the ultimate what-if: what if the person you once walked away from ended up moving in just upstairs? Anne and Freddie’s story is shaped by missed opportunities and quiet regrets, but also by a growing recognition of who they’ve become—and who they still might be—together.
While I didn’t feel as emotionally gripped as I did with the first two books in this series, I was still thoroughly charmed by the New York setting, the delightful web of supporting characters, and the ease of the authors’ storytelling. The emotional stakes weren’t quite as high this time around, and I longed for just a bit more growth and internal transformation in Anne, but that didn’t stop me from smiling all the way to the last page.
What keeps me coming back to this series is the way this writing duo breathes fresh life into Jane Austen’s classics while celebrating the messiness of modern love. Their voice is sharp, their structure tight, and their love for the characters obvious. I’ll happily follow them through every retelling they dream up next.
💫 A massive thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for generously sharing this digital review copy of Anne of Avenue A, a contemporary reimagining of Persuasion. I’m so grateful to be along for the ride. As someone who adored the first two books in this series, I found this installment sweet and enjoyable, even if it didn’t reach quite the same emotional highs. Still, I can't wait to see where this brilliant writing team takes us next—I'll be reading every single word.
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Reuniting two former lovers nearly a decade after their hearts went separate ways, the novel poses the ultimate what-if: what if the person you once walked away from ended up moving in just upstairs? Anne and Freddie’s story is shaped by missed opportunities and quiet regrets, but also by a growing recognition of who they’ve become—and who they still might be—together.
While I didn’t feel as emotionally gripped as I did with the first two books in this series, I was still thoroughly charmed by the New York setting, the delightful web of supporting characters, and the ease of the authors’ storytelling. The emotional stakes weren’t quite as high this time around, and I longed for just a bit more growth and internal transformation in Anne, but that didn’t stop me from smiling all the way to the last page.
What keeps me coming back to this series is the way this writing duo breathes fresh life into Jane Austen’s classics while celebrating the messiness of modern love. Their voice is sharp, their structure tight, and their love for the characters obvious. I’ll happily follow them through every retelling they dream up next.
💫 A massive thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for generously sharing this digital review copy of Anne of Avenue A, a contemporary reimagining of Persuasion. I’m so grateful to be along for the ride. As someone who adored the first two books in this series, I found this installment sweet and enjoyable, even if it didn’t reach quite the same emotional highs. Still, I can't wait to see where this brilliant writing team takes us next—I'll be reading every single word.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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November 2, 2025
4 solid stars for author's Bellezza & Harding's third installment of the very modern, NYC set, "For the Love of Austen" series. This time it's "Persuasion", which as anyone who's read it knows is a second-chance romance. Here we have Anne Elliot and Freddie Wentworth coming back into each other's lives at thirty-ish, seven years after their college relationship ended when he returns to NYC and inadvertently buys her broke Dad's apartment. Lots of character growth from both MC's and some really fun secondary characters (Cricket 💃🏻 & Bev👵🏻 plus a 🏳️🌈 couple) and some call-backs to the two previous novels (though the karaoke with Emma & Lizzy Bennet felt very forced). I really like the way this author duo writes a lot - very readable and fun - however there's a bit more 🌶️ than I personally care for, but I'm down for the other three!
November 7, 2025
I’m not familiar with Janie Austen’s Persuasion so I can’t say how faithful this modern retelling was, but that didn’t stop me from having a great time reading this book. I really loved the characters and the winter vibes. I do wish we could have gotten more romantic moments between Anne and Freddie though. They spent the majority of the book reminiscing on their past and yearning for each other. That was basically the summary of every single one of their inner monologues. I mean yearning is great and all, but I wanted them to get out of their heads and be more proactive at resolving their issues from the past. They don’t really do that until the last few chapters. The humour was also a tad too much at times for me. It just got way too silly and ridiculous and I was cringing.
Despite those complaints, this was still an enjoyable read and it really put me in the holiday spirit.
Despite those complaints, this was still an enjoyable read and it really put me in the holiday spirit.
September 19, 2025
▹TL;DR Review: A fresh, funny, and fiercely modern take on Austen’s Persuasion, Anne of Avenue A delivers a heartfelt second-chance romance with NYC charm, modern-day references, and just enough yearning to make you kick your feet.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Get your copy of Anne of Avenue A on October 28, 2025!!
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart eight years ago when their paths came to a fork in the road. Now, at 30, Anne’s childhood apartment is rented out (because of her father’s bad spending)—to Freddie, who’s returned to New York after building his company from the ground up in Argentina. But Freddie won’t let his old feelings resurface and Anne won’t tell Freddie the real reason why she broke up with him—until nosy neighbors, forced proximity, and burgeoning new business partnerships make them decide whether to risk their hearts again.
– FMC: Anne Elliot. Human doormat to her divorced parents and coworkers. Trying to make a living with a business degree at her dad’s reality-tv production company. Watches life pass her by until Freddie comes back into town and challenges her.
– MMC: Freddie Wentworth. Used to be poor but now is the rich CEO of his own hydroponics company. A man with scruples. Maybe a little clueless when it comes to women, but a romantic at heart.
– Location: NYC, New York
– POV: Dual third-person
– Spice: 2 open-door spicy scenes
– Tropes: second chance, classic retelling, neighbors, seasonal romance (ish), found family
– Triggers: living your life by someone else’s standards, family conflict, breakup
– Representation: LGBTQ+ side characters
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: imgonnagetyouback by Taylor Swift
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Classics made modern (and perhaps a little diluted but cute all the same)
➼ Cozy romances, like the movies Persuasion (another somewhat modernized version) and The Holiday, and the TV shows Modern Love and Dash & Lily
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn————————✧———Slow Burn
Sweet—————✧——————Spicy
Light/Fluffy———✧————————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
Now bear with me, it’s been approximately 7,000 hot minutes since I’ve seen Persuasion on Netflix (the Dakota Johnson version—highly recommend), so I can’t say for sure how closely Anne of Avenue A follows the classic. But let’s just agree that when it comes to modernizing works from over 200 years ago, liberties were made, f-bombs were added, and Taylor Swift references were properly inserted.
The book stands alone well despite being the third in the series (first book being a Pride and Prejudice retelling, second an Emma retelling), and it’s packed with fan-favorite tropes. I found this to be a fresh, modern spin that perfectly balances classic roots with contemporary romance. I loved Anne as a strong, independent heroine navigating complicated family ties, and Freddie as the college sweetheart-turned-success story whose reappearance sets sparks flying. Their second-chance story is heartfelt, witty, and full of chemistry.
Does it give you all the longing and angst that Jane Austen most likely was the mother/inventor of in romance novels? No—it’s hard to top the queen, but there is still longing and yearning and secret love letters to make you kick your cute little (or big, I don’t judge) feet.
There are a few moments of miscommunication but nothing that was over the top. Some of the order of events in the last 30% were more dramatic than I feel necessary—but nothing compared to the crazy third-act break-ups I’ve been reading lately (thankfully).
Would I recommend?: Absolutely!! Overall, this is a fun, romantic escape set against a vibrant NYC backdrop—what more could you want? If you are an Austen purist…you probably will take some umbrage with the deviations—but lighten up. This wasn’t meant to be a contender with the original but more of a nod to remind readers of Austen’s impact and an echo of what makes romance a beloved genre.
─────────────────────────
Pre-read thoughts: this is book three in a series (whoops! Hopefully it reads well as a standalone)! Excited because it’s marketed as Jane Austen’s Persuasion meets the Big Apple. And if there’s two thing your girl likes it’s NYC and romance. 🗽💝
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
▹Format: 📱 eReader
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Get your copy of Anne of Avenue A on October 28, 2025!!
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart eight years ago when their paths came to a fork in the road. Now, at 30, Anne’s childhood apartment is rented out (because of her father’s bad spending)—to Freddie, who’s returned to New York after building his company from the ground up in Argentina. But Freddie won’t let his old feelings resurface and Anne won’t tell Freddie the real reason why she broke up with him—until nosy neighbors, forced proximity, and burgeoning new business partnerships make them decide whether to risk their hearts again.
