Modern Love

by Beau North

One of Entertainment Weekly's Top 10 Romance Novels of 2017"Love at first sight wasn't meant for millennials," thinks Alice art student, recovering addict, David Bowie enthusiast. Alice is among the recently dumped and only wants to keep her nose to the grindstone until she finishes her degree. Her sister has other ideas and sets her up with new-in-town Will Murphy--tall, dark, and aloof. To say it wasn't an instant attraction is an He finds her abrasive, with her sharp tongue and don't-screw-with-me attitude. She thinks he's excessively reserved, too damn serious. But the more time Alice spends with Will, the more their slow burn begins to thaw her heart. A man of two worlds, half-Irish, half-Indian, Will feels at home with Alice. He soon realizes her tough shell is hiding extensive scar tissue--from her addiction and recovery to her spectacularly bad ex-girlfriend to the loss of her mother. Modern Love isn't a story about love at first sight but learning to love yourself before being able to see the one you love.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Adult, LGBT, Novella

182 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2017

About the author

Beau North hails from the kudzu-strangled wilderness of South Carolina but now hangs her hat in Portland, Oregon. In her spare time, Beau is the co-host of the podcast Excessively Diverted: Modern Austen On-Screen.

Reviews

[Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Review at Of Pens and Pages.



I loved Beau North’s writing style in her previous works (All Pride and Prejudice-inspired) so I wasn’t surprised when I enjoyed Modern Love so much. Charming, hopeful, painfully real and beautiful, Modern Love is the kind of contemporary read anyone will enjoy. This book had dynamic and colorful characters that were imperfect yet authentic and it featured different kinds of love—romantic, familial, even toxic.

Alice Aberdeen is still hung up on her ex-girlfriend of two years, so her sister Emma—and her boyfriend, Gabe—brings it upon herself to become her matchmaker. For some reason, Emma and Gabe think it’s perfect for Alice to meet the guy they believe is perfect for her at a David Bowie costume contest… and Alice has no clue she’s set up on a blind date with Gabe’s best friend.

I challenge you to find two blacker, more cynical hearts than theirs.”

And so when they finally meet, Alice leaves an impression on Will Murphy in the middle of the dance floor by literally bumping into him and spilling ginger ale all over his expensive shirt.

Obviously, it wasn’t love at first sight for them, but it hasn’t stopped Emma and Gabe from finding ways to get them to hang out. Soon enough, Alice and Will realize they have some things in common and it wouldn’t kill them if they became friends, maybe even more. But when two people with two of the heaviest baggage try to float together, they’re bound to sink unless they learn to let go.

She seems the kind of girl who'd break your bones, your balls, and your will to live."

Alice is bisexual and was once an addict, but what I loved about that fact is the author didn’t use it as a plot device to keep the story rolling. Those things were just part of Alice, of who she is/was as a person. This woman had so many layers, but she’s so wonderful to get to know! Her love for art, David Bowie, her grief over losing her mother, her unhealthy obsession with her ex-girlfriend, Jamie, her unconditional love for her sister, Emma. This woman had so many facets, but the main takeaway is despite everything that’s happened to her, she’s still good.

Then we have Warinder “Will” Murphy, a half-Indian half-Irish businessman who hasn’t felt at home anywhere until meeting Alice. Because of his mixed heritage, he feels he’s not quite one or the other. He started off as this aloof, standoff-ish man (kind of like Mr. Darcy) when he first met Alice, but as we and Alice got to know him, he’s so much more than that. He’s funny, smart, and sweet. So, so sweet.

Despite its title (which is obviously a reference to David Bowie, a recurring theme in the story), the book was not just about love. It’s about life, losing one’s way and finding it again, and the different relationships in Alice’s and Will’s lives. One of my favorites was between Alice and her step-mom, Deb.

My selfish wish is that I hoped the story was longer. I wanted to see more of Will’s family, his mother’s side and father’s. I adored Alex, Will’s cousin, though, and the side-romance with a certain Sara.

