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the_novel_approach's review
4.0
It has been many years since I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, but reading Megan Reddaway’s modern version, Out, Proud, and Prejudiced, was so much fun. There have been numerous adaptations and retellings over the years of this much-loved book, both in print and on the screen, and it’s amazing to see how well the story and characters hold up even two hundred years later. Reddaway’s is a clever, modern retelling that follows the basic storyline of the original, with the most obvious nods being the character and place names. Here the main characters are Bennett and Darius, and just as with the beloved Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, they most certainly do not immediately hit it off!
The enemies-to-lovers trope is a favorite of many romance readers, and Reddaway nailed it with Bennett and Darius. When word gets around that there is a mysterious new gallery owner in town, and that he’s rumored to be young and hot, Bennett’s roommates are all atwitter. They convince Bennett to go with them to Rush, the once-a-month LGBTQ night at Meriton’s only nightclub, so that they can check him out. Tim, the new owner of the gallery, is lovely, but the friend he brought with him? Not so much. Darius comes off as such a shit at first. Seemingly looking down his nose at Bennett, his friends, the town, their college, even Bennett’s best friend, Jamie, who Tim is instantly taken with. Bennett decides on that first meeting that Darius is a pretentious asshole, and he does everything he can to avoid him.
Because Jamie and Tim are quickly falling for each other, however, the two men are constantly thrown together, eventually forcing them to acknowledge their attraction to each other, and surprising them with the things they have in common. I loved the super slow-burn between these guys. Reddaway did a great job easing them from intense dislike, to tolerance, to possible friendship and finally admitting their fondness for each other. I liked when Bennett had his epiphany that he perhaps judged Darius a bit too harshly, if not entirely incorrectly. And, when they figure things out at the end, it’s so satisfying and perfect.
I loved the settings of Meriton college, Longbourn Manor, and Pemberley Hall, and I enjoyed what Reddaway did with the characters. Bennett’s roommates Leon and Kofi were ridiculous and entertaining. I LOVED sweet sensitive Jamie, and Tim as well; they were so wonderful together. And, I could tell who the villain was going to be from the get-go. Red flags going up left and right with that one!
When Bennett finally lets go of his pride in order to solicit Darius’s help at the end…Or…was he too prejudice and Darius was too proud…? (Bonus points to everyone who gets my silly You’ve Got Mail reference. Ha! 😊) I think we can all agree that they each have elements of both pride and prejudice to overcome but, as I said, the ending was wonderfully done. I think, whether you’re familiar with the original or not, there are many fabulous things to enjoy about Out, Proud, and Prejudiced.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
The enemies-to-lovers trope is a favorite of many romance readers, and Reddaway nailed it with Bennett and Darius. When word gets around that there is a mysterious new gallery owner in town, and that he’s rumored to be young and hot, Bennett’s roommates are all atwitter. They convince Bennett to go with them to Rush, the once-a-month LGBTQ night at Meriton’s only nightclub, so that they can check him out. Tim, the new owner of the gallery, is lovely, but the friend he brought with him? Not so much. Darius comes off as such a shit at first. Seemingly looking down his nose at Bennett, his friends, the town, their college, even Bennett’s best friend, Jamie, who Tim is instantly taken with. Bennett decides on that first meeting that Darius is a pretentious asshole, and he does everything he can to avoid him.
Because Jamie and Tim are quickly falling for each other, however, the two men are constantly thrown together, eventually forcing them to acknowledge their attraction to each other, and surprising them with the things they have in common. I loved the super slow-burn between these guys. Reddaway did a great job easing them from intense dislike, to tolerance, to possible friendship and finally admitting their fondness for each other. I liked when Bennett had his epiphany that he perhaps judged Darius a bit too harshly, if not entirely incorrectly. And, when they figure things out at the end, it’s so satisfying and perfect.
I loved the settings of Meriton college, Longbourn Manor, and Pemberley Hall, and I enjoyed what Reddaway did with the characters. Bennett’s roommates Leon and Kofi were ridiculous and entertaining. I LOVED sweet sensitive Jamie, and Tim as well; they were so wonderful together. And, I could tell who the villain was going to be from the get-go. Red flags going up left and right with that one!