– FMC: Anne Elliot. Human doormat to her divorced parents and coworkers. Trying to make a living with a business degree at her dad’s reality-tv production company. Watches life pass her by until Freddie comes back into town and challenges her.
– MMC: Freddie Wentworth. Used to be poor but now is the rich CEO of his own hydroponics company. A man with scruples. Maybe a little clueless when it comes to women, but a romantic at heart.
– Location: NYC, New York
– POV: Dual third-person
– Spice: 2 open-door spicy scenes
– Tropes: second chance, classic retelling, neighbors, seasonal romance (ish), found family
– Triggers: living your life by someone else’s standards, family conflict, breakup
– Representation: LGBTQ+ side characters
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: imgonnagetyouback by Taylor Swift
╰┈➤ ❝I hear the whispers in your eyes; I’ll make you wanna think twice; You’ll find that you were never not mine.❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ Classics made modern (and perhaps a little diluted but cute all the same)
➼ Cozy romances, like the movies Persuasion (another somewhat modernized version) and The Holiday, and the TV shows Modern Love and Dash & Lily
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven———✧————————Plot Driven
Fast Burn————————✧———Slow Burn
Sweet—————✧——————Spicy
Light/Fluffy———✧————————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
Now bear with me, it’s been approximately 7,000 hot minutes since I’ve seen Persuasion on Netflix (the Dakota Johnson version—highly recommend), so I can’t say for sure how closely Anne of Avenue A follows the classic. But let’s just agree that when it comes to modernizing works from over 200 years ago, liberties were made, f-bombs were added, and Taylor Swift references were properly inserted.
The book stands alone well despite being the third in the series (first book being a Pride and Prejudice retelling, second an Emma retelling), and it’s packed with fan-favorite tropes. I found this to be a fresh, modern spin that perfectly balances classic roots with contemporary romance. I loved Anne as a strong, independent heroine navigating complicated family ties, and Freddie as the college sweetheart-turned-success story whose reappearance sets sparks flying. Their second-chance story is heartfelt, witty, and full of chemistry.
Does it give you all the longing and angst that Jane Austen most likely was the mother/inventor of in romance novels? No—it’s hard to top the queen, but there is still longing and yearning and secret love letters to make you kick your cute little (or big, I don’t judge) feet.
There are a few moments of miscommunication but nothing that was over the top. Some of the order of events in the last 30% were more dramatic than I feel necessary—but nothing compared to the crazy third-act break-ups I’ve been reading lately (thankfully).
Would I recommend?: Absolutely!! Overall, this is a fun, romantic escape set against a vibrant NYC backdrop—what more could you want? If you are an Austen purist…you probably will take some umbrage with the deviations—but lighten up. This wasn’t meant to be a contender with the original but more of a nod to remind readers of Austen’s impact and an echo of what makes romance a beloved genre.
─────────────────────────
Pre-read thoughts: this is book three in a series (whoops! Hopefully it reads well as a standalone)! Excited because it’s marketed as Jane Austen’s Persuasion meets the Big Apple. And if there’s two thing your girl likes it’s NYC and romance. 🗽💝
September 14, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded to 4!
Great if you like:
- Second chance romance
- Jane Austen retellings
- New York City vibes
Anne and Freddie were college lovers.
Until they both started moving in different directions, and everything fell apart.
Now, 8 years later they have met once gain when they find themselves living near each other- way too close for comfort.
Now, they will have to decide if their romance deserves a second chance, or if they just weren’t meant to be.
This is meant to be a modern day retelling of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion”. I have not read the original, so I really cant say how it compares. But, I think on it’s own- it is a good story.
This book is also part of a series, which I have not read the previous books to. However, this acts as a standalone, so it didn’t impact my ability to read and enjoy this one!
I really liked how this was written.
The authors writing style makes this really easy to read.
I am always a bit nervous to take on retellings of classic stories, because they often have a very flowery prose that I find hard to understand and connect to. This however, feels very modern- which is always my preference.
Also, this story has a really nice start. It grabbed my attention right from the first few pages, and was super easy to get into.
One thing I noticed here, was a big focus on side characters.
I don’t think this is a bad thing, but I felt like it was slightly overdone. Books do need good, entertianing side characters, but I think that having too many/giving them too much page time can sort of take away from the story.
I think I would have liked it more if we got more Anne and Freddie scenes, and less of their friends and family. I think it would have made their relationship feel a little but more personal and developed.
I have to mention the setting!
The NYC setting is everything, and I think it worked out really well for this story.
I am not sure how to explain it, but I just think it was the perfect choice for this.
The characters feel like New Yorkers. And I mean, who doesn’t love NYC during the holidays?
Side note: Freddie writing Anne Love letters!!
I loved that. So so cute.
Overall, a pretty good story. I would go back and read the previous ones!
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and authors Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding for providing me with the eARC of “Anne of Avenue A”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: October 28th, 2025
Great if you like:
- Second chance romance
- Jane Austen retellings
- New York City vibes
Anne and Freddie were college lovers.
Until they both started moving in different directions, and everything fell apart.
Now, 8 years later they have met once gain when they find themselves living near each other- way too close for comfort.
Now, they will have to decide if their romance deserves a second chance, or if they just weren’t meant to be.
This is meant to be a modern day retelling of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion”. I have not read the original, so I really cant say how it compares. But, I think on it’s own- it is a good story.
This book is also part of a series, which I have not read the previous books to. However, this acts as a standalone, so it didn’t impact my ability to read and enjoy this one!
I really liked how this was written.
The authors writing style makes this really easy to read.
I am always a bit nervous to take on retellings of classic stories, because they often have a very flowery prose that I find hard to understand and connect to. This however, feels very modern- which is always my preference.
Also, this story has a really nice start. It grabbed my attention right from the first few pages, and was super easy to get into.
One thing I noticed here, was a big focus on side characters.
I don’t think this is a bad thing, but I felt like it was slightly overdone. Books do need good, entertianing side characters, but I think that having too many/giving them too much page time can sort of take away from the story.
I think I would have liked it more if we got more Anne and Freddie scenes, and less of their friends and family. I think it would have made their relationship feel a little but more personal and developed.
I have to mention the setting!
The NYC setting is everything, and I think it worked out really well for this story.
I am not sure how to explain it, but I just think it was the perfect choice for this.
The characters feel like New Yorkers. And I mean, who doesn’t love NYC during the holidays?
Side note: Freddie writing Anne Love letters!!
I loved that. So so cute.
Overall, a pretty good story. I would go back and read the previous ones!
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and authors Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding for providing me with the eARC of “Anne of Avenue A”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: October 28th, 2025
October 7, 2025
4.5 stars
I have enjoyed this series so much! They're such fun contemporary twists on Jane Austen's novels. I think this retelling of Persuasion is my favorite though. There's just something about that pining and enduring love that gets me every time. Annie and Freddie do stumble and make mistakes, but it felt more understandable given their histories and where they were at in their lives when they first dated. I actually think it was good (although painful) that they had time to really grow into themselves and figure out what they truly wanted without the complication/stress of the other. There is some push away late in the book, but it resolves quickly and I appreciated that they recognized the need for better communication going forward. The very end of the epilogue was unbelievably swoony and sweet (we all knew it was coming, but still) and my heart was so happy when I finished. The cast of secondary characters was wonderful as always and though you don't need to read the previous 2 books to enjoy this one, I think it's fun to get little updates on those couples too. I'm not sure if they'll be more books in the series in the future (perhaps a Sense and Sensibility retelling?), but if there are, I will definitely be reading them.
I mainly listened to the audiobook of Anne of Avenue A and the narration by Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley was wonderful again (they've narrated all the book in the series so far). Pressley was especially fantastic as Anne and showed so much emotion and vulnerability in her performance. Highly recommend this one!
Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*
I have enjoyed this series so much! They're such fun contemporary twists on Jane Austen's novels. I think this retelling of Persuasion is my favorite though. There's just something about that pining and enduring love that gets me every time. Annie and Freddie do stumble and make mistakes, but it felt more understandable given their histories and where they were at in their lives when they first dated. I actually think it was good (although painful) that they had time to really grow into themselves and figure out what they truly wanted without the complication/stress of the other. There is some push away late in the book, but it resolves quickly and I appreciated that they recognized the need for better communication going forward. The very end of the epilogue was unbelievably swoony and sweet (we all knew it was coming, but still) and my heart was so happy when I finished. The cast of secondary characters was wonderful as always and though you don't need to read the previous 2 books to enjoy this one, I think it's fun to get little updates on those couples too. I'm not sure if they'll be more books in the series in the future (perhaps a Sense and Sensibility retelling?), but if there are, I will definitely be reading them.
I mainly listened to the audiobook of Anne of Avenue A and the narration by Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley was wonderful again (they've narrated all the book in the series so far). Pressley was especially fantastic as Anne and showed so much emotion and vulnerability in her performance. Highly recommend this one!
Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars
*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*
November 13, 2025
Just a delightful and heartwarming retelling of Persuasion, and now I’m eager to reread it.
Bev is an exceptional side character, and I thoroughly enjoy her witty remarks.
The setting in New York City is absolutely perfect.
One more time, I must express my dislike for Teddy Hamilton (the narrator)’s female voice. It sounds mocking, perhaps it’s just my perception.
Bev is an exceptional side character, and I thoroughly enjoy her witty remarks.
The setting in New York City is absolutely perfect.
One more time, I must express my dislike for Teddy Hamilton (the narrator)’s female voice. It sounds mocking, perhaps it’s just my perception.
December 29, 2025
I have been eagerly anticipating Anne of Avenue A since I first began the “For the Love of Austen” series. I really enjoyed both Emma of 83rd Street and Elizabeth of East Hampton, and Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen novel, so my hopes were high. Not to mention this one is set during the holiday season, which for me is always like adding an extra little bit of sparkle to an already great story. All in all, a pretty perfect combination!
For the most part, I did have a good time reading Anne of Avenue A. I’ve never read a modern Persuasion adaptation before, so it was really fun to see how the authors brought the story to modern day New York. It was really creative, and I had a great time picking out each of the little references. I thought the cast of characters, particularly the group of residents in Anne’s building, were really entertaining. I especially enjoyed the part when they all went to support Cricket in her terrible play. May we all be lucky enough to have a chaotic friend that keeps our lives interesting! And as always, the authors did a wonderful job making the New York City setting feel especially vibrant and magical, especially given that it was Christmas time. It set the mood of the story perfectly.
Still, this didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I think I wanted a little bit more from the adaptations of both Anne and Frederick (Freddie), as well as the story of them falling back in love. I felt they both fell somewhat flat as lead characters, and some components of their story seemed a bit bland. I wasn’t a huge fan of the backstory about Argentina, or the lack of honest communication between the characters - both in the past and present timelines. I didn’t feel particularly connected either of them, so the second chance romance didn’t pack as much of a punch as it could have. However, I do like where they both wound up at the end!
Overall, this was a cute, entertaining, lighthearted Persuasion retelling. It will be perfect for fans of:
-Second chance romance
-Holiday romcoms
-Modern Austen adaptations (like Clueless!)
-Quirky side characters
Thank you so much to Audrey Bellezza, Emily Harding, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-arc of Anne of Avenue A in exchange for my honest review.
For the most part, I did have a good time reading Anne of Avenue A. I’ve never read a modern Persuasion adaptation before, so it was really fun to see how the authors brought the story to modern day New York. It was really creative, and I had a great time picking out each of the little references. I thought the cast of characters, particularly the group of residents in Anne’s building, were really entertaining. I especially enjoyed the part when they all went to support Cricket in her terrible play. May we all be lucky enough to have a chaotic friend that keeps our lives interesting! And as always, the authors did a wonderful job making the New York City setting feel especially vibrant and magical, especially given that it was Christmas time. It set the mood of the story perfectly.
Still, this didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I think I wanted a little bit more from the adaptations of both Anne and Frederick (Freddie), as well as the story of them falling back in love. I felt they both fell somewhat flat as lead characters, and some components of their story seemed a bit bland. I wasn’t a huge fan of the backstory about Argentina, or the lack of honest communication between the characters - both in the past and present timelines. I didn’t feel particularly connected either of them, so the second chance romance didn’t pack as much of a punch as it could have. However, I do like where they both wound up at the end!
Overall, this was a cute, entertaining, lighthearted Persuasion retelling. It will be perfect for fans of:
-Second chance romance
-Holiday romcoms
-Modern Austen adaptations (like Clueless!)
-Quirky side characters
Thank you so much to Audrey Bellezza, Emily Harding, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-arc of Anne of Avenue A in exchange for my honest review.
October 27, 2025
Narrated by two of my absolute favorites, Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley, this Persuasion-inspired second chance romance between Anne and Freddie completely charmed me. I adore how this series brings NYC to life, and this installment was no exception—sweet, cozy, and full of heart. A modern retelling done right, with narration that makes the story shine. 💕✨🏙️
October 23, 2025
4.75⭐️ SO CUTE I LOVED IT
December 12, 2025
For the Love of Austen series introduced me to the writing marvel that is Audrey Bellezzo and Emily Harding when they tackled, to great satisfaction, bringing Jane Austen’s novels into the 21st century. I am persuaded once again, with this latest release, Anne of Avenue A, that they have a gift for bringing out the core elements of Jane Austen’s originals and putting a sparkling contemporary spin on them.
Anne Elliot allowed her mother to influence her decision while she was still figuring out her adult life and future. She made a choice that pushed the love of her life away and left her not much further along than she started. All that’s about to change after eight years because her new neighbor in her family’s old East Village apartment? Yeah, he’s the guy for whom she gave up for family expectation and the stability of an MBA. His going out into the world didn’t end in a flaming disaster either. Freddie fulfilled all that early potential and lived his dreams. Love is tough, but it survived and matured with life experiences along the way.
Anne and Freddie were college kids in that prologue- he was gutsy and leaped into things while she was not as settled about what she wanted though she was one who needed to have each step planned out. Eight years later, she runs her high-spending father’s floundering TV production company and is still a hide-bound planner, but she grows and learns to just wing it now and then. Meanwhile Freddie coming back home to NYC at last has learned that some things needed to be well-thought. Painful early meet-ups gradually change. They work past the bitter anger and discover love is right where they left it.
I really loved the New York City setting for fall and the holidays that is more third lead character than background. I enjoy the circle of characters around this pair and the larking tone to balance the drama of relationship conflict. Fun past couples appear in a scene. Anne of Avenue A was an entertaining, heartwarming, slightly spicy contemporary holiday romance that satisfied me pretty well.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 11.6.25.
Anne Elliot allowed her mother to influence her decision while she was still figuring out her adult life and future. She made a choice that pushed the love of her life away and left her not much further along than she started. All that’s about to change after eight years because her new neighbor in her family’s old East Village apartment? Yeah, he’s the guy for whom she gave up for family expectation and the stability of an MBA. His going out into the world didn’t end in a flaming disaster either. Freddie fulfilled all that early potential and lived his dreams. Love is tough, but it survived and matured with life experiences along the way.
Anne and Freddie were college kids in that prologue- he was gutsy and leaped into things while she was not as settled about what she wanted though she was one who needed to have each step planned out. Eight years later, she runs her high-spending father’s floundering TV production company and is still a hide-bound planner, but she grows and learns to just wing it now and then. Meanwhile Freddie coming back home to NYC at last has learned that some things needed to be well-thought. Painful early meet-ups gradually change. They work past the bitter anger and discover love is right where they left it.
