I honestly enjoyed this book more than I thought I would??? Wow, such a shocker. And I am surprising myself with this as I write this because the characters, their dynamic and the overall plot of the story isn't one I typically enjoy. When I first received this book I expected it to be quite different and wasn't expecting a sports romance. I was expecting some sort of twist relating to Pride and Prejudice. The description is quite misleading I'm not going to lie, and what I read was the LAST thing I was expecting to read. The characters were slightly underdeveloped and I felt as if their stories have just been left out in the open. So take this as you will, but this book could easily be a lot better because it does have good characters and a well-thought-out plot.

2.5/5 Anything Pride and Prejudice, Lizzy and Darcy, or Jane Austen, I am totally here for and get very excited about! The Wrong Mr. Darcy was no exception... until I started reading it...

The story follows Hara, a sports reporter, who finally gets the opportunity she has been waiting for- the chance to interview one of the biggest NBA players. Enter Derek Darcy- injured during the previous season, but ready for a come back. If you know P&P, you probably have an idea of the rest.

Okay, so I will say that the thing that this retelling has going for it, was that it was pretty unique. You were able to see connections between characters and those they were based on, without it being a modernized carbon-copy. The plot was different, but had factors that mirrored the original. It was a good mix of new and old.

Other than that though, I found the story boring and choppy. Now I’m not sure if it was because this was an ARC, but the story is told through two POVs and there was nothing to show that the views had changed. It didn’t go by chapter and there was no break... this confused me throughout the whole book.

Then there were the characters... I just did not like them as much as I would have wanted to. Hara is okay, but I felt like she started as a strong lead and then it didn’t seem like she did anything on the job. And Derek was not as mysterious as I would have liked, but I did actually like his character more than Hara. But, they did not seem to click like the original pair. Almost seemed forced.

Its a fast and somewhat easy (once you can figure out who’s POV you are reading) read, and I did like the originality. It just had me questioning why I had chose to pick it up.

So I didn't love or hate this book. I could give or take it. The one thing you have to remember when reading this book is that they are the ages of 22 and 23. This helped when reading and wondering how naive these people could be. There were many times though that the wording didn't feel right and it was hard to read. Like I said the book wasn't horrible and it wasn't fantastic. It was really weird reading about a basketball team from Boston not named the Celtics though. I do understand why they did, it's still weird though.

*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
I found I liked Hara as a character. She was strong, without being too obnoxious, and had a depth to her due to her father being in gaol. Derek himself was a bit too cold and I'm not sure we really got to see their relationship develop enough.
It was a bit different to pride and prejudice, which was fine, however the events of the last 15-20% of the book had me feeling that this book probably wasn't for me. Sorry for the low stars, I probably won't post this to other outlets.
2.5 stars

I’m still not sure what I just read. I thought this was supposed to be a vague Pride and Prejudice retelling, but I couldn’t tell you how the plots were connected…at all.

Hara is a reporter who won a writing contest where the prize is interviewing this “reclusive” basketball player. 1) this is not plausible. 2) they pre-approved her questions, this feels like fake reporting. 3) not that I’m an expert, but not sure the author has ever watched an NBA game.

While there she bumps into Derek Darcy, the reclusive BB player’s best friend and teammate. Our Mr. Darcy Hero that shares a name but that’s basically the only thing in common to the original.

So I don’t know. A lot of characters are introduced and yet they really aren’t important. I hated that the Italian Kitty didn’t actually speak Italian, and instead had some Spanish words interspersed in her five sentence dialogue.

How did Hara and Derek even become a couple? She was all “FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER” and he was all “SHE’S A REPORTER AND CAN’T BE TRUSTED” and then BOOM: in love.

Add in Hara’s weird genetics that don’t seem realistic and then I’m out. Science all the way, baby. Break them rules, and Queen B is out.

this book was so good. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a pride and prejudice retelling novel. I made a booktube video about it https://youtu.be/cFYROqhsWyY?t=319

The Wrong Mr. Darcy is not a great novel but neither is it a terribly bad one. What it is mostly is a story that the title does not fit. I had certain expectations from the title but this story has little to do with “Pride and Prejudice, other then a character who loves that book. It was as much of a comedy as I was expecting from the description either, I cringed sometimes instead of laughed.

It is a sport romance which is not my favorite but it is not just a sport romance either. It covers many, way too many different issues to be completely developed in this one story. That is at the heart of why it didn’t work for me. Plus I never came to care for the characters even Hara.

