John Eyre

What a deliciously dark and sinister retelling of a beloved classic! It has the secure familiarity of the original while being wholly new and enthralling at the same time. I loved the storytelling combination of John Eyre's point of view for the present and Bertha's letters and journal entries for the past. The suspense built at the perfect pace as the story unfolded. I loved reading this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for access to this arc!

“Not everything at Thornfield is quite what it seems.”

This was my first read by this author and definitely won’t be my last, the writing was so enthralling and I found myself on the edge of my seat flipping through the e-pages. John Eyre is a gender-flipped retelling of Jane Eyre but it isn’t only that gothic classic this story is based on...which I can’t name without spoiling things. 😆 But omg did I flip for this one, these are 2 of my fav stories retold together and I really enjoyed this ride! The author’s note at the end described perfectly why these 2 stories blend really well together and I cannot unsee it now. This was deliciously dark, grisly, hauntingly romantic, gothic, and supernatural...

John Eyre arrives at Thornfield Hall to become a tutor for 2 young boys who are the wards of the widow, Mrs. Rochester. The misty fog, odd noises that go bump in the night, his two pupils who do not speak, a mysterious employer, strange creatures on the moor, and all sorts of disturbing things keeping John up at night. While caring for the two young boys during the day, John also finds himself drawn to the mercurial Mrs. Rochester. The story jumps between chapters with John’s POV to chapters of Bertha’s letters and journals starting 16-months prior when she first met and married her husband Edward Rochester and the demise of that relationship. Lots of secrets, demons of the past, danger, gothic imagery, and the eternal struggle between light & darkness.

I loved the chapters told by Bertha’s letters and diary entries. While this closely followed both of the classics it’s based on and even having read both multiple times each, I was just so engrossed with the story and what would happen next in both John’s POV and Bertha’s chapter entries. I would even say this is a tad bit darker with more descriptive writing than both source materials and I really enjoyed it! It was familiar, but felt fresh in the way the two stories were intertwined.

Thank you to the publisher for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. John Eyre will be published July 20, 2021.

10 stars!

What do you get when you cross Jane Eyre with Dracula? The epitome of Gothic romance, so exquisitely done, I read it in one sitting.

I read the first few chapters when the author shared them on her blog, and I knew it would be amazing. Not only it is a retelling of Jane Eyre and Dracula, but it's also gender reversed and full of mysteries. In every chapter there's a question begging for an answer that won't come until the next chapter, but the clues keep you keep reading, hoping to know the resolution and yarning to slow down the reading at the same time. Everything I love about Jane Eyre is in the story, but the mysteries bring it to the next level.

John is looking for a new beginning after his last position didn't end well. When he meets the boys, he immediately starts taking care of them and makes changes, even disobeying his employer, Mrs. Rochester. When she returns from her travels, she's not happy with those changes and he fears he might lose his job.

Bertha is an imposing woman, whose mistake was falling for a man and now seeing him for who he was right away. As she and John spend more time together, they establish a kind of friendship, uneven as it is due to their positions.

The setting is deliciously Gothic, especially the one that comes from Bertha's letters. And Thornfield Hall is even more mysterious than Charlotte Bronte's.

This is the book-to-movie adaptation I'd like to see, with the kind of cast that will ignite the chemistry on screen as it flames on the page. Who would be the perfect cast for John Eyre and Bertha Rochester? I'll have to think about this.

I can't recommend this enough.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

First sentence: John Eyre stood over the freshly turned heap of earth, his head bent and his gloved hands clasped behind his back. The sun was breaking over the bleak Surrey Hills, a slowly rising rim of molten gold. It burned at the edges of the morning fog that blanketed the valley, pushing back the darkness, but doing nothing at all to alleviate the bone-numbing chill that had settled into his limbs.

Premise/plot: Mimi Matthews' newest book is a retelling of Jane Eyre. But it isn't your traditional retelling; it isn't a light update or a slight remix.