Even with its heavy topics, Modern Love was witty and mostly light. Ali I loved Alice and Will’s gradual build up to love, and the friendship that happened in between. If you’re looking for a heartwarming and fun story with lovable and unforgettable characters, I recommend reading Modern Love.

Tropes: Bad First Impressions, Friends to Lovers, Opposites Attract
POV: First Person, Dual POV
Standalone: Yes
Warning: No cheating, but one of the MCs sleeps with/kisses someone else in the middle of the story

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

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[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bowie, Baggage, and Bad Relationships

Sometimes when you are a fan of a particular author's writing and style, you will read anything they write – even if it is from a genre you don't typically read. ;)

As the title suggests this is a modern-day love story and in the world we live in now that is not always pretty, easy, and most likely far from perfect. Alice and Will are complex, they carry scars, and are hesitant to put themselves out there – either because they've been hurt badly before or because they don't believe love is real. But after a series of tense encounters and failed matchmaking attempts, Alice and Will tentatively try just being friends.

I loved seeing the evolution of Alice's and Will's relationship with each other – it was riveting! I loved both the steps forward and the stumbles back, relationships and growth can be like that. Not everything moves in an upwards and straight line. I adored both Alice and Will as characters and I loved my time spent with them. Alice is feisty, quick-witted, unapologetic, and as Will says repeatedly “kind of amazing.” And while Will may have the perfect life of a successful career, sublimely attractive looks, and wealth, when you peal back those onion layers you discover so much more that lies underneath that seemingly perfect (and gorgeous) facade. I loved how this story showed us chapters from both characters' perspective to give readers a fuller understanding of what these two felt and thought. That was brilliantly done, and if anything I wouldn't have minded a little more from Will's perspective.

While it may not be labeled as JAFF or Austenesque, I was happily surprised to find some nods and recognizable Pride and Prejudice inspired characters or scenes in this New Adult contemporary romance. Jane Austen is everywhere... ;) It was fun to encounter a character and realize “hey, she reminds me of Caroline Bingley a bit!”

Note: due to several uses of strong language and a few brief intimate scenes, I'd recommend this book for Mature Audiences.

Modern Love by Beau North is a genuine and relevant love story sensitively and authentically drawn. A compelling and absorbing read that illustrates some unvarnished truths about family relationships, living with an addiction, and the challenges of opening yourself to love. I highly recommend!

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong dose of modern thought layered with old-fashioned values make Modern Love a contemporary story not to be missed.

In another strong outing, Beau North impressed me once again with iconic setting, compelling characters, and a richly developed plot. Modern Love is extended novella-length, but I never once felt it was rushed or under-developed. Not only is it not rushed, it is also much more than a romance- or maybe I should say, it's about much more than one kind of love. Its a story of life chances and choices, the value of family, finding self, and eventually finding the people who are home.

Alice and Will split the narration of the story with Alice getting the great part. It was divided with her given the larger portion because this is very much her story. Her art and connection to David Bowie were great extras and it was fun discovering that she might have been wrong about Will when they discover just how many commonalities they do share. This pair are infamous for their 'I am an island' issues, snap judgments, and grrrr, lack of communication. But, they also had sparkling witty dialogue and some sizzling hot chemistry.

There is a bit of mystery around Alice's mom being gone that comes out in a great twist. She also has personal battles with an unhealthy past relationship which won't stay in the past and a narcotics needing which will always be with her.

Will is bi-racial and felt the push-pull of 'I am both/You are neither' his extended family caused along with his own unresolved past 'relationships'. Will was less known to me, I confess. Now maybe it was his strong and silent persona, which, that would make perfect sense because he was surrounded by a titanium steel wall when it came to his thoughts and emotions and must break it down himself and let others in before he loses them.