When Bennett finally lets go of his pride in order to solicit Darius’s help at the end…Or…was he too prejudice and Darius was too proud…? (Bonus points to everyone who gets my silly You’ve Got Mail reference. Ha! 😊) I think we can all agree that they each have elements of both pride and prejudice to overcome but, as I said, the ending was wonderfully done. I think, whether you’re familiar with the original or not, there are many fabulous things to enjoy about Out, Proud, and Prejudiced.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
ladydewinter's review
4.0
"Pride and Prejudice" is without a doubt the one book I have read the most often. So when I heard this was going to be part of the Classics queered project, I was as excited as I was worried - because those are some big footsteps to follow in.
And when I started reading this, it took me a while to be able to enjoy this mostly on its own - the first fifty pages I kept trying to figure who everyone was and what was going to happen there, and I was starting to get afraid I wouldn't be able to stop doing that, but then I found myself pulled into the story - so much so that I almost was gnawing on my nails trying to find the time to read on.
This is a modern, gay take on P&P, and I found it well done. Not all the original's plot points can be found "translated" here, but the important ones certainly are, and while I liked some parts better than others, I absolutely loved Bennet and Darius and the way their relationship developed in a current setting. Megan Reddaway definitely hit all the right notes there.
This was the first time in a while I couldn't stop reading, so this in itself is high praise. I really enjoyed it, and it made me happy, which is a very good thing.
(It also made me think about reading and the way I engage with texts, which is also a good thing.)
And when I started reading this, it took me a while to be able to enjoy this mostly on its own - the first fifty pages I kept trying to figure who everyone was and what was going to happen there, and I was starting to get afraid I wouldn't be able to stop doing that, but then I found myself pulled into the story - so much so that I almost was gnawing on my nails trying to find the time to read on.
This is a modern, gay take on P&P, and I found it well done. Not all the original's plot points can be found "translated" here, but the important ones certainly are, and while I liked some parts better than others, I absolutely loved Bennet and Darius and the way their relationship developed in a current setting. Megan Reddaway definitely hit all the right notes there.
This was the first time in a while I couldn't stop reading, so this in itself is high praise. I really enjoyed it, and it made me happy, which is a very good thing.
(It also made me think about reading and the way I engage with texts, which is also a good thing.)
leslie_kent's review
Unfortunately this was not the mm adaptation of Pride & Prejudice I was looking for. I ended up skimming a good amount of it. It was long and slow, strange and awkward. It left me feeling underwhelmed, disappointed and just kind of...meh. I’m not even sure how to rate it so I’m leaving it unrated for now. Oh well, can’t win them all.
caidalibro's review
2.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Riptide Publishing for providing a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
format: ebook
rating: 2 stars
This one was... Kind of a disappointment. It started off well enough, but it kind of stumbled as the story progressed. The whole dynamic was kind of off? I don't know how to describe it, exactly. I couldn't bring myself to care about anything that was happening. Our main character, Bennet, was pretty basic and not that interesting, I would have much rather read this story from Jaime or Darius' POV, they were more multi-dimensional and all in all more appealing. The relationship between Bennet and Darius was also kind of lacking, the development felt weird at times. The "conflict" was solved way too quickly and all the other things that went down seemed to be there just to make the story longer but they did not make the plot more interesting nor were they realistic. By the end of the book, I was just kind of skimming through to reach the end.
I can't say I'd recommend this book, to be honest.
format: ebook
rating: 2 stars
This one was... Kind of a disappointment. It started off well enough, but it kind of stumbled as the story progressed. The whole dynamic was kind of off? I don't know how to describe it, exactly. I couldn't bring myself to care about anything that was happening. Our main character, Bennet, was pretty basic and not that interesting, I would have much rather read this story from Jaime or Darius' POV, they were more multi-dimensional and all in all more appealing. The relationship between Bennet and Darius was also kind of lacking, the development felt weird at times. The "conflict" was solved way too quickly and all the other things that went down seemed to be there just to make the story longer but they did not make the plot more interesting nor were they realistic. By the end of the book, I was just kind of skimming through to reach the end.
I can't say I'd recommend this book, to be honest.
haletostilinski1's review
4.0
A modern retelling of Pride & Prejudice but with it being M/M? Of course i had to snatch this up and read it.