For one thing she reverses the genders of many of the characters. John Eyre is a tutor advertising for a new job, looking for new pupils. Mr. Fairfax contacts him about tutoring TWO wards of a widow woman, a Bertha (Mason) Rochester: two young lads Stephen and Peter. He makes his way to Yorkshire and Thornfield Hall...but his new job holds some surprises for him.

It keeps the historical setting--Victorian England 1840s. But it turns up the horror and thriller aspects by a thousand degrees. All while managing to hold onto the threads of romance.

My thoughts: John Eyre is the third Jane Eyre retelling I've read in the month of May. It is probably the most successful in my opinion. (I am not talking successful in terms of sales--it's not even releases yet--or even others ratings of it--again not released yet--but successful in terms of working for me personally.)

I loved the narrative. It is told from TWO perspectives. The present story is told from the perspective of John Eyre. (Though it is NOT told in first person--either first person past or first person present). Readers experience events as they unfold. Mystery is added in with the second perspective that of Bertha (Mason) Rochester. We come to know her story through LETTERS AND DIARIES. (A very Victorian way to add mystery and suspense and just plain old tell a good story. I can think of a handful of Victorian novels that use multiple narrators and multiple narrative techniques--including letters, diaries, etc.)

I love how the story is woven together. Trust me TWO stories are woven together--quite brilliantly in my opinion. The two stories are both CLASSIC NOVELS. One being Jane Eyre...the other being equally famous, equally dark (if not more so), both Victorian. I will NOT be the one to name names.

I love how she incorporates some of the best bits of Jane Eyre.
“You examine me, Mr. Eyre. Do you find me beautiful?” “No, ma’am.” The reply passed his lips before he’d fully deliberated on it. A feeling of horror followed. Had he just said…? Good lord. If a hole in the floor had opened up at that moment, he’d have gladly jumped into it. “Upon my word, sir, you’re a man of decided opinions. And you don’t cringe from uttering them, for all that you sit there as quiet and contemplative as a man of God.” “I beg your pardon. I ought to have said that questions about appearances are difficult to answer. Tastes differ so widely.” “I’m not to your taste, is that it?” He inwardly groaned. He was making things worse, but couldn’t seem to stop himself. Why couldn’t he have simply admitted to her beauty? He’d thought her beautiful before, hadn’t he? Strangely beautiful. And oddly forbidding.

I would recommend it to readers who love Victorian literature and are up for a good, solid spin on two of the best.

That was a Gothic Romance:} I love Jane Eyre, like Love. Was I a little worried one of my favorite authors was going to retell this story, not even a little. I knew it would be good. It really was. I enjoyed every second of this book. The dark mystery, the unknown and known of this story being retold, yet remade. John was awesome and Bertha was a Rockstar. So loved how this all came together. So many elements that just made this work so well. Mimi is a great story teller and she is good at making you care about the characters!
This has some frightening scenes, I would say for older teens and adults.

I’ve always been a fan of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre so the prospect of reading a gender-flipped version appealed to me. Then I found out that Mimi Matthews’ John Eyre also had elements of Bram Stoker’s Dracula - well, that made it a definite must-read for sure.

John Eyre is a creepy and enthralling tale that combines all the best dark elements of gothic tales, isolated house and all, and weaves a story that I loved getting lost in. Kudos to Mimi Matthews for taking on the challenge of retelling Jane Eyre and Dracula. I loved everything absolutely it: the moody setting, the voices of the narrators, the sense of dread, the richness of the characters. Can’t wait to see if she’ll treat us to another retelling!

John Eyre is a school teacher in search of a new job after the death of a close friend. Luckily, he is offered a position as tutor for two boys at Thornfield Hall. There John meets the beautiful widow, Bertha Rochester, a spirited traveler whose strong-willed character surprises and allures him. But, working in Thornfield Hall isn’t proving the sanctuary he thought. Rather, mysteries soon come to light along with dangers that put everyone at risk. Bertha’s past starts to unravel supernatural and deadly secrets hidden deep within the Hall.

