As I started reading this book, my thoughts were, "Oh, this book is so cliche. Will it just be another repetition of a book that I have read before?"
I can honestly say that NO, it was not just the same old book told and re-told over again.
It may seem that way in the beginning, but then the story grabs you. I was going to put this book down when I was about 60% through with it, but I couldn't, I needed to know what happened. i continued to read and finished the book that night.

This book is about Emma, she is an executive at her company and more interested in being a CMO than being a wife and mother. She is dating a guy, Blake, who she loves, that is until he betrays her. As she is stomping off down Blake's driveway, his brother, Lucas, stops and gives her a ride to town.
One awkward situation down, many more to go.
On Monday morning, her boss announces that there is going to be a new addition to the team, at least for a little while. Lucas is that new addition and will be working closely with Emma.
Lucas tries real hard to get Emma and Blake talking about getting back together, all the while Lucas and Emma are falling for each other.
This tangled web eventually becomes untangled, but you will have to read the book to find out how it ends.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion and I love it!

Reading Jane Austen or romance novels can give a false idea of love and romance. In this story Emma has given up on Jane Austen and her romantic notions to focus on her carreer. But of course that is just when romance is thrown in your path. I thought Lucas and even Blake were interesting characters. Neither of them are Mr. Darcy but neither are they Mr. Wickham either. Each could have been a decent fit but only one was the perfect match for her. She just needed the courage to tell one of them "No" and the other her feelings. I thought Mrs. Hampton's words about Jane Austen being a feminist was delightful and thought provoking. I would never have thought of Jane in that way but can see how Jane's wit and characters certainly and empower her readers. This was a great addition to the Proper Romance collection and look forward to more fromm Julie Wright in the future.

"It is very often nothing but our own vanity that deceives us. Women fancy admiration means more than it does. And men take care that they should."
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Emma Pierce is a marketing executive with a dreary past. Despite her admiration for Jane Austen novels, she just can't seem to find her romantic hero. After fleeing an awkward scene with her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend, she meets Lucas Hampton. As fate would have it, Lucas is also the new consultant Emma ends up working with at Kinetics. Lucas is a man of many layers, and as Emma uncovers them, she begins to suspect he might be her Mr. Knightley.

There are several things I loved about this book. First of all, the work scenes were totally realistic. I felt like I was actually in the Kinetics office with Emma. It was a great idea to put the heroine and hero together as coworkers. This made the huge focus on their career tasks tolerable. If Lucas hadn't worked with Emma, I would have certainly complained that too much of the book had been devoted to her job. The author displayed a vast knowledge of the marketing field and health clubs. I have a deep respect for authors who do their homework before publishing a book.

The other thing I loved most about this book was witnessing Emma's journey to understand the truth about herself and Jane Austen. When she finally stopped being angry with Jane Austen for the false expectations she'd held tightly to most of her life, Emma realized Jane Austen's works were written to empower women, not fill their heads with silly romantic notions. Women are smart. Women have choices. We can choose who we love and who we will share our love with. Love and life are about taking risks. Even if things don't work out as we wish them to, we will be okay.

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Perfect for Jane Austen fans, this book will give a taste of classic romance story she's famous for without directly retelling any of the classic stories. Emma is a bold, inventive marketing professional, and her surrounding cast of characters including her ex, her best friend, and her boss create a lively story together (her best friend is nicknamed "cyclops" and her boss doesn't wear shoes in the office). When Lucas enters the scene, we really get to know Emma as she works to create boundaries in her personal life, advocate for herself as a professional, and decide who she really has feelings for. Emma is likable, and while she strives to appear poised and calm, she lets her personality shine in relatable moments (usually after closing the hotel door has provided her with some privacy). Jane Austen quotes preface each chapter and will endear those who are familiar with her books.

I have to say, I LOVED this book! It was endearing and realistic instead of overly dramatic and slutty. I loved the integrity of Lucas and the maturity of Blake. All the way around, a fabulous read!

I loved this book & so would have Miss Austen. This is the first one of Julie Wright's I have read. Going back to find & devour her other titles.