Though this story is about Millennials, a Baby Boomer like me had no trouble connecting. I was keenly aware that I dwell on the other side of the gap, yet the author bridged that gap with timeless elements that ring true for all of us while inviting all readers to laugh with, mutter at, and cheer on her characters to finding their way through it all. Highly recommend readers give it a go.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Reader,

If you are in the mood for a slow burn romance,centred around two seemingly disparate,yet,oddly connected characters, then you need to treat yourself to this wonderfully compelling and addictive read.

Ali and Will,two strong,independent,human and damaged characters,each with baggage aplenty,meet,fail to make a lasting positive impression,yet also fail to discredit the growing attraction,the essential quota of chemistry that exists between them.

Believing that no joint future lies ahead for them,they go their separate ways.

Fate,however,has other plans and what unfolds is a beautifully crafted tale of love, trust,familial relationships and the ties that bind,coupled with the delicious uncertainty that comes with risking your heart to another,hoping they can overcome the emotional baggage and cast aside the psychological crutch they've relied on for so long,to build a future with you.

Sandwiched between serious life problems, dealt with in a strikingly realistic way,we are privy to Ali,Will and their extended family as they weave a web of misunderstandings and misconceptions and confront the ensuing complications.


I loved this addictive tale,with its carefully crafted prose,short,clear,concise and,at times,spicy chapters all enveloped in an achingly unforgettable romance pivoting around the well oiled fulcrum of family,love, music and laughter!
Sigh!!Highly recommended!!

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

This book addresses some serious issues which can affect all generations but which have come into the public eye in more recent years. That does not say that the issues were not there for many generations; it is just that the closet has opened and we now read and hear of these.

There are echoes of that favorite novel, P&P, and Beau has written two previous books which also have those characters, places and behaviors. But this book is far from a variation of Jane Austen's book. In my opinion the issues are much more broad and even deeper than JA's canon. There is the issue of addiction, of bisexuality, of the affect on a child who loses his/her mother at a young age, etc.

David Bowie is the musician Allie's mother loved and so his songs bring certain memories to this character. I was in college during the 60's so he became popular while I was rearing my own children. Thus he is not one of my favorites but, of course, I know him and his music.

The millennial generation is the focus here. And none of the names are the same so you have to make your own determination as to whether any one is echoing P&P's cast. You may think Fitzwilliam is a moniker; but where did Beau come up with W.A.M.??? I won't tell you and she holds it close to her chest so the reader is not saying, "What?", "Who?" early in the reading of this tale. But his mixed heritage makes for one handsome dude. And we have a Caroline type hanging around also.

Al is an artist just finishing up her MFA degree. She has broken up with her long time love, Jamie. She lives with her sister, Emma, who is dating Gabe, when a David Bowie fashion show and costume event is held. It is there she meets Will as she spills her drink on him. It turns out that Emma and Gabe are attempting to play matchmaker. It does not go well...no surprise.

This story does have misunderstood words and observations as Jamie shows up more than once and Will sees Allie responding to her old love.

And then there is the whole issue of Alice Aberdeen's family: her dad, her stepmother, her brother and her twin half-sisters. Deb stepped into the picture as a nurse when the mother, Evangeline, dies. The event has long lasting effects on Allie and we learn a lot of her history, of issues which are still being played out, which still haunt her. She tries to keep a tight grip on her life but the past is not "think only of it as it gives you pleasure".

Reading this from my viewpoint was gripping. Due to my work as a caseworker with Children, Youth & Families this story brought many of the issues I dealt with or worked with to the forefront of my mind. Life, for so many is not as simple as a Jane & Bingley or Emma & Gabe. Many times we have to learn of past problems, attachments, illnesses and mental health concerns before we can walk forward with another's hand in ours.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIO Review

I was only going to listen to one chapter... and, I was captivated so that I was well over half-way into the story of Alice and Will and their complicated lives before I knew what had happened (on a side note, I managed to weed the whole garden at the same time).

