Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance

by Jennieke Cohen

A Jane Austenish historical romance with a dash of mystery!
Lady Victoria Aston has everything she could every want - an older sister happily wed, the future of her family estate secure, and ample opportunity to while her time away in the fields around her home. But now Vicky must marry—or find herself and her family destitute. Armed only with the wisdom she has gained from her beloved novels by Jane Austen, she enters society’s treacherous season. Sadly, Miss Austen has little to say about Vicky’s exact situation - whether the roguish Mr. Carmichael is indeed a scoundrel, if her former best friend, Tom Sherborne, is out for her dowry or for her heart, or even how to fend off the attentions of the foppish Mr. Silby, he of the unfortunate fashion sensibility. Most unfortunately of all, Vicky’s books are silent on the topic of the mysterious accidents cropping up around her…ones that could prevent her from surviving until her wedding day.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Historical, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Romance

429 pages, Hardcover

First published December 3, 2019

About the author

Jennieke Cohen (JEN-ih-kah CO-en) is used to people mispronouncing her name and tries to spare her fictional characters the same problem. Jennieke writes historical fiction for young adults inspired by real people and events because life is often stranger than fiction. She studied English history at Cambridge University and has a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California. Jennieke loves exploring new locales but always returns home to Northern California where the summers are hot, the winters are mild, and life is casual.

You'll find more info about the world of DANGEROUS ALLIANCE on Jennieke’s website www.JenniekeCohen.com or you can say hi on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jennieke_Cohen Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennieke_cohen or Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jenniekec
where she can often be found posting about writing, TV, and things of the Jane Austen persuasion.

Reviews

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi, it’s me, the guy who reads Jane Austen-like books and retellings without having read the source material. Believe it or not I actually enjoy them quite a bit despite not understanding the references! Besides, I feel like I've read all of her works already, by proxy or whatever. Anyway, another thing I quite enjoy is a good love-triangle every now and then. I know, I know, that’s probably an unpopular opinion and I’m sorry. It’s just with all the drama and the jealously and the verbal sparring matches, just know that I’m there seated with my popcorn! Speaking of love-triangles, I’m normally team “other guy” but this time around I found that I wasn’t really a fan of either Tom or Mr. Carmichael, I think they both kind of sucked. What made Tom a better choice is how he changes his ways for the better, when the other guy makes no such improvements. Hold up, Tom going through major character development and becoming a better man… is this why everybody loves Mr. Darcy so much? Huh, do I still need to read Pride and Prejudice? Because I think I get it now. It is a little funny how obvious the endgame couple is from page one though, as Victoria and Tom are both given point-of-view privileges, with no such courtesy granted to Mr. Carmichael. I mean, even the fact that we’re calling one guy “Tom” and the other guy “Mr. Carmichael” … sheesh, the dude never stood a chance. Oh! I didn’t even say it yet, but yes, I liked this book! A lot. Often times in romance books, the love-interest feels like they’re simply there as story props to orbit the main character’s arc without their own agency. But here, both Victoria and Tom had distinct and separate story lines that would often meet in interesting ways. Another wonderful thing about this book is how accessible it is. Sure, there’s no subversion or clever twists included in this story, but if you like Jane Austen or stories of a similar quality, then there’s a good chance you’ll like this.

Of course, I do have a few criticisms. For one, the book fancies itself a bit of a mystery, but only because the characters are a little dumb and spend the whole story playing catch-up to information that should have been obvious to them. It can be frustrating when we know more information than the characters, especially when the real culprit is right in front of their eyes and even discussed by them at length throughout the novel. Who would have thought that the main villain is the guy that everybody already knew was a villain!? Small spoiler, but I also thought that the miscommunications that have been slowly becoming more and more complicated over the course of the story could have been resolved in a more satisfying way, because it basically boils down to a side-character going to Victoria in one of the final chapters and telling her, “Yeah, so it turns out that Tom’s a good guy actually, and he was always protecting you, actually!” and Victoria going, “Oh, okay. Well, I’ve got to forgive him now, and definitely not because the book’s almost over!” I don’t know, I think it felt a little cheap to just solve all the bitter resentments that have been growing and festering between these two for half of a decade in just a couple pages, and with one of them not even being there! That’s a wild way to solve the biggest source of dramatic tension in my opinion. I much prefer my heart-to-hearts to actually involve both characters that should be having said heart-to-heart, but maybe that’s too much to ask. Otherwise, I nitpick, but this is a good book, I promise! And even though I’m only a Jane Austen layman, I still loved a lot of it! I think few could deny how charming and quaint it is, with the musical quality to the dialogue and the Austen-esque hijinks, this really was a good time all around!

“I know you don’t believe in fairy stories. But I do still wish to have my Austen ending if I can.”

“And you deserve one. Though, wishing for something does not make it so. In such a situation, it might be better to choose the least of two – er… evils.” He winced. Had anyone ever proposed in a less tempting way?

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerous Alliance scratched an itch I didn't know I had for a Jane Austen-esque YA historical romance. This book is if every Jane Austen novel plus Vanity Fair had a baby. It's set in 1817, so Jane Austen herself has published all but her last two novels (Northanger Abbey and Persuasion), and the main character, Victoria "Vicky" Aston is a massive fan. When disgrace befalls her family, she must participate in the Season to find a wealthy husband to save her family's estate. Reluctant but determined, Vicky uses lessons from Austen's beloved heroines and the rogues and love interests of note to guide her through things.

To that end, the book is a little meta. This premise has been done before, but always in a modern context--it was fun to read it in a historical, where essentially Jane Austen is a contemporary of the main characters. I'm trying to imagine 200 years from now someone writing a YA historical about a massive Leigh Bardugo fan using her books to guide their life lol.

I quickly got sucked into the main action, and particularly the characters--they're each well drawn, with a TON of conflict that made my stomach do flips, and turn the pages because I had to find out what would happen. The book is in multi-POV third person, so you get chapters/scenes from three characters: Vicky for the majority, also from Tom, her longtime best friend who has reappeared after a 5 year absence, and Susie, Tom's half sister who was born in scandal. It's really Vicky's story, but Tom and Susie's bits are there to fill in gaps and build tension.