Retellings are tricky to do. Often I find they don’t follow the supposed inspired story hardly at all yet relate to it for selling purposes or relate too much to where I would rather just read the original. Thankfully, Mimi Matthew’s fantastically balanced this Jane Eyre retelling with a gender swap, keeping the time period, spooky atmosphere, and gothic Victorian setting while also introducing a supernatural aspect that merged in perfectly with the story line. As a fantasy fan, I greatly enjoyed the supernatural element that appeared, provided by hints and clues from private diary entries throughout the novel, constantly adding new elements to unraveling the secret of Thornfield Hall. I also loved the role reversal of John Eyre being a male and under the position of Mrs. Rochester. Their chemistry versus societal propriety and class stature, mixed in with potential madness, was beautifully done. Matthew’s writing took a beloved story and gave it a fantastical spin as she made it her own endearing tale of intrigue, mayhem, and romance.

I adored this book, much more than I anticipated, and found it very difficult to put down or stop thinking about. If you like gothic retellings and Jane Eyre, I highly recommend adding this book to your list! Thank you NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This pretty much sums this supernatural gothic up in one word.
I am pretty much a wimp when it comes to scary stories. But I adore Mimi Matthews’s books and I knew this one would be worth the scaries. And it truly was! It is one fantastic ride through other worlds. It is not for the fainthearted but totally worth reading!
Mimi is such a creative writer. Her way with words and the way she weaves her thoughts into my feelings is masterful. And her idea of melding these too classics – brilliant!
I loved reading her Author’s Note of how this book came about, how she came to switch gears during the Pandemic. And I am also relieved to hear that her next novel she will resume” regular programming” with historical romance.
Extraordinary book!
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

An entrancing and otherworldly retelling of Jane Eyre

John Eyre is a gender-reversed retelling of Jane Eyre in which an honorable and dutiful tutor works for a widow hiding a dangerous secret.

Mimi Matthews is one of my favorite authors, and it was so exciting to see her venturing into the gothic and supernatural.

John Eyre keeps all the mystery and darkness of its predecessor. With a dash of otherwordly events, it enhances the sense of helplessness and foreboding but, at the same time, keeps the reader in a safe place, secure in the knowledge of a happy outcome.

John, like Jane, was raised at an orphanage and was used to be mistreated by his 'betters.' After an unfortunate event, he was forced to leave his employment and became the tutor of Mrs. Rochester's wards.

I simply loved Stephen and Peter. They were so forlorn and sick-looking, but their strength shined from within. John's relationship with the boys was so sweet and endearing that it made me forget the haunted place and the strange noises that could be heard from the third floor.

Bertha, Mrs. Rochester, was a force to be reckoned with. I loved that the author kept the original name. This time Bertha was in charge, and the tables were definitively turned.

The story is beautifully written, the descriptions immersive and captivating, and the characters layered and relatable. A wonderful read for all Jane Eyre fans!

Highly recommended!

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 07/20/2021*

I was already a huge fan of Mimi Matthews when I read this book, and although this is a different genre from what she usually writes, I love John Eyre even more than her previous books! (That's probably because I love dark, creepy gothic tales even more than I love romance).

This is a brilliant gender-flipped retelling of Jane Eyre and another classic Victorian novel that I won’t mention because of possible spoilers. Whether you’ve read the classics it’s based on or not, if you love gothic novels, you will love John Eyre. It has a wonderful sinister atmosphere, deliciously creepy characters, and a female character who is a powerful force (a welcome change from the traditional gothics with their fainting heroines). This book is a true homage to the gothic genre without being derivative: as someone who has taught gothic novels at the university level, I know whereof I speak.

I read this when I was supposed to be at work. I kept thinking I’d just read a little and go back to my work, but I couldn’t let it sit very long without picking it up again to find out what happened. I lost sleep and missed a work deadline for this book, but it was worth it!

Highly recommended.