I read Modern Love when it first released into print and enjoyed it so I accepted the opportunity to experience it on audio, too. So glad, I did. I've always said that I engage with a book more deeply when I get it on audiobook and this was no exception. Becci Martin was a fabulous fit for this contemporary romance with a pair of skeptical and jaded, definitely complicated Millennials trying to figure out life and love.

Alice is a young college age gal who can't seem to get over a heartwrenching break-up with her girlfriend of two years. She works hard at her job, college, and hits her Meetings when she needs one, but other than that she doesn't get out. Her sister Emma decides enough is enough and, with the help of her boyfriend, sets Ally up. And, of boy did the fur fly when Ally and Warinder 'Will' Murphy have a meet-cute that is epic fail.

A friendship forms over mutual interest in David Bowie and so much more. That works for the pair who are getting over past relationships and struggle in their personal lives- Ally with her addictions, not being over her girlfriend's abandonment, and grief over her mom leaving the family and Will over his mistrust of relationships and being bi-racial and not accepted in either world.
But, then the feelings kick in and these two wary people have to decide whether to open up and trust or bail. I have to admit, they took turns giving me the urge to shake them (communicate, people and don't assume!), but I liked them so much and wanted so badly for them to work past their struggles and make it together.

I mentioned really loving on Becci Martin's narrative work. I thought she did a great job nailing Alice's voice and then all the other voices whether it was gender or accent. Her ability to capture the tone of the story and the range of emotions including the harder stuff near the end. This was my first encounter with her work, but I would definitely listen to more.

So, my re-read/listen just made me an even bigger fan of the story and the author's work. I didn't want to go back to the book I was supposed to be listening to and didn't. Instead, I immersed myself in the world of two cagey millennials trying to find love in the modern world.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Caitlin Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love imperfect heroines and perhaps I love imperfect heroes even more. This is an interesting book, great prose, beautiful sentences. How are we to find true love in this crazy, mixed-up world? Beau North gives us some idea of how it might be possible. You have to take a risk and accept the flaws.

I need to read it again. I raced through it, wanting the ending, desperate for Will and Alice to come to an accord. If I had one comment to make it would be that I really liked the relationship between Alice and her stepmother, and I would have adored a scene where they made some peace with each other, and Alice realised that though she had lost one mother, she had someone there all along, someone who loved her just as dearly. Not that our mother's can be replaced, we only have one, but other care givers - those foster carers, adoptive parents, mother's -in-law, and step-mom's who get such a bad press, and do such a difficult job, are just as important. But this is a minor quibble, just a wish of mine, and perhaps I should have been satisfied with the conclusion Beau gives us. I just wanted Alice to respond more to it, but then maybe Alice wouldn't be Alice, if she did.

Great job. I am fully expecting Beau to give us the great American novel at some point. She is entirely capable of it.

[Suzan Lauder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five plus stars. This book makes me revisit the five star books I've rated because it's that good in comparison to those excellent novels. Starts slowly, and the protagonists are slightly annoying at first, but don't let that deter you. The very unique characters and story line will keep you reading with only the bare minimum physiological urgencies to break it up. This is not so much a JAFF modern, instead, it's a different, new story line with excellent applications of modern problems and lifestyle issues complicating the plot. Beau North is a gifted author who we will watch go far, and other authors will analyze her success and try to figure out how to emulate it. Well-edited and written with an easy-to-follow multiple first person technique. I must note that the team cited in the acknowledgements are some of the best in JAFF.

Disclaimer: I'm a JAFF writer, and the author is a friend, so my review might be considered by some to be a conflict of interest. However, as a reader first and author second, my reviews are impartial and, I think, very clever and useful. Hahaha!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It was an absolute pleasure and delight to read! Being a David Bowie fan added to my love for this, but he is such an icon that just being aware of him is sufficient to enjoy this story. The characters are millennials, but so very relatable even though I am not in that age bracket. This is so immensely genuine and deals with some serious issues, while maintaining an overall optimistic and feel-good tone. There is a whisper of Pride and Prejudice to this story. This was so satisfying to read, it brought out all my feels and I was completely invested and engrossed. I highly recommend this!