I cared for Vicky, Tom, and Susie and so it was distressing at times to know their POV and then flip into another's and see the conflicts/them being badmouthed/misunderstandings. That's a big thing in this book: like every good Austen book, much of it relies on a building series of social misunderstandings, perceived slights, misplaced pride/prejudice, and some dastardly figures outright lying. If that sounds up your street, this book delivers! I was compulsively turning pages yesterday to find out what happened. I read 50% of the book in a single day.

Basically the book is full of Austen-esque character tropes and they are all deliciously well drawn. You'll recognize so many figures, but they all have an original twist to make them fit this world. There are rogues and rakes and meddling moms and cash poor nobles, etc. etc. I was swept up in all the emotions, twists and turns--I was SO ANGRY at the rogues/rakes/villains and SO FRUSTRATED with characters for not seeing them for who they were! It was great.

I highly recommend this book if you love Jane Austen, social/romantic conflict, and/or historical. I can see fans of (adult) Regency romance really loving this.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars..

Had fun with it at first but it grew tired of it after awhile. Continued mainly because I was curious.
Some of the action near the end parts felt over the top to me and had me rolling my eyes rather than gripping the pages.

Still glad I tried to step out of my comfort zone even though this ended up Meh for me in the end.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dangerous Alliance was an enchanting, heart warming and enthralling mix of history, romance, and mystery. With charming comparisons to some of Jane Austen's most famous novels and characters, it truly was a delight to read.

With engaging characters, a wonderful old world English setting, and a mystery that will keep you on your toes, I couldn't read this one fast enough. I devoured every single page and was sad when it was over because I wasn't ready to say goodbye.

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review - thank you!

I feel super dispirited right now... not many YA books seem to be holding my attention lately. This is the third ARC within the space of a few days that I think I'll have to DNF.

I'm utterly unimpressed by her stupidity. She ends up slamming her head on the ground for the SECOND time in FIVE MINUTES because she didn't move out of the way of someone who's randomly attacked her. She also doesn't seem to be demonstrating the appropriate level of horror over the fact that someone did attack her.

Like bitch, there'll be time to fangirl over your hot neighbour later! Right now focus on the man who tried to murder you! IN FACT the hero himself voices it:

"How can you be so indifferent? You were knocked unconscious, fell off your bloody horse, were nearly trampled by mine -"

So yeah, basically she acts like a moron and he calls her out on it. Not my thing.

There are a ton of other irritating things about this book.

➽ The heroine acts like a spoilt little cow . She's described as 'petulant', and 'pouting at the unfairness' of something. Yeah... how old is she, again? Plus she refuses to acknowledge that she made a mistake and put herself in danger. Again, TSTL.

➽ She lives her life by the refrain of 'what would Lizzy Bennett do in this situation?' This is cringey, but also, Lizzy Bennett would NOT whine and pout so you've already failed. It's super irritating to hear her constantly assuring herself she's definitely conducted herself like an Austen heroine.

➽ Quick POV changes within the chapters. We were in the heroine's head for a handful of paragraphs, then before I even managed to bond with her, we switched to the hero's head. (From whose perspective we discover that the heroine is ravishingly gorgeous, complete with a 'heart-shaped face' and 'cupid's bow lip.' Spare me ).

➽ Most unrealistic attack ever . A man in A BLACK MASK AND GREATCOAT sneaks up on the heroine, bashes her on the head, and vanishes into thin air. As I mentioned before, neither the heroine nor her parents seem to care much... it's the hero who's demanding a magistrate etc.

I will say that I've not yet noticed any glaring historical inaccuracies. I think I'll continue for a short while longer, but my hopes aren't high with this book.

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[Kelesea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Dangerous Alliance: An Austentatious Romance

Author: Jennieke Cohen

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

Series: Standalone

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars



I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.



After I finished The Story of More, I needed something considerably lighter. I asked my friends what I should read, and all of them voted unanimously for Dangerous Alliance, so I decided to go for it. It’s no secret that I love Jane Austen and all of the things associated with her, so I was excited. I expected this book to be a light and fluffy romance, but it was so much more than that. It was a story of true love, but it also dealt with some serious topics, like spousal abuse, divorce, marriage, and personal autonomy. This was a take of Jane Austen given a thoroughly modern twist. I loved this homage to one of the greatest authors of all time. This book was the perfect antidote to the reading slump I was in after The Story of More! Romantic, hilarious, and refreshing, I loved Dangerous Alliance!



Victoria ‘Vicky’ Aston is well aware that she lives a charmed life on her family’s estate of Oakbridge. She is a young woman who doesn’t wish to be married, preferring instead the company of her parents and older sister, Althea. But her life changes all over again when her childhood friend, Tom Halworth, returns from the war with France. Vicky has been rapidly approaching marrying age, and when a family tragedy strikes, Vicky soon finds herself in dire need of a husband. But a sinister plot begins to form, and the Aston family has to wonder if Vicky will even live long enough to be betrothed to the most eligible bachelor!



I loved this book so much. After The Story of More, I desperately needed something that was lighter and less serious. Dangerous Alliance was funny, feminist, and utterly refreshing! I loved the way that it paid such homage to Jane Austen, but was still feminist and strong at its heart! I love reading books that take place in the Regency era, but this might be one of my favorites. The pacing was breakneck and within ten pages, I was crying from laughter. I loved the way that this book wasn’t your typical Regency romance; the whole time, I was laughing, crying, or screaming with frustration. I loved the element of mystery that Cohen used also; this was not a typical book by any means. And Vicky! She might be one of my favorite heroines of all time, to be honest. I loved her fierceness, the way that she didn’t compromise herself for society or for a man’s affections. I also loved her family, but most of all, Althea; I really felt for her and I loved the way that she fit into the plotline. I also adored Tom, Mr. Carmichael, Lord Dain and the rest of the cast of characters that fleshed out the rest of the book. And that ending! I didn’t see it coming, at all! What I had suspected was wrong and I was pleasantly surprised! I loved this book; it might be one of my favorites of the entire year. The bottom line: Hilarious, surprising, and refreshing, I loved Dangerous Alliance! Next on deck: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer!

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[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I set my expectations too high.

THERE IS NO WITTY BANTER. THERE IS, HOWEVER, A LOT OF CRINGE.