John Eyre finds himself forced to leave his employ as a schoolmaster to take the one position he's offered in response his advertisement, tutor to a pair of strange boys living in the dank and gloomy Thornfield Hall. The ever present mist and fog that permeate from the moors lead his mind astray to imagine ghosts from his past. He is impressed by his new mistress, Bertha Rochester, whose strength of character is strongly alluring. We slowly discover Bertha's journey by reading her letters and journal entries resulting in a gradual increase in tension until the finale. Mimi Matthews manages to permeate her story with so much gothic atmosphere that I felt a shiver on reading the tale.

I'm moderately embarrassed to admit that I was looking forward to this as a dark little break from reality. I mean, a gender bending Jane Eyre with hints of Dracula? How was this not going to be silly?! Well friends, I was dead wrong. Like, legitimately, completely mistaken, and I'm glad.

This was an enthralling book, which had me on tenterhooks for our hero John, a man with a bleak and difficult past and a tortured present. But throughout out all, he relentlessly strives to be the best man he can be, steadfast and honourable, despite his shortcomings, his fears, and his weaknesses. It is ultimately this, that attracts and I think, helps save our heroine, after her own ordeal finally brings her back to her family home to face, as they say, the final conflict. A tale yes, of a strong woman who overcomes great evil and adversity, but also of the man she needed by her side, the type of men we all need; true men of honor who love us and stand for what is right and true and good. Excellent. The atmospheric description of the house and the children are first rate. Bravo Ms. Matthews. This isn't just a reimagining of Jane Eyre but an original story in its own right.

John Eyre is another wonderful book by Mimi Matthews - she is an awesome writer in both fiction and nonfiction and has a great knowledge of the 1800s. John Eyre is just what a reader expects - moody and gothic but with Matthews creativity and strong characters. The women in her books are all strong and speak with clarity. The characters have authenticity but the book also has the 'spirit' of a Bronte book. Matthews is an auto-purchase for me, even though I am not a fan of fiction from this era. Can't recommend her enough and among her books, John Eyre is now one of my favorites!

'John felt as old as creation. Weary in body and soul.'

When I read a Mimi Matthews book, I am simply carried away by her words that just flow across the page so smoothly, gliding effortlessly along and completely captivated me until the book is finished.

This book, John Eyre, is quite different from her usual Victorian fare. Oh, it's Victorian, but it's dark and broodingly Gothic. Creepily good, I might add. Here, we have a twist of the Bronte story of Jane Eyre . A very good twist, might I add, too.

John Eyre arrives at Thornfield as a tutor to Mrs. Rochester's two young wards. He immediately notices something quite strange about these boys. Soon after, he meets Mrs. Rochester and following an even stranger conversation with her, he is very mystified. Nothing is as it seems about this entire odd place. I found Bertha's journal entries to be totally compelling.

'Suddenly, he felt quite tempted to laugh-or possibly, to weep. Was it madness, what was happening to him?'

Matthews builds this story so well and adds layer after layer until the reader is completely all in. Actually, this reader was all in from the very first page. As time passes in the book, we begin to unravel the mystery a bit and are totally caught up in the drama, desperately riveted to each page. Her prose, in all her books, carries the reader along like water flowing downstream. Quite a compelling read and one I am glad to add to my collection. Well done indeed!

My thanks to Perfectly Proper Press for a copy of this book via the Net Galley platform. I was not expected to leave a positive review. The opinion here is expressly my own.

Mimi Matthews never disappoints! John Eyre was a very moving and suspenseful retelling. I loved the supernatural atmosphere and the dueling timelines worked very well.

Thank you as always to Netgalley for an advanced copy to review, and most effusively this time. John Eyre ticked all the boxes for me and gets a well-deserved five stars.

Listen, this book opens over a grave, as if the goth aesthetics were raising their hands and shouting “I’m here! I’m here!” and I mean that in the best way. I don’t know how she does it, but I enjoy every new novel of Mimi Matthews’ more than the last. This one was an experimental foray into a new genre, and I absolutely loved it. I have never been one to shy away from covers of old classics, and this novel threaded together some of my favorite classic literature in a way that made it a totally unique project for Mimi Matthews, and somehow even more my style than her usual fare.