I really loved the New York City setting for fall and the holidays that is more third lead character than background. I enjoy the circle of characters around this pair and the larking tone to balance the drama of relationship conflict. Fun past couples appear in a scene. Anne of Avenue A was an entertaining, heartwarming, slightly spicy contemporary holiday romance that satisfied me pretty well.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 11.6.25.
Want to read
February 10, 2025Okay, I am ready for this. Bring on October!
Want to read
May 5, 2025✅ just placed my preorder
✅ made room on my book shelves
✅ reserved time to read after publication
✅ very excited about this one!
✅ made room on my book shelves
✅ reserved time to read after publication
✅ very excited about this one!
October 17, 2025
Audrey. Emily. YOU GUYS GET IT.
November 3, 2025
I loved Freddie in this, loved his sister, loved James and Ellis, loved the mom, loved Cricket… I did not love Anne. Not until the last twenty pages or so and even then it wasn’t long enough to settle in with her. The martyrdom and self righteousness about what she did was A LOT and the judgy way she felt about Freddie was worse. I get that it’s obviously tainted by bitterness and regret and needing to feel right but man I wanted more from her. I also wanted her to be less morally in the clear, it’s better that way and makes her kinder in the novel when she is conscious of her errors not a saint of forbearance- that is not what she was in the book. I liked her less for it. The Theo thing also felt less than compelling and also less gross than it should have been in the end, the dad less of a factor than he should be, the favored older sister kind of an important missing element. It did make me want to re-read the original again though and I do love that.
October 27, 2025
This was a heartfelt modern retelling of Austen's Persuasion and I think it might be my favorite in the series! Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and this one had such emotional depth and yearning! Anne and Freddie break up in college and find themselves reunited eight years later when Freddie moves back to the city into Anne's childhood apartment.
I loved Freddie's notes to Anne, his secret yearning and while it was frustrating that Anne sacrificed what she wanted in order to make sure Freddie didn't quit his dreams, she found herself floundering. Great on audio narrated by my VERY two favs, Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley, this was a perfect, feel-good holiday romance and I especially enjoyed the cameos from the other couples in the series! A solid wrap up but I would love to see the series continue!
I loved Freddie's notes to Anne, his secret yearning and while it was frustrating that Anne sacrificed what she wanted in order to make sure Freddie didn't quit his dreams, she found herself floundering. Great on audio narrated by my VERY two favs, Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley, this was a perfect, feel-good holiday romance and I especially enjoyed the cameos from the other couples in the series! A solid wrap up but I would love to see the series continue!
October 28, 2025
Thank you so much to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story starts with Anne breaking Freddie’s heart on a New York City sidewalk one night because Freddie accepted a job opportunity in Argentina. We later find out the actual reason why.
Fast forward 8 years, and Freddie heads back to New York City for another job opportunity. We are shocked to find out that Anne is actually Freddie’s neighbor. I loved the fact that Freddie and Anne were both trying to figure out their life and career paths. Anne was stuck working at her father’s production company when a hit TV show was put on hiatus. Freddie sold his company, and he just couldn’t find his passion; he just knew he didn’t see himself working behind a desk during a 9 to 5 job.
We go on this journey as they both find themselves individually while rekindling their friendship. The characters had tremendous growth. I especially enjoyed seeing how happy Anne was when she was helping Sophie at the flower shop; it really made me think about what I need to do to be happy.
Lastly, the ending was so perfect and so easy to visualize. This is a perfect second-chance love story!
I will note that this book is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
I have read all of Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding’s books, and this is another five-star read from them! Definitely worth adding to your holiday reading list!
The story starts with Anne breaking Freddie’s heart on a New York City sidewalk one night because Freddie accepted a job opportunity in Argentina. We later find out the actual reason why.
Fast forward 8 years, and Freddie heads back to New York City for another job opportunity. We are shocked to find out that Anne is actually Freddie’s neighbor. I loved the fact that Freddie and Anne were both trying to figure out their life and career paths. Anne was stuck working at her father’s production company when a hit TV show was put on hiatus. Freddie sold his company, and he just couldn’t find his passion; he just knew he didn’t see himself working behind a desk during a 9 to 5 job.
We go on this journey as they both find themselves individually while rekindling their friendship. The characters had tremendous growth. I especially enjoyed seeing how happy Anne was when she was helping Sophie at the flower shop; it really made me think about what I need to do to be happy.
Lastly, the ending was so perfect and so easy to visualize. This is a perfect second-chance love story!
I will note that this book is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion.
I have read all of Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding’s books, and this is another five-star read from them! Definitely worth adding to your holiday reading list!
October 12, 2025
Eight years ago, Anne broke Freddie’s heart to prevent him from giving up his dream. In present day, the two find themselves living in the same apartment building and are forced to confront the past whether they’re ready for it or not.
I really loved this sweet second chance romance with an NYC setting!! It was sweet and quirky and the pacing flowed perfectly. I love second chance done well, and one thing I really appreciated about this one was the lack of animosity between the two main characters despite their past breakup.
Living in Freddie and Anne’s apartment building is a cast of characters that added so much hilarity to the novel. Their antics included many moments of ridiculous behavior and witty dialogue that made the story all the more amusing to read. Bev, for example was only featured a few times, but she was one of the most memorable in the novel.
One of the things that troubled Freddie and Anne’s relationship eight years ago was the fact that Anne wasn’t ever willing to try something without a firm plan already in place. Her character development over the course of the novel was amazing to see as she came to the realization that spontaneity can bring about so many positive bits into life.
Super cute romance, definitely recommend!
I really loved this sweet second chance romance with an NYC setting!! It was sweet and quirky and the pacing flowed perfectly. I love second chance done well, and one thing I really appreciated about this one was the lack of animosity between the two main characters despite their past breakup.
Living in Freddie and Anne’s apartment building is a cast of characters that added so much hilarity to the novel. Their antics included many moments of ridiculous behavior and witty dialogue that made the story all the more amusing to read. Bev, for example was only featured a few times, but she was one of the most memorable in the novel.
One of the things that troubled Freddie and Anne’s relationship eight years ago was the fact that Anne wasn’t ever willing to try something without a firm plan already in place. Her character development over the course of the novel was amazing to see as she came to the realization that spontaneity can bring about so many positive bits into life.
Super cute romance, definitely recommend!
October 29, 2025
I have really enjoyed this series of Jane Austen's books retelling. This is a retelling of Persuasion with Anne and Freddy's love story. Their lives intersect again when Freddy buys the apartment that was Anne's childhood home.
I adore this second chance romance and seeing their past and present. I thought their time apart allowed them to grow and their relationship really blossomed.
The setting of the building with the forced proximity and shared friend group made the story so fun. The meddling nosey neighbors made the apartment building seem so fun. It was also great to see the other characters from the previous books made an appearance.
The narration of Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Presley was perfection and made the story come to life.
Thank you @simon.audio @gallerybooks for a copy of the audiobook.
I adore this second chance romance and seeing their past and present. I thought their time apart allowed them to grow and their relationship really blossomed.
The setting of the building with the forced proximity and shared friend group made the story so fun. The meddling nosey neighbors made the apartment building seem so fun. It was also great to see the other characters from the previous books made an appearance.
The narration of Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Presley was perfection and made the story come to life.
Thank you @simon.audio @gallerybooks for a copy of the audiobook.
November 13, 2025
As an AVID Jane Austen fan, I am so excited that I discovered this series. The third book in the modern day Austen stories, " Anne of Avenue A" follows " Persuasion". Anne and Freddie were college sweethearts who break up because of timing and career decisions. After having zero contact, they come face to face eight years later when Freddie moves into Annes old apartment. They both are struggling with life and their decisions.. until seeing each other again forces them to take a look in the mirror.. and in their hearts. These books are like a warm hug.. ,I cannot wait to see what these authors write next.
November 21, 2025
A slow burn, second chance romance based off of Jane Austen’s Persuasion?! This whole series was made for me.