It actually ended up surprising me, because the first 30% or so was...slow. Frustrating to get through for me. I get that it's following the basic outline of P & P, which is no doubt a veryyy slow burn indeed, but for this is was just...too slow for me. It ended up being a little boring at times, and Darius (Darcy) wasn't there enough and their interactions weren't enough for me.
But then something changed, the story started to pick up, and as the juicy bits of P&P started to get retold in this story as well, it sucked me in. Darius and Bennett (Elizabeth) didn't have the greatest chemistry at first either, I felt. And I know Bennett is supposed to hate Darius and all that, but he's also, in this modern version, clearly attracted to him even though he doesn't want to be, but I didn't really feel that attraction. Until Bennett really started to fall for Darius.
Things happen in a similar fashion to P & P, just in a modern setting and with the names changed what (but still cleverly close to the originals in most cases). Like Whyndam (for Whyckam int he original, however you spell it) didn't run off with Darcy's sister, but he did do something even worse to Darius' half-brother - well his half-brother too. And I mean, for today's standards, running off with someone isn't quite as scandalous today as it was back then, so the change makes sense, but it sucks and it makes the guy even more scummy than in the original.
Jaime (Jane) is sweet and pretty and kind, and Tim (Bingley) falls for him, but all that stuff with Darius having a part in their separation but getting back together too was all there.
Plus, as it is modern times, we didn't get quite a bit more steam. It still wasn't great, but it's more than in the original book that's for sure lol (i think they don't even kiss it.)
So overall, a good retelling of the classic P&P, just pretty slow in the beginning, I think. Worth a read though! :D
It actually ended up surprising me, because the first 30% or so was...slow. Frustrating to get through for me. I get that it's following the basic outline of P & P, which is no doubt a veryyy slow burn indeed, but for this is was just...too slow for me. It ended up being a little boring at times, and Darius (Darcy) wasn't there enough and their interactions weren't enough for me.
But then something changed, the story started to pick up, and as the juicy bits of P&P started to get retold in this story as well, it sucked me in. Darius and Bennett (Elizabeth) didn't have the greatest chemistry at first either, I felt. And I know Bennett is supposed to hate Darius and all that, but he's also, in this modern version, clearly attracted to him even though he doesn't want to be, but I didn't really feel that attraction. Until Bennett really started to fall for Darius.
Things happen in a similar fashion to P & P, just in a modern setting and with the names changed what (but still cleverly close to the originals in most cases). Like Whyndam (for Whyckam int he original, however you spell it) didn't run off with Darcy's sister, but he did do something even worse to Darius' half-brother - well his half-brother too. And I mean, for today's standards, running off with someone isn't quite as scandalous today as it was back then, so the change makes sense, but it sucks and it makes the guy even more scummy than in the original.
Jaime (Jane) is sweet and pretty and kind, and Tim (Bingley) falls for him, but all that stuff with Darius having a part in their separation but getting back together too was all there.
Plus, as it is modern times, we didn't get quite a bit more steam. It still wasn't great, but it's more than in the original book that's for sure lol (i think they don't even kiss it.)
So overall, a good retelling of the classic P&P, just pretty slow in the beginning, I think. Worth a read though! :D
clauchoque's review
3.0
Por el titulo ya te habrás dado cuenta que este es un retelling de Orgullo y Prejuicio.
En un principio estaba muy inclinada a tirar el libro por la ventana debido a las personalidades de los protagonistas. Pero a medida que pasaba la historia pude darme cuenta que realmente es una gran forma de adaptarlos a la actualidad. Me gusto mucho la forma en que el amor fue floreciendo entre Darius y Bennety tambien me gusto que al final ambos tienen muchas cosas por las que pedir perdón y lo hacen apropiadamente y de todo corazón...(no hacen como si nunca hubiera pasado y se olvidan de todo)
Tengo una gran lista de retellings que leer, espero que me gusten
En un principio estaba muy inclinada a tirar el libro por la ventana debido a las personalidades de los protagonistas. Pero a medida que pasaba la historia pude darme cuenta que realmente es una gran forma de adaptarlos a la actualidad. Me gusto mucho la forma en que el amor fue floreciendo entre Darius y Bennet
Tengo una gran lista de retellings que leer, espero que me gusten
nigmatillium's review
4.0
Obligatory I didn't read Pride and Prejudice, so I can't compare this novel to the original.