A pair of creepy Victorian children, a rundown manor, and persistent mists coating the estate – the recipe was here for a delightful gothic tale, and that is what we got, with the added benefits of modern, faster pacing. I found John Eyre a full-bodied tale that uses the bones of Jane Eyre and early gothic superstars like Le Fanu’s work to great effect. We enter the spooky Millcote Mists with John, are baffled by noises and voices in the walls alongside him, and are amazed by the fortitude of Mrs. Rochester with him.

I also love how organically you can learn real stuff from Mimi’s novels, and this one was no exception. Mimi’s scholarship forever deserves applause after every book. In all my reading of Victorian classics and long hours poring over BBC drama series, I had never once encountered a box bed, until this book. There was a little Egyptology and a little Slavic folklore, too, all topics that were up my alley.

One last thing of note – take the time to read the author’s note. Mimi’s always incredibly insightful in these, and I was so interested to read why she chose to write this, sharing many similar feelings on the development of Mr. Rochester from my early readings of Jane Eyre, to what I think now. Indeed, this book utilizes a fresh take on Mr. Rochester that is far bolder in its condemnation of him than even the Wide Sargasso Sea; this was an interesting spin that contributed to the tension of the entire story. Mimi’s shoutout to narrative covers and fanfic was also well appreciated.

I have nothing but praise for this book, go forth and order if you’d like to feel some early Halloween chills during this hot summer!

5 stars
to all the gothic novels' fan, you need to read this one
Is there a way to make Jane eyre more catching?

After the sudden death of his beloved friend, John Eyre abdicates his position as a schoolmaster and finds a new one as a resident tutor to two orphans at Thornfield Hall.
Once there, nothing is as he expected. The boys are both mute. Thornfield is a sinister place, surrounded by a mysterious mist that doesn't dissipate, and his employer, Mrs. Rochester, is as peculiar as she is charming.
John Eyre is a thrilling retelling of Charlotte Brontë's classical novel "Jane eyre". I loved the original story, so when I saw the new twist in the plot, I was sold. I fall head over heels in love with this one.
The gender flipping was done brightly. the writing is exceptionally engaging, and atmospheric. the setting is uncanny, there is a lot of scary passages. my favorite, was the one with the locked box bed.
The only thing I didn't like about the book, that is it's not a series.
Could the author read this review and consider making it a series about vampire slaying.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Perfectly Proper Press, and author Mimi Matthews for my e-arc

This was just an outstanding,,amazing read I loved everything about it and when I say everything I really do mean everything!
Firstly I must admit I was a little apprehensive in reading the book Jane Eyre is one of my favourite books of all time so I was curious to see what a retelling of that story would be like well I needn’t have worried it was just brilliant and what added even more to my enjoyment was the fact it incorporated another all time favourite novel of mine also, I’m not mentioning that one as I don’t like spoilers and it came as a surprise for me.
This author has done an excellent job in this retelling right from the off I was hooked and the story just got better and better and the writing was superb.
This is a book that captivated me throughout the atmosphere, the romance and the sheer terror in parts just everything about the read for me was sheer perfection and I damn well don’t have the words to describe just how good a read it is and do it justice so all I can say is please don’t miss it it's right up there with my favourite novels of all time !
So massive praise to Mimi Matthews you have a 5 star winner and a well deserved one at that.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Anything Eyre - and I am there! Sorry for the terrible pun, but this book was something special! If you cannot get enough of Jane Eyre (and I certainly have read that novel so many times I could probably quote entire passages), then you will love this novel. It brings a new twist to the story, as the gender roles are switched, but it also has its unique moments so that it is not just a repeat. All in all, read this book. you won't be sorry!

Mimi Mathews latest John Eyre is an absolutely fascinating and absorbing read. Combining two famous classical works into an evocative tale of menace and evil with an additional feature of woman empowerment was enough to send me to raptures.