I loved Anne and Freddie and their love story. They were so smitten and sweet. There was so much mention! Just kiss already!
I also love the setting of New York City- always. And I feel like they’re able to make Jane Austen new again in the best way!
I think I need to reread Persuasion now.
I loved Anne and Freddie and their love story. They were so smitten and sweet. There was so much mention! Just kiss already!
I also love the setting of New York City- always. And I feel like they’re able to make Jane Austen new again in the best way!
I think I need to reread Persuasion now.
December 2, 2025
sweet and love the modern take on persuasion!
January 6, 2026
Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding (2025)
For the Love of Austen #3
8h 6m narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley, 336 pages
Genre: Retelling, Contemporary Romance, Holiday > Christmas
Featuring: Retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen, Second Chance Trope - Exes, College Sweethearts; East Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York; Tricenarians, NYU - New York University, December, Divorced Kid, Christmas, Television Production, Reality TV, Family Dynamics, Money Troubles, Dual POVs, Affluent People, Planner vs Free Spirit, Siblings, Homecoming Trope, Divorcée, Close Proximity Trope, Characters From Previous Books, Sex - Detailed, Business Deals, November, Thanksgiving, January, New Year's Eve, Updates on Characters From Previous Books
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, "Hot Issue" by 4Minute, "Butter" by BTS, "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift, "The Girl With the Sun in Her Head" by Orbital, "Back To December" by Taylor Swift, "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher, "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra
Books and Authors mentioned: Persuasion by Jane Austen, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Emma by Jane Austen, Ada Lovelace, A History of Pi by Petr Beckmann, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward Tufte, A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, Working Girl by
Kevin Wade, The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎭👨🎓👩🏼🎓💔
My thoughts: ⏯️ - I was waiting for the ebook but the audiobook had a much shorter line so I jumped on it and canceled the ebook I'm hoping I don't regret doing so.
📱21% 1:39:46 Chapter 4 - I definitely should have stuck with the ebook but it's too late now. This so far is my least favorite book so it's going on the back burner and hopefully the thriller pans out otherwise it's gonna be back to Stephen King. Persuasion is not my favorite Austen novel so I wasn't expecting to love this story but these characters are a bit dull and slow. There was this one exciting aspect of the story; reality TV, and then they took it away.
📱39% 3:11:53 Chapter 10 - It's a slow burn and I don't like the characters.
This had some cute moments and funny moments, but it was mostly meh compared to the others. The narrator had several breathless moments that kind of annoyed my ears. I don't want a guy to sound like that personally, it's very dramatic. I think that might have affected my enjoyment a bit I really should have eyeballed this one. Maybe then I would know for sure if the guy was from Brooklyn or Queens.
Recommend to others: It's a good series I don't know if it's hit a lull or if this is the end but I wouldn't be mad about it either way.
For the Love of Austen
1 Emma of 83rd Street (2023)
2 Elizabeth of East Hampton (2024)
3 Anne of Avenue A (2025)
Memorable Quotes: The music transitioned to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” when he stopped just in front of her. His usual uniform of a vintage T-shirt and baggy jeans had been replaced by an oversized Santa costume that hung awkwardly on his tall frame. But somehow, miraculously, he could pull it off. Such was the magic of Freddie Wentworth. “What are you staring at?” he asked, narrowing his eyes. Despite the beard, Anne could still see that familiar easy grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, the crinkling at the corner of his eyes that made her feel like the most special person in the world. She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Nothing.” “It’s the beard. It’s doing it for you, isn’t it,” he deadpanned. “You’re ridiculous.” She rolled her eyes, barely curbing her smile. “Ridiculously good-looking, right?” Now it was impossible not to laugh. Anne let it bubble out of her, and he watched, his smile broadening, like he had unlocked his one achievement for the night. “Which one of those is mine?” she asked, nodding to the drinks in his hands. “Good question.” He held up the two glasses. Under the glow of the nearby neon beer sign, they looked almost identical. “One of them is a Sprite and cranberry, and the other one is a cocktail called Christmas in Your Mouth.” She considered both, then grabbed the one in his right hand and took a deep sip. The bitter taste of pine and cranberry and orange assaulted her mouth, while some undefinable alcohol burned her tongue. Freddie watched her gag and winced. “That bad?” She nodded and reached for the other glass. He gave it to her, then took the cocktail back and took a sip for himself. “Huh. I never thought Christmas would taste like cheap tequila and grenadine.” She laughed again. This time it sent the last remnants of alcohol up her nose, making her eyes water. The crowd was just hitting the crescendo of their song as he took another sip and snaked his arm around her waist, bringing her back flush against his body. “Merry Christmas, Annie,” he whispered, his lips almost touching the shell of her ear. She smiled. This is what she had missed over the past few weeks. The ease, the laughter, the constant touches and whispers. She had taken it for granted before, but now it suddenly felt like a rare, precious thing that needed attention. Between managing the expectations of her parents and surviving her overloaded class schedule, Anne’s senior year at NYU had become so hectic she barely had a moment to herself. Of course, Freddie would probably argue that it wasn’t too different from the previous few years. She always pushed herself, relied on her lists and schedules to eke out as many hours in the day as possible. But her senior year had brought a whole new sense of urgency. Anne was a year older than Freddie and a year above him at NYU, so while he was allowed to continue with his nonchalant attitude toward higher education, Anne was forced to buckle down and take her last remaining credits even more seriously. Slowly, their time together became more sporadic, squeezed in whenever she could find an afternoon or weekend. She had convinced herself it was fine, a temporary hiccup in a relationship that had always been so easy, so perfect. But then her mind wandered to next year… Nope. No spiraling, she thought, and took a sip of her drink. She had time to tell him. All she had to do right now was relax, enjoy the party, and— “All I want for Christmas IS YOU!” the crowd sang in unison, throwing their arms up.
It wasn’t until she was home at her dad’s apartment in the East Village that she remembered the small paper triangle in her back pocket. She read it in the privacy of her bedroom. It’s Friday, December 22nd. We’re having our annual Christmas party at Half Pint with all our friends and you just walked in. You haven’t seen me yet, and I’m going to let you look around for a minute so I can watch you. I don’t get to watch you so much these days, and I miss it. You pierce my soul, Annie. That view fits a part of me and I never want to be without it. I love you so much, and I can’t wait for our next adventure. —Freddie She tried not to cry as she folded it back into its original shape and carefully put it into the small box in her nightstand that held all the others. You both can’t get what you want, her mother’s words echoed in her mind again. She didn’t want to believe it, but maybe this time, her mother was right.
“You miserable, cocksucking tramp!” The words reverberated off the walls of the cramped edit room, hitting a part of Anne’s inner ear that made her cringe. Her editor was unfazed, though—David just paused the video and turned to stare up at her from his keyboard, the light from his monitor illuminating his apathy. “Well?” he asked, his voice monotone. “You have to bleep it.” Anne tried not to sound too condescending, but after editing over fifty episodes of Divorce Divas together, she had assumed the answer was obvious. “Which part?” “The cocksucker part, David.” “Yeah, but like, the whole word? Or just the cock part, and leave the sucking?” Anne blinked back at the screen. Huh. As she stared at the suspended image of Denise Sinclair, one of the series’ biggest stars, frozen mid-motion as she was about to throw a glass of champagne at her former best friend, Marsha Beaumont, two questions popped into her head. First, why was this the most mentally stimulating conversation she’d had in months? And second, was “cocksucker” one word or two? The door to the edit room swung open before she could ponder an answer to either. The harsh fluorescent light of the hallway silhouetted Theo Travers’s broad frame in the doorway. His usual easy smile had been replaced by a grimace as he swept a hand through his dark tousled hair. Theo was the showrunner on Divorce Divas and was an objectively attractive man. A few years ago, Anne had even harbored a small crush on him, but it had fizzled almost as quickly as it started, more of a distraction from the monotony of life than any real affection. But she still appreciated how good he was at his job. A master flirt, he excelled in any negotiation, while his inflated ego meant it took a lot to rattle him. Which was why his look of concern right now was so unfamiliar. “Anne. Can I grab you for a sec?” he asked. Anne straightened. Thanks to years of her father’s overspending, she had implemented a strict “time is money” policy at Kellynch Productions, which meant that edit sessions—and their expensive editors who were paid by the hour—were not to be interrupted unless the building was on fire. “Is the building on fire?” she asked. “No no no, nothing like that.” Then he paused, considering. “Well, it’s an emergency, but David can keep editing. I think.” Anne turned to relay the direction to David, but the editor’s attention was already back on the screen in front of him as he offered her a limp salute.