What a ride! I can't remember the last book that made me feel so anxious and so frustrated with the characters. I knew where this was heading, of course I did, but that didn't take away from the frustration. Most of it was because of misunderstanding and while I would normally have a huge issue with the characters not talking about what was going on, it made perfect sense here. It fit the story, and it fit the character's personalities so I have no complaints.
What I may complain about is that some things were superficially explained—some of the situations and a part of Jamie and Tim's relationship—but the frustration kept me occupied enough to not be too bothered by it. And, boy, I can't express just how much of that there is. I literally had to remind myself that there are always two sides of a story otherwise I would have dropped the book so hard. (No, I wouldn't have, at this point I was so into it, I had no option but find out what happens next.)
I didn't like almost anyone except for Jamie, Bennet and, only later, Darius. I didn't see much of Tim, he seems like an okay guy, but he was a fool.
I liked Jamie and Bennet's friendship, Bennet was the only one out of their friends who actually got Jamie, who didn't make any idiot jokes and just accepted his principles. They all should have. He also was willing to give up on what he wanted in order to not hurt Jamie.Speaking of Jamie, I didn't like his reaction when he saw Bennet and Darius together. He immediately assumed that Bennet would stoop so low as to sleep with someone for a job and that's just not how their friendship went until that point. It was out of character for Jamie to think that and he should have known better. Other than that, he was great.
I didn't like Bennet so much at first, but after the first five chapters or so I warmed up to him. He's clever and a generally good guy, despite deeply prejudiced. Luckily there is a cure to prejudice, so no harm done.
Darius was by far the most frustrating character. Not knowing why he acted the way he did or what he was thinking made it really easy to misjudge him. I still wanted his side of the story, but man, it was tough.
As for the other characters, Philippe and Nigel were great, I instantly disliked Leon and Kofi (and I mean instantly) and while I kind of liked-but-not-really Charlotte in the beginning, in the end she was having a bad attitude and making bad decisions. I'm surprised some of the characters weren't bothered by it.
Overall I liked the take on the plot (if I didn't read the original it doesn't mean I don't know what's going on there), it was good. I liked the rock climbing as a means for the characters to interact more, and for most part it made sense. It also mentioned some heavy themes (twrape, recording sex with a minor, and recording sex without the partner's consent ) and I'm not sure how to feel about that. Normally it's not an issue for me reading about this kind of themes, but in this case I think it could have been replaced with something less weighty. I'm 50/50 on this.
I would still say to give the book a try if only for the anxiety and the frustration. And, obviously, if you are a fan of the original and would like to try a retelling of it. Might not make it to your favourites, but it's still a pretty good read.
What a ride! I can't remember the last book that made me feel so anxious and so frustrated with the characters. I knew where this was heading, of course I did, but that didn't take away from the frustration. Most of it was because of misunderstanding and while I would normally have a huge issue with the characters not talking about what was going on, it made perfect sense here. It fit the story, and it fit the character's personalities so I have no complaints.
What I may complain about is that some things were superficially explained—some of the situations and a part of Jamie and Tim's relationship—but the frustration kept me occupied enough to not be too bothered by it. And, boy, I can't express just how much of that there is. I literally had to remind myself that there are always two sides of a story otherwise I would have dropped the book so hard. (No, I wouldn't have, at this point I was so into it, I had no option but find out what happens next.)
I didn't like almost anyone except for Jamie, Bennet and, only later, Darius. I didn't see much of Tim, he seems like an okay guy, but he was a fool.
I liked Jamie and Bennet's friendship, Bennet was the only one out of their friends who actually got Jamie, who didn't make any idiot jokes and just accepted his principles. They all should have. He also was willing to give up on what he wanted in order to not hurt Jamie.
I didn't like Bennet so much at first, but after the first five chapters or so I warmed up to him. He's clever and a generally good guy, despite deeply prejudiced. Luckily there is a cure to prejudice, so no harm done.