If the issues were reduced and the story reworked it could be something to be proud of. I don’t know either of the authors but think this must be a first book for them.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I must say the cover or title wouldn't have grabbed me, but Netgalley suggested I would like it and I did. I'm not American and never heard of this author before.
The tale spun was entertaining, I was more into it in the second half. Crime, riches and fame all seem to go hand in hand here. Hara is our reporter trying to fit into this misogynistic world of sports reporters. She gets way more than she bargained for, cracking a criminal case wide open.
All the disappointments over the Pride and Prejudice retelling, sad...I've never read it anyway, this one stood on it's own merit.
Entertaining, I enjoyed it.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin Griffin’s for sharing this ARC with me.

The most disappointing, awful book. It was confusing, poorly written, and just a hot mess. The characters were boring, the story jumped all over the place, and really IT SHOULD HAVE HAD TRIGGER WARNINGS.

This very quickly veers away from the story of Pride & Prejudice, so if you're looking for a modern variation, this isn't it. We've got our bold but judgy heroine and the rich, broody hero who insults her, but that's where the similarity ends. P&P mashed up with basketball players could be really fun and the story starts off entertainingly, but then the plot instead goes for high drama and over-the-top situations that just don't make sense--e.g. why doesn't Hara consider that her name would be a stumbling block in her future career, given her father's past? Why do the O'Donnells invite her to stay at their house when they could've put her up at a hotel and not had her--A JOURNALIST--around to discover potential stories when they talk secrets with open doors (or at least non-soundproofed rooms)? There are so many situations and reactions of the characters that just wouldn't happen realistically. (Also, how is there not a condom or any mention of protection in a sex scene in 2020?) The story is all over the place, the main characters aren't terribly likeable, and there's a lot of lazy stereotyping. There is so much potential in the premise, but the story doesn't live up to it.

A cute and enjoyable story with a great cast of characters and a well crafted plot.
I liked the setting, enjoyed the plot and rooted for the characters.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This book isn't at all what I was expecting. The plot is good, but doesn't flow at all. The characters are bland, and some edits are required.

Hara is OK, most of the time. She is positive at times but quite contrary on a few occasions. Jumping to conclusions isn't always the way to go. Derek is a complex character. His good intentions are negated by his attitude.

As hard as I tried I just couldn't connect to the characters. The pace of the story has a lot to do with this. It jumps from one aspect to another without warning, or a break to warn that it's moved to another part of the story. The hate to love trope lacks conviction. Despite all the confusion, it ends on a good note.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

I know nothing about basketball players. Nothing about their wives, girlfriends or lives outside of the court. I didn’t even know Lozada was a reality tv star. All that said, I found this story rather accessible. It’s an easy read and, with moderate expectations, enjoyable. I liked that the main characters were able to change, yet remain true to themselves. Not everyone is a lying, cheating, blah blah blah. There are decent people from all walks of life.

The title is misleading, however. This does not feel like a new retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Having the heroine tell us numerous times that she’s a good judge of character and has a silly mother does not make her Elizabeth Bennett. I could go on,,, but! Take away the comparison and this story can be enjoyed on its own.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The good storyline and the well rounded characters captured my interest from the very beginning and kept my attention throughout the entire book!

When trust is lost, it is hard to re-gain. Hara Isari life was upended and she has built a wall around her heart. She is striving to be a sports journalist. Female in a man's world. When the opportunity to interview a star basketball player, all expenses paid, she jumps at the chance. Yet she has this instinct that all isn't right about this interview. Charles Butler is a star basketball player. He is also one messed up man. His best friend Derek Darcy is the quiet introverted person. He is always in the background, ready to help his friend out. Derek and Hara set off sparks. Each ignoring those feelings because a journalist and basketball player are on opposite sides of the story and coasts. When the chips are down, who do you let in? Who do trust?

2.25⭐

I was very kindly provided with a copy of The Wrong Mr. Darcy many months ago by the publisher in exchange for an honest review, and the first thing I have to say is I have no clue who Ms Lozada is, in fact, I've never heard of her and until I googled her I didn't know she had been married to a sports star, or that she herself had been a reality TV star, particularly in a sport related tv show.

So, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but with a sport(ish) background and a ghost writer plus what appeared to be a love for Pride and Prejudice I was equal parts intrigued and excited to dive into this story.

But sadly it just wasn't for me as not only did Ms Lozada show she had no knowledge of sport she also showed little love for Pride and prejudice as this wasn't anything like a fun retelling in fact, it barely stuck to the original which is a shame as from the synopsis I was expecting a fun basketball-esque twist on the story.