The synopsis led me to expect an Austen version of I Believe in a Thing Called Love. And I didn't get that. In fact, despite the frequent name dropping, I didn't get much Austen inspired plotting either. This novel reads much more like a homage to Ann Radcliffe or even (shudder) Samuel Richardson.

I know two stars might be a little harsh, but they come from a place of honest frustration. The author clearly did her research on some areas. She tries to tackle hard themes like spousal abuse in an era where it mostly went unrecognized. But then she throws in kidnappings, murder, attempted rape, duels, conspiracies, and all other manner of drama and it just feels...awkward. Deal with serious issues. Or play up the drama. But combining the two means I didn't take either seriously.

You know what Dangerous Alliance reminded me of? A Christian romance novel. Minus the Christian part. But I mean the weird, worst parts that make the Christian romance genre so cringe-y. There are deep, dark issues being addressed. But somehow they just get swept under the rug because you can't keep characters stewing in a dark depression the whole time. Deep issues get resolved in a moment and it is called character growth. Now, that might be how real life works for some, or it might be how the author wants her fictional world to work, but it takes away from the gravity of the situation. How about you don't cripple your characters with blindingly depressing backstories?

But of course, without blindingly depressing backstories, the characters truly would be insufferable. As it was, I hated basically all of them by the end. They're so...morally good. It makes me cringe. Lady Victoria is stunning beautiful, but don't worry! She's not like other girls. She runs around in trousers and reads books about animal husbandry! She tries to act meek and mousy but, awww, how lovable, she fails and blurts out the first thing that comes to her mind all the time. She wants to marry for love! She's super naive but, don't worry, she can take care of herself in a fight.



Then we have Tom Sherborne. He is a good-looking penniless lord but he is also not like other lords. He loathes duels, drinking, and gambling. He cares naught for society's opinion. He would rather work for his living than go to any smokey club! And marry for money? The thought doesn't even cross his mind. He probably volunteers to help orphans in his spare time.



I think he is supposed to be a Mr. Darcy/Mr. Knightley cross-over but seriously...



Then we have Victoria's family who all are perfect until the plot needs them to act like insensitive jerks. And Mr. Carmichael who at least has a personality. And villains so villainous why no one noticed their complete and utter villainy before.

But the final element that screamed cheap quality fiction was simply how obviously at least two future couples get set up. They're the only ones with any personality outside of the main couple. Instead of adding depth to this story, it felt more like a plug for what was coming next. And I mean, it sort of works. I probably would pick up the next one. But my expectations shift to the 3 star and below range accordingly.

If you like Christian romances or just clean romances in general, you'll probably enjoy this one. I do think I would have enjoyed it more if the promise of Austen didn't lead me to have such high expectations. But this really isn't anything to write home about. It holds together with scarring backstory over character depth and lots of really dramatic plotting that feel at odds with the push for a "staid" Austen romance.

[Amy Imogene Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

If you have ever enjoyed a Jane Austen book, movie, or TV show—you've got to read this.

Plot: ★★★★
Pacing: ★★★ 1/2
Time period vibe: ★★★★★

Dangerous Alliance is such a great read for these uncertain times. Stressed out about the world right now? Jump into Georgian England, when Austen's novels are hot off the press and young Vicky is trying to live by the principles of her favorite modern-day heroine, Elizabeth Bennett.

This was the perfect level of Austen inspiration...and not a straight-out retelling. I really appreciated that. Vicky and Tom feel like elements of characters, but their actions are wholly their own and the novel feels that way. Because of that, I think it was much easier to enjoy the similarities and not do a direct compare/contrast of Austen. (Many of the other retellings I've seen tend to come out worse for wear when that happens...)

Go into this with little to no expectations, and let it surprise you! It certainly surprised me.

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[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Dangerous Alliance
Author: Jennieke Cohen
Release date: December 3, 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre: historical romance

“You’re not like Mr. Darcy. And I wouldn’t have you be. You’re you. And I wouldn’t trade you for a dozen perfect gentlemen. The reality of you is far better than any fiction.”

This was such a fun, quirky book! When I read in the synopsis that the heroine is a book lover, more specifically that she is obsessed with Jane Austen, I knew she was a girl after my own heart. Not only did each chapter head have a relatable Austen quote, there were references sprinkled throughout the story. I was also attracted to the unusual cover which isn't typical in the romance genre. I'm always on the lookout for fresh, new reading experiences, and this debut author has really delivered the goods.

Victoria is the youngest of two daughters, and her parents have given her a level of freedom that you don't usually see for the period. She helps the family on the estate, and has already been through one season without any pressure to marry. She has no plans to change that in the near future, but circumstances soon force the Astons to take desperate measures. Victoria's sister Althea is newly married to a man who was thought to be her love match. Until she showed up on their doorstep seeking refuge from the abusive husband who has hidden his sins and control over her well. Much of the book revolves around the family's plot to permanently separate her from him so he no longer has any legal rights to her or the family fortune. The author put a lot of research into the details of divorce in that time period, which was not completely unheard of, despite popular belief. It was rare and of course, easier for a man to achieve, but not out of the realm of possibility.

It was decided that Victoria must find a trustworthy husband so she and her spouse will be eligible to inherit from her father. The search quickly narrows down to one main candidate, Mr. Carmichael. He's certainly charming and quick with pretty compliments, but how is she to know he isn't another monster with his own agenda? During their courtship several "accidents" befall Victoria and her family and there is an added urgency in discovering his true nature. This mystery takes up a large portion of the story, I would say it's more in the forefront than the romance I was expecting. Victoria's love interest Tom is introduced almost immediately as her ex-best friend who grew up in the estate neighboring Oakbridge.

There is some question as to why Tom suddenly left and cut off communication between them. Tom is quite stoic, holding his painful past inside as he shoulders the huge debt he inherited from his despicable father. He puts on a affable front as he fights for the welfare of his struggling family. Inside however, he's suppressing panic that his business plan isn't enough to rescue them as his brother's spending spirals out of control. His brother is such a piece of work. There were points I wanted to strangle him within an inch of his life for adding to poor Tom's stress. He acted very selfishly out of a childish, misplaced resentment.

