First of all, I am a Pride and Prejudice fan but you need to be to enjoy this book. It is set in modern times. There are nods to Chinese American culture both good and cringe that were all relatable to me being a first-generation Asian American. There is also the world of competitive swim culture that author Dudley seems knowledgeable about. I don't know anything about competitive swim. I didn't feel "left out" or confused because the descriptions (of both worlds) seamlessly flowed with the storyline. I appreciated the world she built.

All the characters in this book fit their personality, from genial to condescending. Charles Bing is a classic lovely Charles Bingley. I liked him a lot and he fit the kind caring character arc. He isn't a pushover and doesn't let people sway him easily. He is smart, kind, and reasonable. Lissie is smart, clever, bold, and witty. She just wants her family to be okay. Preston Lin was infuriating at first but once we truly got to know him it was easy to see why Lissie started falling for him. Dudley brings each character to life in a way that makes you either root for them or dislike them and rightly so! Despite being a riff on Pride and Prejudice this is a fresh take that is quirky and fun. I truly enjoyed this read.

I received this book from Netgalley, Third State Books, and Christina Hwang Dudley. I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.

I haven't read many classics or popular books. I ashamedly admit to having not read Pride and Prejudice. If it's any consolation, I watched the Kiera Knightley adaptation 😁😁.

Anyway, I want to say that this book is a fantastic modern-day retelling of the Pride and Prejudice story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I hope it gets its own movie adaptation soon!

I rate this a 4.75!

This is such a FUN modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. I love the little twists to the plot which Dudley added that took the story to the next level for me. A perfect way to sum it up is Crazy Rich Asians meets Jane Austen. And if both of those are things you love I think you will enjoy adding this fun, easy read to your day.

The Asian culture adds such an exciting and rich element to the story. The swim athletics side of the story does the same. Dudley did a great job taking pieces we love of Pride and Prejudice, the modern-day setting, adding changes like those mentioned above, to give us a romance that has you excited at the turn of every page. And of course, falling for that good old, stuck-up Preston Lin. Who really isn't as stuck-up as you think and is definitely going to steal your heart just as he does with Lissie's.

I really had a blast reading this romance and I think other Jane Austen and Crazy Rich Asians fans will as well. Pick up and enjoy a little romance in your day today!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from netgalley for an unbiased review.

I love this book! And fully intend to reread it (which is a big thing for me). From Jojo's terminology blunders to Preston's awkward silences, this novel successfully captured bits of the original P&P's sparkle and magic. While Lissie irritated me at times, she grew, both as a character and on me like fungus in a zombie movie. It's worth the read and the time, so go pick it up!
Idk if this one will age as well as other variations. It's too on trend and topical at points, but if you gloss over the marvel movie references and iPhone speak, the story of Lissie and Preston is timeless.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice set within the Asian community. Lissie and her two sisters, orphaned and taken in by their aunt and uncle who run a restaurant in the suburbs of San Francisco, lead modest lives. In addition to her job at a library and her literature studies, Lissie also pitches in at the restaurant as a waitress. It's here that she crosses paths with Preston, our modern-day "Darcy" and things take a tumultuous turn.

Lissie won me over with her wit, humor, and the comical situations she finds herself in despite her best efforts. Her banter with Preston is equally sharp and engaging. I found the book to be captivating, devouring it almost in one sitting.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Third State Books, and Christina Hwang Dudley for graciously providing an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I might be a bit biased, as I’m obsessed with p&p, but I felt a little less chemistry between the pair than I hoped for. In general, I guess I felt less inclined to like Preston as Darcy. I enjoyed all of the nods to the original story and characters, however I think lining it up so heavily to the story (like with the title) gave such a high bar to strive for. Had it been a bit more detached, I think I’d have been able to enjoy it a little more! I didn’t mind it being a cleaner romance, but might’ve liked a bit more heat. Overall cute story and loved the Asian influences though!

In Pride and Preston Lin, Lissie Cheng makes the mistake of her life at her family’s restaurant, and Preston Lin is there to witness it. Can these two figure themselves out in time to prevent an even bigger disaster?

This was a good retelling. Christina Hwang Dudley took some creative licenses that paid off pretty well. The decision to replace the parents with a well-meaning but worrying aunt and uncle worked. Allowing the best friend her choice of a safe prospect without the main character feeling like she’d been “betrayed” was refreshing. The buildup about the Wickham character only for the reveal to be less bad, but still trashy. Honestly, I enjoyed it all, and could definitely see it performing well as an independent film.

I will, however, say that the disaster that starts the whole thing almost made me DNF this book. My second-hand embarrassment would have had me leaving Pride and Preston Lim alone until next summer. Thankfully, I got through it.

Before I started this book, I realized that I didn’t remember anything about Pride and Prejudice. I’ve only watched the Keira Knightley version (and own it) but it didn’t jog any sort of memories off the top of my head.

