Review: Just doesn't work.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 09 15, 2013
It's never a good sign when a book 'feels' too long. I'd been reading away for what seemed forever and glanced down to see that I was only 48% done and felt overwhelmed that I wasn't even half-way done.To be perfectly honest, the preview gave me a fairly good idea of what I was in for and I should have trusted my judgment more. But I was persuaded by the preponderance of good reviews from people who share my love for P&P; sequels and I assumed that, if they found redeeming value, I would too. Unfortunately, this was not the case.Instead I found many reasons to be frustrated and, occasionally, even irritated. First and foremost, there is very little similarity between Eli and Fitz and Elizabeth and Darcy. Everything is wrong: the way they act, the way they think, the things they do. Secondly, the whole premise is ridiculous. It's not only ridiculous for a P&P; variation, or for a 19th century romance novel--it would still be ridiculous for a 21st century romance. I didn't find it humorous, I found it embarrassing to read. Was I really expected to believe or enjoy this nonsense?Is there any redeeming quality to the book? Well, its editing is somewhat better than what has become usual lately. The author at least sticks to the premise from beginning to end. The fact that it's a silly premise aside, she's consistent. It's original. This may not be a virtue in the sense that it's good, but it is a novel thought (which hopefully will not be picked up by anyone else!)But the third reason that I did not enjoy the book is that I'm angry at myself for overruling my instinct after reading the preview and actually spending time and money (too much of both!) on something that I should have known that I would not like.My advice: read the preview, imagine pages and pages of the same, and decide if you can take it.