For the majority of the book, the relationship between Tom and Victoria was that of tentative friends. They didn't communicate about the past, but rather tried to start fresh as they got to know one another again. It was a friends to lovers trope with an emphasis on friends, probably up until the last 30% of the book. Until then there wasn't really much angst between the two of them or a slow burn feeling. This is my reasoning for my rating because I would've liked to have seen their romance more equally balanced with the mystery of who was behind the attacks. This is my personal preference though, and I really appreciated the originality of the storyline.

There was a lot to love about this book. A fantastic heroine that was easy to root for, an interesting plot that taught me about divorce in the Regency period, and plenty of Jane Austen references delicately woven in. Tom and Vicki really worked well together and I loved the fact that they were childhood best friends. Once Tom opened himself up to the idea that he could deserve her and revealed his heart, the two of them fit like two peas in a pod. I really enjoyed this author's writing style, and look forward to reading more from her in the future.

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[Samm | Sassenach the Book Wizard · Rating 5 out of 5]

THISSSSSSSSSS ISSSSSSSSSS MYYYYYYYYYY TRASHHHHHHHHHH

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ e mezza.
Purtroppo non è riuscito ad emozionarmi. I personaggi sono senza spessore (per me addirittura è stato impossibile immaginarli per mancanza di dettagli) e alcune reazioni sono irreali e non coerenti con l’epoca in cui è ambientato (secondo me 🙏) fino ad arrivare alla conclusione in stile telenovelas. Probabilmente non ha giocato a suo favore il fatto che contemporaneamente sto leggendo Copperfield di Dickens che diversamente da Un’Alleanza Pericolosa è un libro meraviglioso.

[Stacee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved this premise and sadly, I was quite disappointed.

I liked Victoria well enough. She means well, but comes across as very young and spoiled. Tom had potential, but fell flat for me. I did like the sisters of both main characters.

Plot wise, it was very dense and slow. There were loads of plot threads and not all of them were needed. My main complaint is that I never actually saw the relationship progress; 3/4 of the way through the story and the male love interest still didn’t know what his feelings were.

Overall, it was a fantastic idea, but it didn’t work for me. From the reviews that are already up, it seems I’m in the minority.

FYI: talk of men raping household maids and a scene of someone being tied to a bed with the intent to rape being implied

**Huge thanks to Harper Teen for providing the arc free of charge**

[lucia · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book is bad!!!!

- vicky is an awful protagonist. she is just so DIM. one major issue is that she spends the half the book talking about her duty, and how she must marry to protect her family.....and the other half going "hmmm but do i LOVE him?" like gurl i thought we already established that that was off the table!! and there are plenty of other individual moments where vicky's decision making is just NUTS. i agree with the reviewer who said the dual narration did NOT help. vicky comes off as even more stupid because of information we immediately gain from tom's perspective. it is truly bonkers how all the other characters seem taken with her when she has no redeeming qualities.

- tom, our supposed love interest, is one of the most uninteresting and bland characters i have read in a while.

- an "austentacious romance"? WHAT ROMANCE? all tom says is like "she has heart-shaped lips" and then like 80% into the book his sister is like "well obviously youre in love with vicky" and he's like "WOW TRUE!!!!!" excuse me? tom and vicky interact in basically every second chapter and yet their dialogue does nothing but repeat stuff we'd already heard in their narration. the beauty of romance fiction is that it's not just about showing two people falling in love, it's about making the reader fall in love with both these characters and then their relationship. romance fiction is about three-ways with your reader!!!!! this book had NONE of that.

- i get the whole gimmick of the book was that vicky kept being like "what would elizabeth/emma/the dashwoods/fanny do?" but if you're going to be intertextual (to the point of including it in your book's title) then at least have your characters ENGAGE with the texts beyond "hey remember when elizabeth bennet did this?" and conversations that go "i love pride and prejudice" "yeah me too". critical engagement with austen's themes or even her impact on society would've given this book some point of interest....

- the plot! so bad! "and this happened. and then this happened. and then this happened." repeat ad nauseam until you get to the climactic fight which is corny and embarrassing to read. there is no sense of tension or mystery because the villain is introduced AS VILLAINOUS at the beginning of the book he is literally a cartoon character. even his domestic abuse is framed as just an extension of "i'm evil!" he doesn't even really do anything until the end of the book and that's mostly to monologue.

- the offhand mentions of serial rape and sexual violence???? for the sole reason of establishing tom as a Good Person???

- the writing itself is a very mediocre attempt at replicating austen's style. but i suppose i can't fault this too harshly when it is aimed at young adults

- it is way longer than it has any right to be

do NOT waste your time with this one friends!

[Muffinsandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’ai adoré. Du début à la fin, j’ai été happée : l’ambiance, le style, les personnages, l’intrigue ... tout était hyper bien fait et j’ai dévoré le roman en une journée !

❗️TW : maltraitance, violences conjugales, relation toxique.

[The Nerd Daily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Nathalie DeFelice

Jane Austen seems to be what my books are pointing me toward lately if my latest read is anything to go by. Dangerous Alliance is a fun novel about a young woman who seeks advice from her favourite Austen novels, when she unwittingly becomes a damsel in distress in her own story. Lots of fun banter, roguish characters, and a hero who can’t quite be ruled out as a villain yet await! Don’t hesitate to pick this up, especially if you love Jane Austen references in stories! This was the first story for me where the aforementioned author is publishing while the characters are alive. It was fun to read, and definitely a great December read!

In this story, Lady Victoria Aston has been living quite happily. Her sister is happily married, the future of her family estate is secure, and she has plenty of time to herself in the fields surrounding her home. Suddenly everything is turned upside down after she finds out she must marry or she and her family will be left penniless. Armed solely with the wisdom from the Austen novels she loves, she’ll have to navigate a treacherous season in society. Who’s to say if Mr. Carmichael is truly a scoundrel, or if her best friend Tom Sherborne is out for Victoria’s heart or her money? She’ll also have to fend off the attentions of Mr. Silby, a man with a terribly poor fashion sense. Most importantly, her favourite novels won’t be helping her figure out her survival until her wedding day.

When I first picked this up and read the summary, I wasn’t sure what I was going to get myself into. There seemed to be so much going on with Lady Victoria and this book definitely hits the ground running, and doesn’t let up until the very end. There’s the mystery surrounding who could possibly want to murder Lady Victoria, as well as her sudden marriage predicament. It was a little confusing for me because the story is told from Lady Victoria and Tom’s perspectives, and so I sometimes had to backtrack and start again when I realised there had been a character shift.