It’s a contemporary romance based on P&P. Set in San Francisco, Lissie Cheng is this book’s version of Elizabeth Bennet and she has a younger sister, Jojo and an older sister named Jenny. The girls’ parents passed away, so they live with their aunt and uncle who own a restaurant where Lisse and Jenny work at. While working at the restaurant one night, Lissie accidentally messes up an order causing someone at the table to have an allergic reaction. Seated at the table is a guy named Preston Lin.

This incident causes Lissie to get fake-fired from the restaurant and Preston despises her. That is until they get to know one another and realize that they might like each other.

I liked this book because of the dialogue, characters and the banter between Lissie/Preston. I refreshed my brain of P&P after completing this book and was able to see how the characters lined up. I wouldn’t mind reading another book written with Lissie and the crew in it.

Thank you net galley and Third State Books for the e-ARC!

How wonderful an Asian twist on a Pride and Prejudice variation.

Let’s see in the family Chinese restaurant … ‘she accidentally serves a dish containing shellfish paste to an allergic customer and runs afoul of the wealthy Lin family. Their golden boy, Preston, a star swimmer and Stanford Ph.D. student, is as handsome as he is self-righteous. Lissie hates him and everything he stands for, but circumstances keep bringing them together. Can she overcome her pride and her initial misgivings about Preston Lin and his condescending mother? Will love prevail, and will these enemies turn into lovers?’

It is a modern, creative, contemporary new adult romance. A fun read, especially for Pride and Prejudice enthusiasts who appreciate a YA variation set in San Francisco. It can be read as a standalone for those who don't know Austen's story.

I love a good adaptation and there have been some really good ones lately. This one is good but not one of my favourites.
What I love about adaptations is figuring out who is who and what little spins the author adds to the story. The spins the author added were great! Chinese restaurant, swim club, University. All great additions! Wickham just wasn't evil enough for me.
However, if you love that enemies to lovers vibe, this is still a great read!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Third State Books and Christina Hwang Dudley for this early release copy in exchange for my honest review

This book has bewitched me, body and soul and I love, I love, I LOVE IT.

A perfect Pride and Prejudice retelling with its own perfect twist😉
Elisabeth is on her last year at university working and helping her auntie and uncle as a server on the family restaurant who has taken her and her sisters under their wing after both of her parents passed away. She had a good reputation as server on her tables that turned into a bad one overnight after she mistakenly served an allergen to an ellergic customer. Her family and love life practically started going downward spiral after that. But don't worry, sometimes life gives you the downward spiral that with its own underlying good intentions🤫

I consider this book as a light read, but it has its own way to gripped me in every sentence, every word, every scene. While reading I can't part with this book for long, because it is THAT gripping. I think it also has something to do with how I love Pride and Prejudice and this book has its incredible way to twist the plot, made some adjustments to some of the exact scenes, and the characters from Pride and Prejudice. I love how the writer put it all together🥺 The writing style I think has a huge influence to my love for this book, it has a flow to reveal the story without too much description and just with how the characters interact with each other. This book is also HILARIOUS sometimes I cackled suddenly, the touching scene done right I SOBBED, the romantic scenes are ALIVE I SCREAMED (excitedly). Most importantly, I WANT MOREEE. Sometimes when a book does that, it was done properly🤧😍😋
You will love it too if you love Pride and Prejudice but actually, the main thing is, if you love romance you will love it.

This was a fun P&P retelling and I enjoyed the way things were updated. This follows Lissy Chiang who works in her families restaurant. One day Preston Lim and his friends come in and a mistake happens that starts the story. I enjoyed figuring out all the little changes and how they related to the original. I liked the family aspect. I do wish we had gotten more of an ending for Jenny but that was my main complaint.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

A Pride and Prejudice retelling with a modern take! Our main protagonist, Lissie, is determined to do right by her family, but runs into problems with the loathsome (rich, self-righteous, and golden boy) Preston Lin. Lissie is the middle sister of a Chinese American family orphaned too young, and she and her older sister work for her aunt and uncle at their local restaurant while the youngest sister Jojo pursues her amateur swim career. We follow Lissie and her family around the Bay Area as she copes with Ph.D. egotists, untrustworthy swim coaches, and snobby relations. After showing his pretentious colors, Lissie is determined to hate Preston Lin forever, but perhaps they both made snap judgements too soon?

I've read many Austen retellings and it can be hard to thread the needle by being original enough while still feeling reminiscent of the source material, but this story did a great job making that work! It was funny, original, heartwarming, and I loved the Bay Area setting. I sometimes missed a few of the original P&P characters who weren't recast, but appreciated that even depicting a story I know so well, there were elements of plot that were original and fun to follow!

Thank you to NetGalley, Austen Prose, and the author for the chance to read and review this book!

3.5/5
It was a good mix between 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'Pride and Prejudice'. I will say that it did get a little confusing at times with some of the dialogue as to who was talking and who some of the characters were. But overall, an enjoyable read.