For the Love of Austen #3
8h 6m narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley, 336 pages
Genre: Retelling, Contemporary Romance, Holiday > Christmas
Featuring: Retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen, Second Chance Trope - Exes, College Sweethearts; East Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York; Tricenarians, NYU - New York University, December, Divorced Kid, Christmas, Television Production, Reality TV, Family Dynamics, Money Troubles, Dual POVs, Affluent People, Planner vs Free Spirit, Siblings, Homecoming Trope, Divorcée, Close Proximity Trope, Characters From Previous Books, Sex - Detailed, Business Deals, November, Thanksgiving, January, New Year's Eve, Updates on Characters From Previous Books
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, "Hot Issue" by 4Minute, "Butter" by BTS, "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift, "The Girl With the Sun in Her Head" by Orbital, "Back To December" by Taylor Swift, "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher, "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" by Nancy Sinatra
Books and Authors mentioned: Persuasion by Jane Austen, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Emma by Jane Austen, Ada Lovelace, A History of Pi by Petr Beckmann, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward Tufte, A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking, Working Girl by
Kevin Wade, The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎭👨🎓👩🏼🎓💔
My thoughts: ⏯️ - I was waiting for the ebook but the audiobook had a much shorter line so I jumped on it and canceled the ebook I'm hoping I don't regret doing so.
📱21% 1:39:46 Chapter 4 - I definitely should have stuck with the ebook but it's too late now. This so far is my least favorite book so it's going on the back burner and hopefully the thriller pans out otherwise it's gonna be back to Stephen King. Persuasion is not my favorite Austen novel so I wasn't expecting to love this story but these characters are a bit dull and slow. There was this one exciting aspect of the story; reality TV, and then they took it away.
📱39% 3:11:53 Chapter 10 - It's a slow burn and I don't like the characters.
This had some cute moments and funny moments, but it was mostly meh compared to the others. The narrator had several breathless moments that kind of annoyed my ears. I don't want a guy to sound like that personally, it's very dramatic. I think that might have affected my enjoyment a bit I really should have eyeballed this one. Maybe then I would know for sure if the guy was from Brooklyn or Queens.
Recommend to others: It's a good series I don't know if it's hit a lull or if this is the end but I wouldn't be mad about it either way.
For the Love of Austen
1 Emma of 83rd Street (2023)
2 Elizabeth of East Hampton (2024)
3 Anne of Avenue A (2025)
Memorable Quotes: The music transitioned to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” when he stopped just in front of her. His usual uniform of a vintage T-shirt and baggy jeans had been replaced by an oversized Santa costume that hung awkwardly on his tall frame. But somehow, miraculously, he could pull it off. Such was the magic of Freddie Wentworth. “What are you staring at?” he asked, narrowing his eyes. Despite the beard, Anne could still see that familiar easy grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, the crinkling at the corner of his eyes that made her feel like the most special person in the world. She shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Nothing.” “It’s the beard. It’s doing it for you, isn’t it,” he deadpanned. “You’re ridiculous.” She rolled her eyes, barely curbing her smile. “Ridiculously good-looking, right?” Now it was impossible not to laugh. Anne let it bubble out of her, and he watched, his smile broadening, like he had unlocked his one achievement for the night. “Which one of those is mine?” she asked, nodding to the drinks in his hands. “Good question.” He held up the two glasses. Under the glow of the nearby neon beer sign, they looked almost identical. “One of them is a Sprite and cranberry, and the other one is a cocktail called Christmas in Your Mouth.” She considered both, then grabbed the one in his right hand and took a deep sip. The bitter taste of pine and cranberry and orange assaulted her mouth, while some undefinable alcohol burned her tongue. Freddie watched her gag and winced. “That bad?” She nodded and reached for the other glass. He gave it to her, then took the cocktail back and took a sip for himself. “Huh. I never thought Christmas would taste like cheap tequila and grenadine.” She laughed again. This time it sent the last remnants of alcohol up her nose, making her eyes water. The crowd was just hitting the crescendo of their song as he took another sip and snaked his arm around her waist, bringing her back flush against his body. “Merry Christmas, Annie,” he whispered, his lips almost touching the shell of her ear. She smiled. This is what she had missed over the past few weeks. The ease, the laughter, the constant touches and whispers. She had taken it for granted before, but now it suddenly felt like a rare, precious thing that needed attention. Between managing the expectations of her parents and surviving her overloaded class schedule, Anne’s senior year at NYU had become so hectic she barely had a moment to herself. Of course, Freddie would probably argue that it wasn’t too different from the previous few years. She always pushed herself, relied on her lists and schedules to eke out as many hours in the day as possible. But her senior year had brought a whole new sense of urgency. Anne was a year older than Freddie and a year above him at NYU, so while he was allowed to continue with his nonchalant attitude toward higher education, Anne was forced to buckle down and take her last remaining credits even more seriously. Slowly, their time together became more sporadic, squeezed in whenever she could find an afternoon or weekend. She had convinced herself it was fine, a temporary hiccup in a relationship that had always been so easy, so perfect. But then her mind wandered to next year… Nope. No spiraling, she thought, and took a sip of her drink. She had time to tell him. All she had to do right now was relax, enjoy the party, and— “All I want for Christmas IS YOU!” the crowd sang in unison, throwing their arms up.
It wasn’t until she was home at her dad’s apartment in the East Village that she remembered the small paper triangle in her back pocket. She read it in the privacy of her bedroom. It’s Friday, December 22nd. We’re having our annual Christmas party at Half Pint with all our friends and you just walked in. You haven’t seen me yet, and I’m going to let you look around for a minute so I can watch you. I don’t get to watch you so much these days, and I miss it. You pierce my soul, Annie. That view fits a part of me and I never want to be without it. I love you so much, and I can’t wait for our next adventure. —Freddie She tried not to cry as she folded it back into its original shape and carefully put it into the small box in her nightstand that held all the others. You both can’t get what you want, her mother’s words echoed in her mind again. She didn’t want to believe it, but maybe this time, her mother was right.
“You miserable, cocksucking tramp!” The words reverberated off the walls of the cramped edit room, hitting a part of Anne’s inner ear that made her cringe. Her editor was unfazed, though—David just paused the video and turned to stare up at her from his keyboard, the light from his monitor illuminating his apathy. “Well?” he asked, his voice monotone. “You have to bleep it.” Anne tried not to sound too condescending, but after editing over fifty episodes of Divorce Divas together, she had assumed the answer was obvious. “Which part?” “The cocksucker part, David.” “Yeah, but like, the whole word? Or just the cock part, and leave the sucking?” Anne blinked back at the screen. Huh. As she stared at the suspended image of Denise Sinclair, one of the series’ biggest stars, frozen mid-motion as she was about to throw a glass of champagne at her former best friend, Marsha Beaumont, two questions popped into her head. First, why was this the most mentally stimulating conversation she’d had in months? And second, was “cocksucker” one word or two? The door to the edit room swung open before she could ponder an answer to either. The harsh fluorescent light of the hallway silhouetted Theo Travers’s broad frame in the doorway. His usual easy smile had been replaced by a grimace as he swept a hand through his dark tousled hair. Theo was the showrunner on Divorce Divas and was an objectively attractive man. A few years ago, Anne had even harbored a small crush on him, but it had fizzled almost as quickly as it started, more of a distraction from the monotony of life than any real affection. But she still appreciated how good he was at his job. A master flirt, he excelled in any negotiation, while his inflated ego meant it took a lot to rattle him. Which was why his look of concern right now was so unfamiliar. “Anne. Can I grab you for a sec?” he asked. Anne straightened. Thanks to years of her father’s overspending, she had implemented a strict “time is money” policy at Kellynch Productions, which meant that edit sessions—and their expensive editors who were paid by the hour—were not to be interrupted unless the building was on fire. “Is the building on fire?” she asked. “No no no, nothing like that.” Then he paused, considering. “Well, it’s an emergency, but David can keep editing. I think.” Anne turned to relay the direction to David, but the editor’s attention was already back on the screen in front of him as he offered her a limp salute.