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beau North's Modern Love features a pair of protagonists that would have benefitted from some straight talk to get beyond their misconceptions about and misunderstandings of one another. Yet both are so interesting in themselves that I found myself forgiving the author for making their disagreements more contrived than character-based. University of Minnesota MFA student bisexual Alice Aberdeen does not really hit it off with the guy her sister and sister's boyfriend have invited to meet them at the annual Humane Society's Bowie tribute show. Alice may be hard up, still reeling from being dumped by her girlfriend, but she certainly doesn't need a set-up with wealthy, entitled "Earth's Grumpiest Supermodel" (283). For his part, while Will Murphy finds Alice "as cute as hell, a firefly bobbing through a dim world, unaware of the dullness that surrounded her" (258), he also thinks she's "abrasive and odd, and she clearly doesn't think much of me" (273). Of course, romance cannot help but blossom after such an obvious not-meet-cute. Two such super-cynical protagonists of course have some hefty baggage to unpack (Will, growing up not fitting into either side of his Punjabi/Irish family; Alice dealing with guilt over her mother's death and a past history of substance abuse) as well as a lot of wit to launch at one another and the world at large.

Favorite line:
This was my third date in as many weeks and I was already exhausted. How did people do this dating thing, blinding giving total strangers the benefit of the doubt, trusting that they won't be boring or mean or secretly racist? (1537)

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first worked with Beau North on her debut book "Longbourn's Songbird"--a book San Francisco Book Review said: "North gives a voice to a whole new demographic of characters and expertly navigates the social confines of conservative Southern expectations of the time." Her soon to-be-released "Modern Love" also has lyrical yet tight, smart writing--her trademark style--believable dialog and authentic scenarios. Took me on a journey of emotions. I confess I edited this one too thus have read it countless times--and am always in tears by the last page. Every. Time. Good tears though. I dare you not to feel something by the ending. I THINK "Modern Love" is Beau North's best yet. This is a master class in writing VOICE.

[Reb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice where opposites attract with hate at first sight. I love following characters as they reluctantly come to realize their feelings for one another <3

This book takes on racial identity and belonging, addiction, drug abuse, death, and recovery.

“The thing about it that sucks, Yasmin, is that even assholes like that need help sometimes too.”

While the book is mostly told from Alice's perspective, North sprinkles in chapters from our hero's perspective. I loved getting glimpses of what Will was thinking. Another A+ from Beau North!

[Karen Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful characters, deftly written. A wonderful love story for the Millenial generation.

[Maureen Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love at first sight isn't for the Tinder generation" -- this is Allie's aphorism, one that any millennial reader will feel the pangs of all too well. Beau North has crafted a love story that cuts through to the heart of what we're all looking for as we futilely swipe right -- someone who knows us, all the parts of us, and loves us all the more for it. In a remarkably short amount of time, she makes you fall hard for a litany of characters, from the aloof Will Murphy (he make think he's Claude Rains, but the man is all Bogart) to our damaged but very lovable protagonist Allie and their wide group of friends and family. It's a romance novella that is poignant, touching, sexy, and hits all the right notes. Characters are kept apart by very real misunderstandings rather than plot contrivances, and it acknowledges the difficulty of cutting through the bullshit and letting down your guard enough to get that "modern love" we hunger for. What's more -- North weaves a tale of multiple types of love, not just romantic, but the love we have for siblings and our complex love for our parents and loved ones who have left us. She wounds with her incision into an understanding of how musicians, actors, etc. can come to stand in for something much greater in our lives than the sum total of their talents -- and why their loss can be such a potent form of grief for those that love them. And she acknowledges that our sense of loss, but more importantly our love for those who have gone, never truly leaves us. It deepens and grows and heals as new love enters our life. The book might be titled "Modern Love," but the thrust of this story that will have you weeping by the end is a very old truth indeed.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story focuses on Alice and her family. Alice has issues but the story isn't about these so much as the person she is becoming. Getting over an addiction, attachment issues and heart break it's fair to say she's not in the best of places when she meets the gorgeous Will Murphy. Her sense of inadequacy and tendency towards judging him when she doesn't know him causes no end of problems. Despite this being a relatively short novel, a lot of ground is covered and isn't only focused on Allie and Will - who, despite being handsome, rich and apparently perfect, has issues of his own.