Lady Victoria was a vexing character for me, partially because I’m not the biggest fan of damsel in distress characters. She didn’t truly win my heart until she began interacting with her sister, because it was then that I could see more than one aspect of her personality. She’s definitely a headstrong young woman who’s been trained on navigating society, but seems to lack good self-preservation skills. Which at times felt the complete opposite of Tom, who was very calculating and epitomised the phrase: “think before you speak”. The dialogue between these two definitely cracked me up, because Victoria managed to expertly bring down Tom’s walls. Mr. Carmichael was also delightfully charming, if a little worrisome at times.

The mystery itself was fascinating, because we’re given so many clues that it’s impossible to know which lead is the right one to follow. There’s so many clues as to who the perpetrator could be, and although you know who one of the antagonists is, we don’t know if there’s something much more sinister afoot. Something that this story surprised me with was the fact that it tackles domestic violence and assault several times. The story looks at how the situation is responded by immediate family and the support that would have been involved given the time period that it was. More importantly, this isn’t just a little blip in the story. The character in question is working through emotions and it’s a process that is continually highlighted in the book. This was also addressed again at in the Author’s Note at the end of the book, which I really appreciated.

While I found the romance very sweet, I like the friendship aspect of this story more than the romance. Since everything is happening so quickly for Victoria, the romance feels a little more force than it should be. However, the friendships that occur between Victoria and a couple of her love interests felt very genuine and I loved seeing that play out on the page. I’ll admit that I found the courting aspect of this novel increasingly hilarious, especially when it came to one of the characters with poor fashion sense.

Something I wasn’t quite in love with was that I didn’t feel like we got to know some characters the way they should. Victoria’s parents especially seemed a little unconcerned with the fact that their daughter was in danger, but perhaps that was due to some of the situations they were dealing with. It just felt a little cold because it put much of the work on the hero, which while very sweet, didn’t feel genuine (at least to me).

The pacing of this story is great, the anticipation builds in a way that will keep readers turning the page until they find out who’s behind it all. While I’m here, if you are easily triggered by domestic abuse, or violence against a person, I might approach this with a bit of caution. While I found it very tastefully done, it may not be the case for every reader. I’m going to rate this story an 8/10. It was a fun and memorable Austen filled read.

[Samantha Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Jane Austen’s books, Jennieke Cohen will be your new favorite author. Dangerous Alliance is the perfect combination of mystery, intriguing characters, surprising action, and delightful romance. I couldn’t put it down!!! I read it in one night!

What I loved 🖤🖤🖤:
1. Lady Victoria Aston is not your typical damsel in distress, every time she is in danger, she uses her wits to fight back. She’s optimistic, loyal, brave, out-spoken, and utterly charming. She’s definitely a feminist protagonist that modern girls can cheer for, but she still is believable for the time period.
2. Vicky’s obsession with Jane Austen’s books is so cleverly inserted into the story. Vicky tries to use Austen’s books in real life situations and the results are hilarious. She is no Fanny Price and she’d even give Elizabeth Bennett some serious competition.
3. Vicky’s childhood friend, Tom, is a complex character with a tragic past and an uncertain future, yet you can’t help but cheer for him.
4. The mystery—who is behind the attacks and accidents befalling Vicky? What really happened between Tom and Vicky? What is Mr. Carmichael’s business with her bro-in-law Lord Dain? There are great twists and reveals!
5. Through Vicky’s sister, Althea, Jennieke Cohen highlights the awful legal situation of married women in early 19th century England. Despite being abused and/or cheated on, women couldn’t get a divorce. The best they could hope for is a legal separation. Men on the other hand, could divorce their wives for adultery and remarry. Wives (and their dowries) were the legal property of their husbands under English law.
6. Vicky is hoping for her own Jane Austen story-book romance and there are plenty of hiccups! Her suitors range from absolute boors, to former best friends, to wealthy mysterious men. Her ultimate romance is sweet and oh, so satisfying.

A must read for Cindy Anstey and Patricia Wrede fans!!!

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS REVIEW & MORE → Paws and Paperbacks

ARC received through #booksfortrade on Twitter.

Dangerous Alliance was absolutely DELIGHTFUL. I had such a fun time reading this book! It was witty, smart, full of romance and a little dash of mystery. I’m a huge fan of reading Regency romances, so the fact that this is a YA historical novel featuring tropes of a Regency romance + Jane Austen elements + an actual mystery? This was a combination I never knew I needed in my life but I completely devoured this glorious tale.

I’ve read other YA historical fiction books with similar premises, but none that have been written as excellently as Dangerous Alliance, or that have capture my attention as fully. From the very first chapter, we are introduced quickly to both the capable protagonist, Vicky, and the nonstop action. There is a lot of different types of conflict present which kept me constantly turning the page to find out what happened next. And I loved the mystery aspect as well! It kept me guessing until late in the game which made it all the more enjoyable.

The romance aspect was constructed perfectly as well. Some of my favorite tropes from Regency romances were at play: heroine needing to marry quickly to save her family, estranged childhood friend back in town, slow-burn romance. I also think the decision to have both Vicky and Tom’s POV worked extremely well for this book. I was surprised at first, but not necessarily disappointed. One of my favorite parts of reading historical romance novels is reading the mutual angst and tension from both points of views.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, Jane Austen, the Regency-era, or the fun elements of historical romance books. Dangerous Alliance is a well-crafted, wonderful story full of non-stop action and fun!

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is advertised as Austen-esque and it's just not. It's not witty, there's not a lot of chemistry between the main character and her love interest, it brings up heavy topics (domestic abuse and sexual assault) without giving them the proper space, and it lacks the kind of sharp social commentary that I love in Austen. This read much more like a Gothic novel, but without the eerie atmosphere or sense of drama that makes for a good Gothic. In short, putting Austen quotes at the beginning of each chapter and having the main character read Austen's novels does not actually make for a "austentacious romance".

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half mystery, half romance, I loved it all. All the fun of Georgian England PLUS Jane Austen references. I really appreciated the author’s research into the particulars of the time - it added so much to the story.