Yet, there was the bones of a good story here and there were honestly bits I enjoyed, but unfortunately they were few and far between as everything just got lost in inaccuracies, unlikable characters, and a plot that just ultimately jumped about too much.

2.5 Stars
Hara Isari has big ambitions and they won’t be sidetracked by her mother’s insisting that she settle down soon. She dreams of leaving her small-town newspaper behind, as well as her felon father, and building a career as a sports writer, so when she is chosen to exclusively interview a basketball superstar, she jumps at the chance. At the same time, she meets a rookie on the rise, Derek Darcy. Darcy is incredibly handsome, obnoxiously proud, and has a major chip on his shoulder. Hara can’t think of a man more arrogant and infuriating. However, fate keeps bringing them together.
Mmm I saw the title & thought anything with Dr Darcy has got to appeal – it didn't & the first time in ages I struggled to finish this book. This is the first book I've read by the author & I don’t think I'll be reading any more. It totally wasn’t my cup of tea, the writing was Ok & so was the pace but I couldn’t relate to the characters & frankly didn't care what happened to them
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I m trying to broaden my reading selections and trying new to me authors so i thought I’d give this a try. Y’all I just keep getting disappointed. I tried to like this one but I just couldn’t get into it. It’s not that it’s not a good book, maybe at the time i read it I wasn’t in the mind frame for this style? Idk but I’ll give it another try at another time, possibly on audio if that becomes a choice.

Sorry, this book was not for me.

Hara is a reporter for a small-town newspaper. When she gets the opportunity to interview the famous Boston Basketball player, Charles Bulter. Hara thinks all her prayers have been answered. She is determined and passionate about her work. Mr. Darcy is not Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice.

Sorry but this book is dragged out and at times I really wanted to stop reading. It was repetitive and I wanted to scream get to the point! I didn't like the characters. There was no character development and it all was a bit "blah" if I am honest.

No connection to pride and prejudice, except for the quotes at the start of each chapter and Hara's mother wanting her to find a man. There were also a few similar characters' names but that's it. It wasn't charming. It was a little uncomfortable to read if I am honest.

There are also a lot of triggers such as sexual harassment, suicide, miscarriage, and cheating. Just to name a few.
Overall no I did not enjoy this book and I don't recommend it.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I love Pride and Prejudice so I was up for the modern update. And I’m a big basketball fan so I was looking forward to a basketball romance. We don’t see as many of those as we do for other sorts. There is a spunky heroine, Hara, who has ambitions to make it as a sportswriter even though she’s coming from a small Oregon town and has no real connections or experience. Plus she has the drawback of a felon for a father who was supposedly behind the biggest sports gambling ring in history and has been in prison for a decade. I can’t imagine that any media institution would really want to hire someone with that background or that teams want her father’s daughter having contact with their players.

Derek Darcy makes a fine hero. He’s portrayed as more socially awkward than truly arrogant. I guess that is the problem of letting the reader see things through his eyes sometimes. His best friend is the star of their oddly named Boston NBA team, the Fishers. The friend, Charles, is the Bingley character. He’s friendly and popular and an MVP while Derek is a rookie who had to sit out the previous system with an injury.

I would have enjoyed the interactions among these characters if the authors hadn’t let the plot be overtaken by the evil owners' attempts to hide a scandal based on the fact that Charles’s mother took money from his university when he went there. This is supposed to be some huge deal that could ruin Charles’s pro career.

Ms. Lozada has become famous through her relationship with professional athletes. She should have known that this was wildly overblown as a professional scandal. Hasn’t she ever heard of Reggie Bush’s USC scandal or Derrick Rose’s scandal at Memphis. When those scandals about pay for Bush and cheating on the SATs and his transcript for Rose, it was mainly the universities that suffered. Bush had to give up his Heisman, but he still could play in the pros. Rose went on to win MVP the very next season that the scandal broke. There were some relatively minor civil suits that the players had to pay, but nothing extraordinary for players of their caliber. So there was no reason for Charles to be so very afraid of the story coming out that he was willing to be totally under the thumb of the evil owner.

This plot miscalculation really bugged me all the way through the book. And the background of her father who was supposedly this nice farmer in a small town, but also the mastermind of a gambling ring never made sense. I would have liked more of an explanation about that.

And a small thing that also bugged me was when Hara made a big deal about the evil owner using the word “abeyance” in a letter as if he were showing off his IQ when he used the word incorrectly and she was supposedly an English major, yet she didn’t realize that. Ugh!

So this novel just didn’t measure up to its aspirations.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.