This was a bit of a slow burner for me. I wasn't sure I'd like it at the start but I'm not really sure why. However, I liked Allie so thought I'd give her chance and I'm glad I did. This story isn't just a love story. It's about family, friendship and hardship without being a heavy read. It's as though we meet the cast of characters after the worst has happened and they are on their way back up.

I relatively short but brilliant read.

[Samantha March · Rating 4 out of 5]

Modern Love is a fast-paced, intriguing story that I found myself highly enjoying right off the bat. Though she has a host of issues, Alice was an easily relatable and likeable character, and her journey had me quickly flipping the pages. I really enjoyed the supporting cast as well, especially her sister Emma and her own journey. The romance is the main focus of the book, and truly is a Modern Love story. A lot of interesting twists and turns happen between Alice and Will, and while sometimes I just wanted to yell “Get on with it!” it was still a very engaging read and one that I would recommend!
I received a review copy

[Hisgirl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely heartfelt book. 4.5 stars

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both the author and narrator were new to me, but a fellow blogger recommended I take a chance. I am glad I did. While this wasn’t a full-length novel, falling somewhere between that and a novella, North created a complete story with complex characters that I emotionally connected with despite the age gap.

Alice Aberdeen works as a bartender while attending art school. She has been down in the dumps after a breakup. Her roomie, determined to cheer her up, takes her out to a club. Her roommate’s boyfriend arranges for Will Murphy to meet them. Yep, they are matchmaking..only no one told Alice. The two have a rather awkward, snarky encounter before discovering the setup.

Thus begins a series of encounters filled with banter that leads to more.  There was great chemistry mixed with bouts of miscommunications which made me a little grumpy. Other characters added further complications, but despite it all, I enjoyed the ride.

I enjoyed the growth we see in both characters. Each has hang-ups, fears and struggles to overcome. I felt North researched or had personal experience with some issues that were present. They felt genuine allowing the reader some insight.

I prefer dual narrators for this type of romance, but Becci Martin grew on me. I thought she had a firm grasp of Alice and her voice for Will eventually became comfortable. Her pacing and tone worked well, and the soundtrack was well done. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Jenn Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a refreshing story that reads like a quirky romantic comedy except the main character isn't a sweet girl looking for love. She is a damaged young woman who has a questionable past but is finally getting her life together and is trying to get through life the best way she can, which isn't always (or even usually) with a smile and happy face and something pleasant to say to everyone. She is a regular person! I randomly picked this book up based on the title and description and I am so glad I did. This will not be for everyone, but anyone who loves a good romance and real characters with actual life experience and sass will love this book and I can't wait to read what Beau North writes next.

[Kristen Swanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, refreshing take on dating and relationships! Easy, smooth read that kept me laughing!

[kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super enjoyable, witty, and a quick read. Exactly what I needed right now to get my mind off the insanity of my life.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice is so real and imperfect giving Modern Love a refreshing uniqueness that keeps the pages turning. The other characters are also so rounded and realistic it is hard not to care about all of them. There is just the right amount of wit and dry humor mixed with relatable insecurties and perfectly detailed heated passion.

[thai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ever read from by Beau North, but I can assure you it'll definitely not be the last. Modern Love was a great surprise that I just stumbled upon and it instantly caught my attention.

I was instantly hooked when I started reading this book for two main reasons; 01) I loved Allie's witty voice. I related a lot to her way of thinking and I believe most millennials will as well. And 02) the realistic feel of it. How can you not see a sister and a best friend setting up people they think would get along on blind dates? I personally have been there and well it didn't turn out great, but my point is that it happens. It's not a far-fetched idea or something not believable that romances pull out sometimes.