[Shima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout extremely lucky circumstances I got my hands on half a dozen pre-release books. Some of which I'd been waiting for months to read, this wasn't one of those. I hadn't heard of the book or the writer. While I do like historical fiction, I only read romance in very rare and specific circumstances. All in all, the chances would have been slim for me to pick this book up, especially since the synopsis does not do the book justice. It would have been a big loss.

The book begins when Vicky's sister, Althea flees her abusive husband to take refuge in their parent's house, and it is the ramifications of that decision and what it means to pursue a divorce in that era that pushes the events of the book forward. That alone is a unique enough storyline to set this book apart from other historical romances. But it's certainly not the only thing.
Now suddenly Vicky's previous decision to take her time before marriage could mean the family state could fall into the hands of a brother-in-law that beat her sister. If she wants to help her family she needs to make a match before the season is out. She isn't forced to do so, she is given the time and opportunity to actually search and meet potential matches. Her decisions are respected and let me tell you her search for a match isn't just reasonable, it's high-stakes enough to be interesting and it's very very amusing, without resorting to constantly have the characters behave in foolish ways.

Here's the thing with romance book characters, there are a lot of them that I've liked, but when I say I like a character in a romance, it means they're not hit-in-the-head stupid. I don't expect them to be particularly deep. This book might be the first romance I've ever read that had actual fully-fledged characters that I FELT FOR. No matter how much I emphasise it, you can't know how rare that is. These were characters I actually cared about beyond mere curiosity about what happened to them, beyond finding them amusing or dreamy, beyond not being annoyed by them.
You know when you read romances and characters somehow manage to exactly leave out that important bit of information or somehow react in a way that causes that rare misunderstanding, be in the exact wrong place at the wrong time (or the opposite) and how pretty much everything could have been solved in a page if they actually talked and asked question and acted like human beings? Well, in this book they do, and yet it moves at a brick-neck pace and never stops being exciting.

Vicky is possibly the best romance heroine since Elizabeth Bennet. She is the strongest woman in a romance I've read and that includes all the modern-day romances. She is courageous, capable, smart and rarest of all, she ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE. She takes action, be it fixing a wall or jumping out of a carriage (for good reason). She has interests. She cares for other people. She makes informed decisions. She stands up for herself but isn't constantly rude under the guise of being 'feisty'. And all of this, we can discover naturally instead of being beaten over the head with by the writer.
As for Tom, he shows the kind of depth that never ceased to surprise me. He isn't just 'the love interest'. He is actually another fully-formed character with his own wants and needs and motivation that don't just surround finding a wife, or determinedly not finding a wife. He has a family to care for, a past to come to terms with and business to get off the ground.
Both Tom and Vicky have lives that go on separately of each other, that includes families, relationships and events that have nothing to do with their romance. In fact, their characters are so well-written that the book would have worked without them ever falling in love. I would have been more than willing to read whole books about these people.

That is not to say though that their relationship isn't a pleasure to read about. Old childhood friends reunited after years of silence, a big part of Tom and Vicky's relationship is coming to understand each other again. They do not see each other and suddenly fall apart with passion and desire. They don't spend hours thinking about the other's perfect eyes or jaw structure. Instead, they actually care about each other. They notice each other's flaws. They enjoy each other's company. They help and trust each other. They actually seem like friends.
And they still manage to remain separate people with separate lives and their other relationships are just as important to the book as the one they share. Each of them has a bond with their siblings that is heart-warming and beautifully written. And those siblings, like other side-characters in the book, have their own journeys to go through. Both Althea and Charles and even Susie were interesting enough to warrant their own books. If that's not how you know characterisation was done well, I don't know what is.

I could go on and on about other aspects of this book, like how great the pacing is, how perfectly balanced the humour is with the darker aspects, how beautifully the healing arcs of characters recovering from trauma and abuse is written and how very very wonderfully feminist this book is, but if I haven't convinced you to add this to your to-read list already, all of that won't make a difference.
And if you have added it, then I have to smirk and gloat a little because you'll have to wait for a few more months before you can get your hands on this pleasure!

[ShannonXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

To all the other books who claim to be a love letter to Jane Austen: sit down before you embarrass yourselves. This book has you all beat and then some.

As a big fan of Jane Austen, I'm usually uneasy whenever I pick up a book that features a main character who is just as inspired by her works. Ninety-nine percent of them are modern, contemporary retellings where the main character tries to apply the books to her life. It only succeeds in coming off as cheesy, unrealistic and trying far too hard. Dangerous Alliance is the great exception to the rule as everything works perfectly. This story takes place in a time where Jane Austen is still writing, and most of her works have been published. Lady Victoria Aston is a young woman reading these books as they're released and applies them—and their heroines and lovers—to her situation and station. Aspires for her life to have such a happy ending. It felt so refreshing and somewhat unique, especially as it still felt like an Austen book but with more modern language. What made it so endearing to me was the obvious fact that this was painstakingly researched and lovingly written.

Victoria was a wonderful main character. I've seen quite a few people speak otherwise, but let's ignore them and their foolishness, shall we? Vicky is a seventeen year old woman, a younger sister who is being targeted for reasons unknown to her, and someone who suddenly has to find herself a husband in order to keep her family's estate intact. I loved following her journey through society in London with all the hapless suitors falling in her lap. What makes Vicky especially loveable is her adhering to the rule of W.W.L.B.D. What Would Lizzie Bennet Do? Lizzie is truly a heroine I admire, and it was sweet when Vicky tried to instil herself with the qualities that made Lizzie such a strong woman. However, it must be remarked upon that I found Vicky to also be imitating Lydia Bennet with her impulsiveness and fast mouth.

The romance that Vicky finds herself involved in is, of course, a love triangle. And I didn't mind this one. Which of them is Mr. Darcy and Henry Crawford. An age old question. Between Mr. Carmichael and Tom Sherborne, I had to root for Tom. Carmichael is self-made and clearly a viable option for Vicky given the urgency of her predicament, but come on. Who doesn't want the childhood friend who vanished for five years and comes back a grand lord to not be the one to win her heart?

Throughout the book there is the mystery of why Vicky is being targeted. It was an entertaining and interesting aspect to the plot, and despite two separate point of views trying to figure it out, I did not quite guess whodunnit it, so an automatic ten points to Gryffindor. However, I would have liked a little more of that drama scattered throughout. The stakes weren't quite high enough for it to really feel like a threat.