Firstly, I really love this book. Genuinely loved it. My only gripe about it was that I needed dual POV, so that I could know what he was feeling as well.
I relate to the main character: Lissie Cheng, because I myself is the middle child, is an English Lit student and always trying to bridge a gap between my two sisters. Lissie was a lovable character, but sometimes, I feel like putting her in a headlock so that she would not speak and make the situation even more messy. But I get her, I would be this way too if my family members are affected because of me. I loved that she stood her stand and refused to give Preston Lin a chance. I like how capable she was, trying to find ways to make everything right without relying on the person who started the mess. She looked after both her sisters, putting their feelings above hers in many instances.
Overall, I feel that this book was a good read and I would pick it up again whenever I find myself wanting to read a lighthearted romance.

Pride and Preston Lin is a new adult Chinese-American Pride and Prejudice retelling. Lissie Cheng is finishing off her English degree and her older sister Jenny is studying for the MCAT. They both work at their aunt and uncle's restaurant and that is where they meet Preston Lin and his friend Charles Bing. A misunderstanding leads to an upheaval at the restaurant and Lissie is determined to hate the arrogant Preston. But as the original tale goes, Lissie finds herself in Preston's orbit when her sister Jenny and Charles start dating.

Okay, I actually had so much fun reading this retelling. It's not a perfect retelling. In fact, it can be very chaotic at times, but it's such a fun version of the original story. This version of Lizzie is flawed, but very witty and sharp. Preston has the social awkwardness and arrogance of Darcy, but to a lesser degree. The banter between these two gave me so much life 🤌🏽

As with every retelling, there are changes to characters and certain arcs, and the author did a good job making modifications to fit her version of the story and characters. What stands out the most in this retelling is that there's mutual grovel and growth, which I really appreciated. Both Lissie and Preston make mistakes and they own up to it. The only thing missing is an epilogue to tie things up neatly. What exactly happened with Lissie's PR internship? I feel like this whole PR internship thing was unnecessary. The author could've just focused on Lissie's play instead.

I also really wish authors would stop being so meta when writing retellings. It takes me out of the story and makes me wonder why the characters aren't drawing parallels between their own lives and the original story. There was even a Pride and Prejudice themed dance, which was a lot of fun, but it could have just been a regency-themed dance. I also caught a wrong reference about Lady Charlotte that bugged me. Anyway, all this to say that I wish Pride and Prejudice didn't exist in this world.

Overall, not a perfect retelling, but so much fun to read!!! 4 stars for pure enjoyment. This book would make such a fun movie! More BIPOC Austen retellings, please and thanks~

This was a wonderful and modern take on "Pride & Prejudice". I enjoyed the way Christina played with the roles from the original piece and made them unique to her characters and the way she wanted to tell the story. At first, I was not a fan of Preston and thought he would have to work very hard for me to change my mind. However, as often is the case with the "Darcy" character he managed to and I was rooting for Lissie and him at the end of the story. I also enjoyed the background characters for the most part except of course for the ones we were supposed to be rooting against. Highly recommend and deserves its place in the Halls of Austen Fandom.

3.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

I don’t read many re-tellings, but when I see a re-telling of any Jane Austen book I snap it up. It helped that Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite Jane Austen books.

This book is set in an Asian community in modern day San Francisco. Lissie is the middle sister and works in the family restaurant while going to school. Lissie is writing a play that is a re-telling of Pride and Prejudice. It’s all very meta. Her foil is gorgeous, snobby Preston Lin. Their initial meeting is the furthest from a “meet-cute”, and Preston’s actions afterward results in Lissie losing her job and the family restaurant losing customers. Add in her sister dating Preston’s friend and the fact that they keep running into each other, and it’s just a matter of time that the ice starts to thaw between the two.

I really like Lissie – I remember how goofy and dramatic I was when I was in college, so it gave me plenty of laughs. Preston was stiff and uptight, but there is definitely more to him. Their interactions were cute and all the nods to the original book were fun to read. If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, you’ll want to read this one.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by AustenProse PR and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Overall, I liked the story. The side characters were wonderful. I appreciated the aspects of Chinese-American culture and how they impacted the plot. To me, the author did a great job of making the characters distinct and easily identifiable based on their Austen counterparts. By the end, I could appreciate the middle more. While reading it, the middle felt slow, mostly with the build up of the whole swim team/volunteering thing. Sometimes the lack of communication/miscommunication amongst the characters got to feel repetitive.

The formatting made for a more challenging read and may have affected my overall enjoyment of the book. Some spots had multiple characters’ dialogue back to back, without new paragraphs.

I was really excited about this book, but unfortunately, I found it was only okay. I started to enjoy it a lot more by the end and I felt like the ending was too abrupt.

For most of the book, I couldn't figure out how the two MCs would ever find a way together, but the author mostly pulled it off at the end. I also found some of the actions and reactions a bit childish, as the book sometimes read more YA/high school than university.

Overall though, this was a cute read and I'd read more by the author.