December 14, 2025
4 stars. A cleverly plotted second chance romance with wonderfully warm characters and plenty of surprises. An all-around fun retelling of “Persuasion.” Pub. 10/28/25
November 2, 2025
A cute, swoony read for lovers of second chance romance. It was all the things you love in a romcom. Funny side characters, a ‘why did they ever break up’ backstory, current uncertainty bringing them back together. Would recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
October 20, 2025
Thanks to Goodreads for the ARC copy.
However, I was bored throughout this book and I thought Anne was a pushover character--so many times other characters walked all over her and she didn't even try to push back.
However, I was bored throughout this book and I thought Anne was a pushover character--so many times other characters walked all over her and she didn't even try to push back.
October 31, 2025
I really wanted to like this book because I adore Persuasion and waited so long for this installment to come out. But… it was just so dull for me. I think the loss of real class difference elements and more repressed society makes the story less emotional/angsty/high stakes than the source material… but also, I just didn’t really find anything about it romantic. Freddie and Anne were just kinda boring.
October 19, 2025
Book review: Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding’s Anne of Avenue A
Thank you to Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for my gifted ARC and ALC.
Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding have done it again. Anne of Avenue A is a charming, smart, and emotionally grounded modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, complete with NYC holiday sparkle, messy family dynamics, and the kind of second-chance romance that makes you want to text your high school ex (don’t do it). It’s equal parts cozy and wistful, romantic and real—a perfect fall-into-winter read that feels like stepping into a snow-dusted rom-com that actually has emotional weight.
Anne Elliot, at thirty, is the kind of heroine many of us quietly root for because we’ve been her—or could be. She’s responsible to a fault, endlessly accommodating, and just a little bit lost. Eight years ago, she broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart, turning down a chance to follow him abroad because she thought it wasn’t “the smart move.” Now, despite her once-precise five-year plan, Anne finds herself living back at home, running her father’s TV production company into the ground, and trying to convince herself that she’s perfectly fine. Then Freddie comes back—successful, confident, and unknowingly the new owner of her childhood apartment. Cue elevator encounters, awkward Thanksgiving dinners, and the inevitable, slow, bittersweet unraveling of everything Anne thought she’d buried.
What makes Anne of Avenue A sing isn’t the setup (though it’s a great one). It’s the voice. The writing duo brings Austen’s quiet ache and layered wit into the modern day with seamless ease. The dialogue feels sharp but natural, the pacing patient but never sluggish. Freddie and Anne’s chemistry isn’t loud—it simmers. It’s in the way they speak cautiously, like every word could reopen an old wound. It’s in the stolen glances, the hesitant text messages, the tug between what’s practical and what’s possible. When Freddie finally lets his guard down, the payoff is the kind of emotional gut punch that romance readers live for.
Anne’s personal arc is especially satisfying. She’s a woman learning that self-sacrifice isn’t the same as kindness—and that choosing yourself doesn’t mean giving up on love. Her family, particularly her self-absorbed father and delusional mother, add both comedy and heartbreak to her story. You understand exactly why Anne has spent her life holding things together, and why she deserves to finally put herself first.
The authors weave in subtle nods to Persuasion—letters, family meddling, miscommunication—but they never lean on Austen’s structure as a crutch. Instead, they use it as a launchpad for a story that feels fresh, contemporary, and emotionally sincere. The NYC setting sparkles, from cozy apartment gatherings to chaotic holiday parties that feel straight out of a Nora Ephron movie. The supporting cast—nosy neighbors, eccentric creatives, and one scene-stealing best friend—rounds out the world beautifully. The Uppercross building feels like a character in itself, full of warmth, gossip, and love in all its messy forms.
One of my favorite quotes captures the heart of the novel: “I was never not choosing you. I just didn’t know how to choose myself yet.” That line hit like a snowball to the chest. It perfectly captures what Bellezza and Harding do best—write about people trying to become whole before they become a couple.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say this installment is less intense than Elizabeth of East Hampton, but that’s part of its charm. It’s quieter, more introspective, and more about forgiveness than fire. The angst is there, but it’s wrapped in warmth and humor. The authors balance longing and levity so well that even when my heart ached, I found myself smiling. The ending—complete with callbacks to Anne and Freddie’s past—was tender, romantic, and exactly the closure I wanted.
And if you’re considering the audiobook—move it to the top of your list. Narrators Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley deliver a heartfelt and pitch-perfect performance. Hamilton gives Freddie a grounded intensity that makes every line feel like it’s hiding a story, while Pressley brings Anne’s uncertainty and quiet strength to life with incredible nuance. Their voices complement each other beautifully, giving depth and warmth to a story already rich with emotion. This is one of those rare audiobooks that enhances the experience so much, you’ll want to reread it just to hear certain scenes again. Huge thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for the advance listening copy—this one’s a standout.
What truly stands out about Anne of Avenue A is how it understands modern love. It’s not just about falling back into something familiar; it’s about seeing that familiarity differently—with maturity, hindsight, and the courage to do things better this time. Freddie and Anne’s relationship doesn’t feel like a fairytale; it feels like something earned. Two people who had to outgrow their old selves to make space for the right version of each other.
Fans of Bellezza and Harding’s previous novels will love seeing familiar faces pop up, but this one stands perfectly on its own. It’s got the best of both worlds: classic Austen yearning and the electricity of modern New York. It’s as much a love story about the city as it is about second chances.
I finished the last page (and final chapter of the audio) with that perfect post-romance sigh—satisfied, sentimental, and a little bit in love. If you adore second-chance love stories, Austen adaptations, or just need a hopeful, witty escape that feels like a holiday movie with brains, this one’s for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
#AnneOfAvenueA #AudreyBellezza #EmilyHarding #PersuasionRetelling #SecondChanceRomance #ModernAusten #HolidayRomance #GalleryBooks #SimonAndSchusterAudio #NetGalleyARC #TeddyHamilton #BrittanyPressley #RomanceAudiobook #NYCRomance #ForTheLoveOfAusten #BookReview #RomComReads #JaneAustenAdaptation #CozyRomanceReads #FallInLoveAgain #Bookstagram #RomanceBooks2025 #ALCReview
Thank you to Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster Audio, and NetGalley for my gifted ARC and ALC.
Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding have done it again. Anne of Avenue A is a charming, smart, and emotionally grounded modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, complete with NYC holiday sparkle, messy family dynamics, and the kind of second-chance romance that makes you want to text your high school ex (don’t do it). It’s equal parts cozy and wistful, romantic and real—a perfect fall-into-winter read that feels like stepping into a snow-dusted rom-com that actually has emotional weight.
Anne Elliot, at thirty, is the kind of heroine many of us quietly root for because we’ve been her—or could be. She’s responsible to a fault, endlessly accommodating, and just a little bit lost. Eight years ago, she broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart, turning down a chance to follow him abroad because she thought it wasn’t “the smart move.” Now, despite her once-precise five-year plan, Anne finds herself living back at home, running her father’s TV production company into the ground, and trying to convince herself that she’s perfectly fine. Then Freddie comes back—successful, confident, and unknowingly the new owner of her childhood apartment. Cue elevator encounters, awkward Thanksgiving dinners, and the inevitable, slow, bittersweet unraveling of everything Anne thought she’d buried.