As a final note, I loved the little references throughout. Primarily mentioned are Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Emma and Mansfield Park, but I really liked the little name dropping of Chatsworth. And for those not in the know, that is the house filmed as Pemberley in my all time favourite movie and Pride & Prejudice adaptation.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could be more delightful than a mingling of Regency era manners, mystery, and a heroine who fangirls over Jane Austen? I was prepared to be enchanted and I was not disappointed.

Dangerous Alliance opens with a young lady, Lady Victoria Aston, on the cusp of her coming out living on her family's country estate content to help her father with estate matters, read her favorite novels by a certain Miss Jane Austen, and dream of being a character in one of those novels. Her musings are rudely interrupted when she spots her erstwhile neighbor, the latest Earl of Halworth, who used to be her childhood friend until he abruptly departed for the continent and has avoided any proximity for her in the year since his return and then she is bludgeoned over the head with Tom racing in pursuit.

If she thought this would thaw Tom and restore their old camaraderie, it does not. She has no time to dwell on it because here is her older sister, Althea, back home bruised, battered and refusing to say much more other than her husband Lord Dain is responsible and she'll never return to him no matter what. Naive Victoria is now confronted by the sometimes darker and secret side of some marriages when she is faced with the fact that the smiling, sociable, and well-connected Lord Dain is a brute. These circumstances lead to her need to step up and put herself out there in London Society for an eligible marriage that will save the family estate and fortune from getting into the hands of Lord Dain because he's got a claim because of marriage with Althea.

Tom has returned to the family after his father's death has ended his exile. He is now the new earl, the head of his family, and up to his ears in his father's debts and responsibilities. He is burdened with secrets of the past that involve his breaking his friendship with Vicky and keeping his distance even now. He goes up to London to mingle in the society of his peers that he doesn't even know so that he can find backers for his hotel project that he hopes will reverse the family fortunes. Of course he encounters Vicky and must prevail upon her to introduce him. She is as spirited and swift tongued as ever and does not look on him with favor. Not that he blames her though he does worry when he sees the sort of men circling around her.

The pair of them must navigate a complex social situation where any false move can end in failure meanwhile there is the mystery of the attack on Vicky and a few other mysteries involving rogues and dastardly men who have their own agendas. Vicky wonders what her favorite Austen heroines would do under the circumstances, but it is only when she is simply herself that she can make the right choices and survive the dangers.

Dangerous Alliance had me chuckling in the first few pages and then sobering when dark issues like attempted murder, domestic abuse, evil hiding behind polite smiles. But, I ran the gamut of emotions when all was said and done. There was a nice bit of verbal crossing of swords now and then, but also the excitement of some suspenseful scenes. I felt like the story moved along quickly, but wasn't under-developed. I was entertained and just wanted to keep reading on.

I felt the author did her homework and got the historic setting, Regency Era Cultural norms, social issues of the day, and dialogue down. Vicky was a bit progressive as an independent female, but not so far out that she was unbelievable.

There are three narrators in this one.
The main character, Vicky, Lady Victoria Aston, that is, is a pistol. Plain and simple. She is the type to cut off her nose to spite her face and hold a grudge like nobody's business. She wants to be noble and sacrifice herself for her sister and her family, but she's enough of a teen that a bit of whining and petulance will show through. She can't understand some adult matters like why her sister is the way she is after living in an abusive situation for two years and is accidentally hurtful. She struggles to see other viewpoints or ask why because she thinks she already knows particularly when it comes to Tom who she now wants to detest. This of course leads her to a certain amount of blithe prejudice where she attributes all sorts of evils to one suitor, Tom, while ignoring warning signs about the artful other one. She pulls a few stubborn-stupids and gets into all sorts of trouble and madcap adventures as a result. But, she is a YA Heroine and has to have the chance to stumble and bumble about in life before getting her feet under her just when needed. And, to be fair, she doesn't have the perspective the reader gets to see all the points of view and she does have some reason to be angry and hurt by Tom's earlier behavior and his later reticence.

Tom has good reasons for being uncommunicative about certain things and his own sense of honor and pride, but it doesn't help his cause in the end. Tom's situation was the old rock and a hard place. There is a mystery to his past and what went on with his father exiling him and him refusing to speak to Victoria. Slowly the reader gets the truth and this earns Tom great sympathy. He is a truly heroic guy and will do the right thing even when it costs him. He might not be up to snuff on all the ways to navigate London Society, but he's been knocked about in the world and is a good judge of character.

I won't say that the suspense elements were that difficult to work out, but I also think that it was odd that so many people were blind to what I saw as often blatant behavior and words proving what sort the villains were and what they were after.

If this story seems familiar to some, you're not imagining it. Vicky was enamored with Jane Austen and reminded me of book fandoms everywhere just two centuries ago in Vicky's case. Potterheads, anyone? However, not just Vicky is the source of Austen. There are Easter eggs for Austen fans all through this one from characters, scenes, and large bits of the plot. Vicky saw herself as an Elizabeth Bennet and I amusingly saw her as a Catherine Morland, a very different Austen heroine who let her imagination get the best of her.

All in all, it was highly entertaining and sheer fun. Those who enjoy young adult historical romances or adult Regency romps should definitely pick this one up.

My thanks to Harper Teen and Austenprose for providing this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

[TheYALibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating 4 Stars

As a huge fan of Austen, I couldn't help but be drawn to this book. It was even more enticing that this book takes place in the Regency era, when Austen is still alive and publishing her novels that excite and inspire women everywhere. She indefinitely inspired the heroine of this story and comparing her life to those of Austen's novels made for quite the mess and the regency romp I was hoping for.