Darius was by far the most frustrating character. Not knowing why he acted the way he did or what he was thinking made it really easy to misjudge him. I still wanted his side of the story, but man, it was tough.
As for the other characters, Philippe and Nigel were great, I instantly disliked Leon and Kofi (and I mean instantly) and while I kind of liked-but-not-really Charlotte in the beginning, in the end she was having a bad attitude and making bad decisions. I'm surprised some of the characters weren't bothered by it.
Overall I liked the take on the plot (if I didn't read the original it doesn't mean I don't know what's going on there), it was good. I liked the rock climbing as a means for the characters to interact more, and for most part it made sense. It also mentioned some heavy themes (tw
I would still say to give the book a try if only for the anxiety and the frustration. And, obviously, if you are a fan of the original and would like to try a retelling of it. Might not make it to your favourites, but it's still a pretty good read.
sonny's review
5.0
All right, this seems weird, but another stellar 5-star retelling of P&P, with gender roles changed to be M/M.
I think, again, like AJ Michaels's version, I love the way the Author stored away a bunch of hidden callbacks to the original.
So many things in P&P of what I love is organized unfolding of the storytelling; I kind of want re-tellings, variations and adaptions to have at least some semblance of familiarity... I want characters I recall, I want to see certain things Lizzie says or does, things that happen to her, especially from Darcy's hands - oh, and sometimes I do wish some of the background minor stuff to still exist, too.
I don't know how Megan did it but she gave Bennet, our "Lizzie", all the telltale earmarking-s of what Lizzie went through...down to an Ex-boyfriend, CULLEN, who was scummy and weaselly, like MR. COLLINS...to an even a more dastardly liar of an a-hole in WYNDHAM MOORHOUSE, who was our GEORGE WICKHAM.
There was not just a lot to unpack but a lot to admire about this setting, too. I wanted to see more of it. This is Meriton College which is a technical/trade college who specializes in Hospitality /Hosting/
Hostessing, which is what Bennet wanted a career in, while some did serving, cooking, sommelier, maitre d-ing... it was a lovely experience to be immersed in and kind of fascinating.
Longbourne is the "house/dorm" Bennet and four other gay men live in off-campus, or on-campus, I can't recall...but there is even a gay couple who mirrors THE BENNETs, an older Professor-type and then a middle-aged man who runs the house dorm of Longbourne.
There's even a Jamie ["JANE"] who falls for Tim Wilson ["BINGLEY"].
Our "Darcy" was a Darius Lanniker...and Pemberley Hall existed but it was run for catering events and it was managed by a Catherine and her wane, pale daughter, Anne.
Bennet even has best girl friend, Charlotte, who is straight and manages to start seeing his Ex, Cullen [Mr. Collins]. Everything was amazingly similar in little ways that made me smile giddily, like re-watching your favorite childhood TV show.
Even better...again, I LOVED Bennet, as my "Lizzie POV"; he is wise beyond his years and he may have one of the most gut-wrenching and raw-est, saddest childhoods I have seen an Author give their MC...he broke my heart and I wanted to hug him so fiercely.
There was so much to respect and admire as it mirrored the OG text to such a degree that was really enjoyable.
cadiva's review
4.0
3.5*
This is a MM version of Pride and Prejudice so if you've read the original, you know what's going to happen here.
I was pleasantly surprised though by the clever twists on the characters to make them fit into this new narrative and I think overall it worked well.
The pace is quite slow though, and it was a while before we got to the meat of the story and I have to say, I don't have the same feeling with the source material so I've knocked a star off for that.
It also felt quite a bit more angsty than the original and didn't have quite the same wry humour as Austen did poking fun at Georgian society.
But, taken together, this is a great retelling of a classic.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a MM version of Pride and Prejudice so if you've read the original, you know what's going to happen here.
I was pleasantly surprised though by the clever twists on the characters to make them fit into this new narrative and I think overall it worked well.
The pace is quite slow though, and it was a while before we got to the meat of the story and I have to say, I don't have the same feeling with the source material so I've knocked a star off for that.
It also felt quite a bit more angsty than the original and didn't have quite the same wry humour as Austen did poking fun at Georgian society.
But, taken together, this is a great retelling of a classic.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.