5! I absolutely love a good Jane Austen retelling, and Emma of 83rd Street is one of my favorite books of all time. When Will Darcy was introduced, I just knew his story would be next, and he did not disappoint in the slightest.
In this novel, Will Darcy and his best friend Charlie decide to spend the summer in the Hamptons, where they meet Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzy, born and raised in East Hampton, works at her family's bakery, though she dreams of becoming a traveling journalist. Will and Lizzy’s first interaction is less than ideal, leading to a rocky start. For the first third of the book, they don’t really get along. The transition from enemies to lovers is perfectly executed, making their journey from initial dislike to deep affection both believable and satisfying. They were never outright cruel to each other, which I dislike in some books with the enemies-to-lovers trope.
The pacing of this book was spot-on, ensuring that there was never a dull moment. I also appreciated the small secondary romance involving Elizabeth’s sister. It helped the book stay true to the key elements of Pride and Prejudice while incorporating the author’s twist.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read! Don’t forget to check out Emma of 83rd Street as well, since Emma and Knightley make a brief but rewarding appearance in this novel. I'm hoping the authors' next book will be a Persuasion retelling focusing on Wentworth, as I adore a good second-chance romance!