Lady Victoria Aston is a wealthy, well groomed women who prefers to walk about in trousers in the country side. In a chance of fate, the man who was her best friend growing up, named Tom, happened to be riding by when Victoria is attacked by a mysterious man on horseback. He delivers a blow to the side of her head and runs off. Tom tries to apprehend the man but Victoria has a plan to do the same thing and tries to block the attacker's path. But it does not work and he escapes. Victoria is not glad to see Tom again for he broke her heart all those years ago by just abruptly cutting off all contact from her. Tom is equally as cold and indifferent towards her. He escorts her back to the house, only to find out that the worst was not over. Her sister Althea, who was happily wed and living in the manor with her husband miles away, has fled their home in the middle of the night. It turns out her husband has been abusing her for quite some, leaving her with bruises and a lot of PTSD. But it was not going to be easy proving her abuse to the court so she can get a separation from her sadistic husband. Divorce was possible in these times but rare cases and usually in the husbands favor. Victoria and Althea's parents vow to do all they can to make sure that Althea is safe from her husband forever but there would be a cost. If they win the case Althea will never be permitted to wed again. If they don't win, their home will eventually go to Althea's husband Dain if something ever happened to Victoria and Althea's father The Lord of Oakridge. In order to stop that from ever happening Victoria must now wed and have her husband take the property rights instead.
Victoria is devastated that she will no longer have the freedom to choose marriage for love. But she makes an oath to her sister that she will help her and never let Dain have control of everything they know and love. So she goes out into society to seek out a husband.

More review to come...

[Il Filo di Arianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho finalmente finito il mio primo libro di Febbraio, aiuto!
Sono stata catturata dalla premessa di questo libro, dagli hashtag nel retro copertina e dall’accenno a Jane Austen.
Ho ritrovato tutto questo? Insomma.
Le citazioni alla Austen erano carine all’inizio, ma diventano presto noiose e ripetitive, e anche poco contestualizzate.
Non sopporto il triangolo amoroso, anche perchè in questo caso era palese preferire uno ad un altro, non c’era competizione.
Dov’è il murder mystery che mi è stato promesso? Mi spiace, ma proprio non è esistito.
Trovo anche poco sensato il titolo del romanzo, se penso alla trama in generale, ma magari sono io a non cogliere dei dettagli.
Victoria e il suo punto di vista erano spesso infantili (ero convinta che fosse un romanzo più per adulti); ho preferito di gran lunga il punto di vista di Tom. Assieme, però, erano molto teneri.
Commento finale? Poteva essere più carino. Lunghezza eccessiva per quello che capita, ma è stato abbastanza di intrattenimento.

[Fanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dangerous Alliance brings together social conflicts and romantic storyline to a table of Georgian countryside English settings. It weaves a young female's life to her duty as a daughter and the love for her sister, with an emotionally affected male love interest—who is a well-developed character himself—own anticipations and tops it all with a hint of mystery and awkward romance.

Consider reading this review on my blog! Also, enter the giveaway to win one of two copies of Dangerous Alliance



✔Jane-Austen-esque setting
✔childhood-lovers to silence to reuniting
✔essence of mystery
✔societal issues
✔family dynamics

It is a historical fiction centered around Victoria 'Vicky', a young fan of Jane Austen's books, who must find a suitable match in order to save her family name and ensure the safety of her loved ones. The knowledge imparted by the female leads in Austen's books and the risky love interests helps her navigate through this search of hers.

Highly inspired by the referenced books, like Pride and Prejudice, this YA romance explores the societal judgments, early expectations, lost love due to lost contact, and typical fights—whether physical or verbal banter—and successfully sets up a historic yet modern vibe for the readers to indulge in.

The romance is fun, cute, and will make the reader's heart flutter too (because Vicky's green eyes are definitely pretty, or so Tom keeps mentioning). It walks on a path of childhood-lovers being separated due to silence after moving places but are now neighbours so silence is not feasible, and if that is something you search for in romances, this would be an ideal pick.

Overall, an entertaining read for fans of Jane Austen or romantic expeditions set in old times who also admire a strong female protagonist and an understanding male protagonist.

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this via my participation in a blog tour but that, in no way, affects my rating and/or review. Thank you, FFBC tours, Harper Teen, and Jenneike Cohen!


MC is a Jane Austen fan. Cool. Already relatable. But seriously, I'm such a fan of social conflicts in a romance, I can't wait to read this. Especially now that I'm part of a blog tour for this one!

[Sami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can we make Regency Murder Mysteries a YA trend? Filled with swoonworthy suitors, devious deceptions, and some astute commentary on gender politics, Dangerous Alliance checks every box I have for a truly delightful historical novel. Fans of Cindy Anstey will go crazy for this.

[Katrin D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my God. I can't believe it ended.

Boring doesn't even begin to describe this book.

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing to say the least. Vicky, the Jane Austen enthusiast who one day hopes to find her very own Mr. Darcy was dull along with being too childish for my taste to believe she could follow in Lizzy footsteps from "Pride and Prejudice" to solve all her problems and the barely speaking hero who I've often times forgot was the actual hero, Tom, was forgettable and lacked any depth. Honestly it would've been better just to cut him out of the equation and leave out dear Mr. Carmichael to take the lead, who left me far more intrigued than anything else I have read from this historical romance novel inspired by the English novelist Jane Austen. Furthermore the 'romance' between Vicky and Tom was near non-existent and I could barely fathom how they ended up together since their encounters were bare minimum until the last quarter of the book. There was by far more chemistry between Vicky and Mr. Carmichael that it nearly floored me when he was push aside for the Mr. Darcy wannabe Tom stepped in and win her heart. Ha! Otherwise there's not much to rave about. It was mediocre at best and it failed to meet any expectations. What a shame.

[Monica (crazy_4_books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Jane Austen for dummies"
I watched a few days ago a live chat with the writer of this book. She clearly knows her way around Ms Austen's novels, but the approach she took here with the intention, I'm guessing, of trying to get young girls interested in Jane Austen's novels is just not the right path. A re-imagining of "Pride and Prejudice" maybe set in modern times could have worked better. The characters speak more modern than period way, which is very annoying. The plot is so basic that filling up 430 pages is unjustified. The heroine is a fan-girl of Ms. Austen's works and she is decided to find her "Mr. Darcy". Two men fight for her hand in marriage, literally they challenge themselves into a duel! But Tom, "Mr. Darcy" here, is so dumb he cannot shoot a gun properly. The villain, who is the girl's brother-in-law, kidnaps her, dumb Tom shoot and misses so the heroine shoots her sister's husband and kills him...was that in one of her novels? Can you imagine Elizabeth Bennet shooting a gun? OH, yes, I can. In that movie "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" with Lily James. Even that crazy experiment is a better approach of Jane Austen's work for young audiences.

[Annie ⚜️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like a Jane Austen if they were action packed. It was a thoroughly enjoyable homage to Austen’s work.