I admire that even though the main character had a past with narcotics and is bisexual, the author never used those facts as a plot device or for shock purposes, I was so ecstatic to see that. I think it's way past time for author to stop using those things to strategically enhance and base their storyline on.

The romance was great, nothing rushed or forced, the development felt natural and it was amazing to see. I also absolutely love Will, he's my favorite part about this book and I wish we would've gotten more chapters from his perspective. But at the same time I get it, it's Allie's story more than just a romance story.

I, as a millennial, loved this story and everything along with it. With that being said, I also believe this isn't a story that only millennials will enjoy. I definitely recommend it.

I received this book via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Review also posted at Read. Breathe. Repeat.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're absolutely right, though. Love at first sight wasn't meant for millennials.

Modern Love
by Beau North
Published: December 2017
Read: March 2019
Format: ebook
Genre: romance
Page Count: 182 pages
Rating:  5/5 Moose

Synopsis
Alice Aberdeen is not quite as ready to get back into the field after a bad breakup with her girlfriend. But her sister convinces her that a night out - especially one at a Bowie themed costume party - is a good place to start.

Except when it's a set up with the new-to-town Will Murphy. It definitely isn't love at first sight. But as they are continuously pushed together a slow friendship starts to form, which may lead to something more. But ex-girlfriends, addictions, and family histories may keep them apart.
Main Characters
Alice Aberdeen - a recovering addict, art graduate student, and major Bowie enthusiast. Our Lizzie Bennett, if you will.

Will Murphy - As a half-Indian, half-Irish man, Will almost never feels comfortable, until he meets Alice. Our Will Darcy, if you allow me.

Rants, Raves, and Thoughts

(I found this on netgalley, and it's too great not to share)

I'll be honest and up front about two things: after a weird relationship thing last year I didn't expect to fall in love with romance stories again. And while I recognize the importance of David Bowie, I have not listened to his music enough to fall in love with it. Which is something I do plan on rectifying.

This has been the hardest review I've had to write in a long while, as I normally can set up an opener and move through my patterns. Every opener for this book was shifted under this portion because it just made more sense. I just want to talk about the book!

I think the best way to describe this book is to call it the book version of One Small Hitch, which is an indie rom-com movie I absolutely adore. This book feels like the warm blanket that movie provides - a strangely comforting story and relationship to fall into. It is only the second of North's books I've read, but I can already see that I am going to love them all. While the last book had me deep in the 1940s, Modern Romance felt like a couple I could eavesdrop on and live tweet their adorable bickering.

In another life, I am probably living Alice's life. So many things she said and does resonated in my core that I should probably sort out in some therapy soon.  And giving Alice a darker past allows this book to not be a fluffy romance book. It grounds it in reality, especially when added to how long it takes before they even kiss.

If I had any issues with the book, I just wish Will had been fleshed out a bit more. This book is a dual narrative, but I just felt like I was missing something from his side. It would have been just as good if it was only Alice. But again, I loved this book!

Final Moments
I am not a huge romance reader, but Beau North's books make me want to try to get into them more and more. If you love David Bowie, if you love Jane Austen, and if you like your romance stories more realistic, then this book is for you.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you haven’t got time to read. Work is busy, life is getting in the way of essential reading time and you just haven’t managed to hit your yearly book quota. Sound familiar?

Well fear not because in Beau North’s novella Modern Love we have just the thing for you. At 132 pages you can read away whilst not feeling too guilty because you haven’t ironed your clothes for work or got your lunch for tomorrow ready. It is definitely the book for the gal (or guy) on the go.

Modern Love focuses on college student Alice Aberdeen – a free spirited art student who takes crap from no one; certainly not from the handsome but slightly-awkward-that-it-comes-off-as-arrogant Will Murphy. In this will they won’t they he said she said story you find yourself completely lost in the love, frustrated by knowing the characters should be together and warm and fuzzy along the way. As we all know, the course of love never does run smoothly so sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Oh and there is a whole David Bowie theme throughout which, if you are like me and love Bowie, is an added bonus.