The title of course gives away the 1st classic. A Jane Eyre retelling with changes in the gender of the main characters, John Eyre brings forth that same brooding atmosphere in the original that made it one of the most renowned published works in gothic romance. Thornfield Hall has never felt more frightening, the author’s mastery with words providing a dark and bleak environment with the ever-present mists surrounding the village adding a layer of an enigma.

The story which progresses thru John, who is appointed as a tutor to the wards of Mrs. Rochester is at times mellowed and subtle. We are so conditioned to reading about guys so superior that John’s character always at a subservient position made it tough for me to connect with him. He is by no means a weak character, but Bertha Rochester somehow towers over him in her forceful personality and her mere intimidating presence. I loved how Ms. Mathews has used Bertha’s letters and journals to show the change of her character from a naïve rosy-hued debutante ready to conquer the world to slowly seeing the depravity hidden behind masks and without any qualms rising above her fear and growing in strength to do what is necessary for her survival. When we encounter Bertha thru John’s eyes, she has become so hard and cynical that we lose sight of the vulnerability and loneliness that is hidden behind her brusque manner.

It is not just Thornfield Hall but Mimi Mathews creates Nosht-Vulk in Senniskali village in Bulgaria as even more terrifying and Bertha’s experiences send a chill down the reader’s spine as she realizes the dreadful pit that she is trapped in! The secondary characters are all delightful especially the butler Mr. Fairfax and the children.

The author in her notes refers to the raging debate of recreating a classic but I have always loved reading them in however recreated versions they have been published, and both books in John Eyre are favorites of all those who love gothic romance and horror so this surely appealed to me.

5 alluring stars!

Many thanks to Net Galley, Perfectly Proper Press, and the author for a chance to read and review this book. All opinions are expressed voluntarily.

This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India, Medium.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Okay. Hear me, I have never read Jane Eyre. I love me my classics but something has always held me back from reading it.

Do I know what it is about? Yes. Beat by beat? No. A part of me feels I'm missing out and I guess you can say, yes, I probably should read it eventually. (Not right now, got a lot of other books to read.)

So when I found out Mimi Matthews was doing a version of Jane Eyre but making it a male 'Jane', I thought to myself, maybe some of the odd bits about the book will be changed? Or maybe someone else interpreting the story will make some of the not so great bits about Rochester's personality change.

Also, adding Dracula elements to the story? Yeah. I'll give the book a go.

Wow. I marathon-ed this book. Read it in one sitting, I did. Firstly, Mimi Matthews is good, but so good that she can also handle gothic romance? Yes. I know this is her making her own fanfic of two 'gothic' tales, but seriously, she needs to know she can handle writing a gothic tale once in a while.

I loved John. I loved the fact that when it comes to her characters - male or female - they are kind souls, or people with emotional issues that does not make them completely evil or completely good. They are mixed, flawed, and just so darn good to read. If you're familiar with the story of Jane Eyre, 'John' goes as a tutor to a recluse widow and her children. Of course, adding Dracula, Mimi adds in some tastes of her own which made it more mysterious and had me guessing what was going to happen.

If you have read Jane Eyre and or Dracula would this book ruin the mystery/fun/romance for you? No. I don't think it does. I have read some Dracula and Jane Eyre inspired books and it all depends on what the author adds or gives to the tale. In this case, Mimi has done such a fantastic job blending the two tales that people who have never read either book or have read either book will enjoy it!

This is a perfect Fall read, and if you're looking to add a Gothic romance to your list this year I'd say this is it!

Thank you Netgalley, Mimi Matthews and Perfectly Proper Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"I cannot descend into despair. I will not. An animal may gnaw off a foot to escape a steel trap, but I am not an animal. I am a woman."

Jane Eyre is my favourite classic and Mimi Matthews really did it justice with this supernatural retelling with a fun Dracula-twist. Not only that, she brought a feminist justice to a misunderstood literary character: Bertha Mason. Through letters and journaling we get to know Bertha from being young and naive to experiencing severe trauma which leaves her with just enough strength for survival, albeit it has lead to her becoming the cynical and discourteous Mrs. Rochester when we later meet her through John's eyes at Thornfield Hall. The atmosphere is perfectly gothic and uncanny and the characters are all well-rounded.