What makes Anne of Avenue A sing isn’t the setup (though it’s a great one). It’s the voice. The writing duo brings Austen’s quiet ache and layered wit into the modern day with seamless ease. The dialogue feels sharp but natural, the pacing patient but never sluggish. Freddie and Anne’s chemistry isn’t loud—it simmers. It’s in the way they speak cautiously, like every word could reopen an old wound. It’s in the stolen glances, the hesitant text messages, the tug between what’s practical and what’s possible. When Freddie finally lets his guard down, the payoff is the kind of emotional gut punch that romance readers live for.
Anne’s personal arc is especially satisfying. She’s a woman learning that self-sacrifice isn’t the same as kindness—and that choosing yourself doesn’t mean giving up on love. Her family, particularly her self-absorbed father and delusional mother, add both comedy and heartbreak to her story. You understand exactly why Anne has spent her life holding things together, and why she deserves to finally put herself first.
The authors weave in subtle nods to Persuasion—letters, family meddling, miscommunication—but they never lean on Austen’s structure as a crutch. Instead, they use it as a launchpad for a story that feels fresh, contemporary, and emotionally sincere. The NYC setting sparkles, from cozy apartment gatherings to chaotic holiday parties that feel straight out of a Nora Ephron movie. The supporting cast—nosy neighbors, eccentric creatives, and one scene-stealing best friend—rounds out the world beautifully. The Uppercross building feels like a character in itself, full of warmth, gossip, and love in all its messy forms.
One of my favorite quotes captures the heart of the novel: “I was never not choosing you. I just didn’t know how to choose myself yet.” That line hit like a snowball to the chest. It perfectly captures what Bellezza and Harding do best—write about people trying to become whole before they become a couple.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say this installment is less intense than Elizabeth of East Hampton, but that’s part of its charm. It’s quieter, more introspective, and more about forgiveness than fire. The angst is there, but it’s wrapped in warmth and humor. The authors balance longing and levity so well that even when my heart ached, I found myself smiling. The ending—complete with callbacks to Anne and Freddie’s past—was tender, romantic, and exactly the closure I wanted.
And if you’re considering the audiobook—move it to the top of your list. Narrators Teddy Hamilton and Brittany Pressley deliver a heartfelt and pitch-perfect performance. Hamilton gives Freddie a grounded intensity that makes every line feel like it’s hiding a story, while Pressley brings Anne’s uncertainty and quiet strength to life with incredible nuance. Their voices complement each other beautifully, giving depth and warmth to a story already rich with emotion. This is one of those rare audiobooks that enhances the experience so much, you’ll want to reread it just to hear certain scenes again. Huge thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for the advance listening copy—this one’s a standout.
What truly stands out about Anne of Avenue A is how it understands modern love. It’s not just about falling back into something familiar; it’s about seeing that familiarity differently—with maturity, hindsight, and the courage to do things better this time. Freddie and Anne’s relationship doesn’t feel like a fairytale; it feels like something earned. Two people who had to outgrow their old selves to make space for the right version of each other.
Fans of Bellezza and Harding’s previous novels will love seeing familiar faces pop up, but this one stands perfectly on its own. It’s got the best of both worlds: classic Austen yearning and the electricity of modern New York. It’s as much a love story about the city as it is about second chances.
I finished the last page (and final chapter of the audio) with that perfect post-romance sigh—satisfied, sentimental, and a little bit in love. If you adore second-chance love stories, Austen adaptations, or just need a hopeful, witty escape that feels like a holiday movie with brains, this one’s for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
#AnneOfAvenueA #AudreyBellezza #EmilyHarding #PersuasionRetelling #SecondChanceRomance #ModernAusten #HolidayRomance #GalleryBooks #SimonAndSchusterAudio #NetGalleyARC #TeddyHamilton #BrittanyPressley #RomanceAudiobook #NYCRomance #ForTheLoveOfAusten #BookReview #RomComReads #JaneAustenAdaptation #CozyRomanceReads #FallInLoveAgain #Bookstagram #RomanceBooks2025 #ALCReview
July 25, 2025
A second-chance love story set against the heartbeat of New York City, this novel reimagines the emotional pull of Persuasion through a modern lens. Anne and Freddie once shared a passionate, complicated relationship during their NYU days—full of promise but lacking the shared vision to go the distance. Eight years later, fate throws them back into each other’s lives when Freddie unexpectedly moves into Anne’s apartment building.
What follows is a layered exploration of love, timing, and how the people we were in our twenties shape the people we become in our thirties. The authors beautifully capture the rhythms of long-lost love and the bittersweet ache of “what if,” all while painting a vivid portrait of New York—from brownstone-lined streets to beloved sports curses.
The supporting cast brings warmth and humor—especially Freddie’s fiercely loving mother—and even the over-the-top moments feel intentional, adding charm to the emotional depth. Fans of the authors’ previous books will enjoy the seamless cameos from earlier characters, creating a cozy sense of continuity and shared universe.
If you love second-chance romance, messy college-era heartbreaks, or stories where the city is a character in its own right, this book delivers. And if this dynamic duo plans to take on more Austen retellings? Count me in for the next one—whatever title they take on next.
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway. My review was not influenced by that.
What follows is a layered exploration of love, timing, and how the people we were in our twenties shape the people we become in our thirties. The authors beautifully capture the rhythms of long-lost love and the bittersweet ache of “what if,” all while painting a vivid portrait of New York—from brownstone-lined streets to beloved sports curses.
The supporting cast brings warmth and humor—especially Freddie’s fiercely loving mother—and even the over-the-top moments feel intentional, adding charm to the emotional depth. Fans of the authors’ previous books will enjoy the seamless cameos from earlier characters, creating a cozy sense of continuity and shared universe.
If you love second-chance romance, messy college-era heartbreaks, or stories where the city is a character in its own right, this book delivers. And if this dynamic duo plans to take on more Austen retellings? Count me in for the next one—whatever title they take on next.
I won this book through a goodreads giveaway. My review was not influenced by that.
December 28, 2025
Anne Elliot broke Freddy Wentworth's heart 8 years ago when they were students at NYU and she refused to leave New York to join him on an adventure in Argentina. Now approaching thirty, Anne is still living at home until her father's poor financial decisions lead to the sale of her childhood apartment in the East Village. Anne rents a room in another unit in the building and is shocked when she discovers that Freddy is back in New York after selling his company and is now the new owner of her family's apartment. As their lives become intertwined again, old feelings rise to the surface and Anne and Freddy must decide if they're willing to take a second chance at love.
This modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion set in New York City's East Village is a charming second chance romance and is the third in the For the Love of Austen series. I haven't read the first two and it wasn't an issue although Emma, Elizabeth, Darcy and Knightley do appear in this book. I have now added both Emma of 83rd Street and Elizabeth of East Hampton to my library TBR list!
I love anything Jane Austen so I enjoyed this a lot but was expecting a holiday read and it's not really. The novel opens in fall in New York City and ends in early December with just a few nods too the holiday season in the city - Anne and Freddy decorate a Christmas tree and stroll through a Christmas market - but holiday vibes are not really central to the story.
This modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion set in New York City's East Village is a charming second chance romance and is the third in the For the Love of Austen series. I haven't read the first two and it wasn't an issue although Emma, Elizabeth, Darcy and Knightley do appear in this book. I have now added both Emma of 83rd Street and Elizabeth of East Hampton to my library TBR list!
I love anything Jane Austen so I enjoyed this a lot but was expecting a holiday read and it's not really. The novel opens in fall in New York City and ends in early December with just a few nods too the holiday season in the city - Anne and Freddy decorate a Christmas tree and stroll through a Christmas market - but holiday vibes are not really central to the story.
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