Modern Love by Beau North is available now.

For more information regarding Beau North (@BeauNorth) please visit www.beaunorthwrites.com.

[Laila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often find myself hungry for a love story - and then I can't find anything I want to read. I don't like many of the typical romance tropes, I don't like characters who are assholes, I don't like flimsy reasons for delaying the inevitable. And I so rarely find romance novels that feature characters I'd actually want to hang out with (or that make me want to put myself in the MC's shoes and get giddy with her).

This book has all of that! Well, the opposite of all of that. I loved the diversity, and open, generous way Alice was bi. It was really sweet, and hey, it had enough nods to our modern society and its foibles to make it a worthy nod to Austen.

[Robin Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau North enters the arena of contemporary romance with her “amuse-bouche” of a novella, Modern Love. Alice Aberdeen is a heroine with a definite modern twist. Will Murphy must accept her past if he wants to be part of her future. Sparks fly as you root for these two to open their hearts to one another. The supporting characters, especially Will’s cousin, Alex, perfectly support the story. This is a satisfying, quick read. Beau North's strong voice is a welcome addition to the genre of contemporary romantic fiction and the reader can’t help but look forward to when she releases a complete “four-course meal” of a novel!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're into contemporary versions of Pride and Prejudice I recommend this one! Great pacing, intriguing characters, creative story, wonderful themes of familial relationships, and great perspectives on recovery from addiction.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If all romance books were this well-written, this witty, and this amazingly well-crafted balancing act of laughs and tears, I'd read nothing other than that genre.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a NA/YA opposites attract romance set to the background of David Bowie's greatest hits.

Alice Aberdeen has just come off a messy break-up with her girlfriend of two years. Her long-suffering sister Emma invites her to a David Bowie tribute show sponsored by the Humane Society. They dress up and Emma (a make-up artist) does their make-up. Unbeknownst to Alice, Emma and her boyfriend Gabe have invited Gabe's best friend Will Murphy along, trying to match-make.

Will looks rather older than he is, with grey flecks in his hair and beard. From an exotically mixed Irish/ Indian parentage, he looks like a hot model. He owns his own successful business, is a vegetarian and drives a Tesla (very expensive, electric sports SUV with phenomenal speed - like a Porsche for the eco-warrior).

Alice looks young for her age, she's a student studying for her Masters in Fine Art at the University of Minnesota and living hand-to-mouth in her sister's apartment.

Their first meeting is not auspicious, Alice is dancing like a loon to David Bowie when she turns and spills her drink all over Will. Will reacts badly and the two of them are fighting (verbally). Both react with horror when they realise that they have been set up with each other. Nevertheless, undeterred, Emma and Gabe continue to bring Alice and Will together in hopes of them becoming a couple. I couldn't decide whether this was sheer stupidity (I want my sister and your BFF to be a couple too) or a recognition that despite their differences Will and Alice are kindred spirits.

Thus begins our modern romance where, just like in an old-fashioned dance, Will and Alice come together for a brief moment and then part only to repeat, with David Bowie a ghostly presence that witnesses each of the occasions. Even the title is a reference to one of David's songs.

I liked both Will and Alice, I found Alice's feelings about her mother slightly difficult to understand (especially some of the earlier cryptic references to doing bad things) although I totally understand why she would be traumatised.

My only criticism would be that I thought this was going to be a bit more edgy, a bit less mainstream NA/YA, and would have MORE David Bowie. At the end I really had to think before I realised that David Bowie had, in one way or another, been a presence throughout their romance.

But that aside, I really enjoyed this book. I mean, what's not to like, a quirky NA/YA romance with a sexy guy and a fun girl, all set to the soundtrack of my youth, the incomparable David Bowie.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.