It is well-written, captivating and enchanting; Influenced by the classics but is a unique story in its own with a satisfying ending which ties all the clues together (and you just can't help to root for Mr. Eyre's and Mrs Rochester's romance!). I am definitely dying to read more of Mimi Matthews now.

I took this book to read at the lake while on vacation and it checked all the boxes for me. I was so engrossed; I could not put it down! Mimi Matthews has long been a favorite of mine because of her mastery of words and creating stories that successfully capture and transport the reader into her world. John Eyre was no exception! The blending of two classics in a powerfully, successful manner made me wonder why the original authors would not have thought to do the same. I mean, there was seamless blending of stories and creation of suspense and mystery that just created the perfect gothic novel. John is a gifted teacher who just wants to do right by his students. He knows there is more going on than can be explained and even though he holds the position of tutor, he rises far above his station in intellect, bravery, and determination to stand by those he has come to care about. I love the letters from Bertha in telling the back story as that is where I really got sucked in and needed to see it all come together. This tale is done tastefully but is not for the faint of heart who spook easily. I could not I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

As i travelled to the moor, a real parisian thunderstorm created the perfect moody moment to go alongside this dark, thrilling gothic romance that Mimi Matthews wrote out of her passion for two classic novels...

This review will probably left no mystery to the story so if you want to experience this reading innocently (as i did and as i would recommend) do not keep on reading!

John Eyre is an obvious retelling of Jane Eyre but where John has a slightly less traumatic past and Bertha has a much more interesting story (and i would say that Rochester does as well). John who is grieving a loss of a friend, finds his way to Thornfield Hall where he accepted a tutor position for two young boys. The moodiness of the mansion was even more palpable than in the original story or in the various film and TV adaptations. It felt stuffing as slight details make you question what is actually being kept secret by the author and where she will take you. The laudanum, the mist, the two mute boys, Rochester's whispers and laughs, the ghost and the wolf...

To me, the writing was as thrilling as it was creepy. It was that perfect balance of being kept on my toes, aware that something will happen and being a little unsettled as the mood was so dark... It had that authentic folklore vibe, really dark but captivating.

Mimi's writing was also as skilled as in her previous works. Even though i am not the most fervent reader of male point of views, John was a good narrator of his own story. His tortured soul but generous heart made him a nice hero. I sometimes wished he had a little edge to his personality, that he would not be so "polite". Maybe it is because (late georgian) victorian men in romance novels are proper rake with a very out there personality... John was really more reserved and calm, a witness to the world more than a free spirit.

Bertha on the contrary, shone with her independent mind and her fierceness. I really enjoyed discovering her and her past through her entries in her journal and letters she wrote (also a very clever way for the author to lace the past and the present times to create suspense as well as unveiling simultaneously what happened/what's happening). She was a gorgeous gothic heroine. Giving her the backstory of visiting Africa and Europe and a thirst (pun truly intended) for knowledge and adventures made her quite a modern heroine as well. From being a hidden villain in Jane Eyre, she has been portrayed as a literate woman, a fighter and her own savior. Quite a drastic change of storyline!

I'd say that Rochester suffered quite a lot from this retelling from being sexy grumpy to being a true monster (vampire? a demon?) I didn't know that John Eyre was not only a retelling of Jane Eyre but a retelling of Dracula as well. The explanations given by Mimi at the end were really interesting and enlightening as she explains that she was inspired by multiple wordings in Jane Eyre referring to monsters and vampires. Slowly understanding that mythic Rochester was written as a vampire was as surprising as it was thrilling. His original character is so flawed that it is hard for contemporary readers to understand his appeal as a romantic hero... however him as a villain is a match made in hell. He horrified me and scared me (as he should have)!

John Eyre will be released on the 20th of July and i could recommend to wait for some stormy summer nights but since it's a five stars for its original take on a classic with a very enticing female character, a vampire and a very dark and moody mansion, i'd say go devour it (again pun intended!)

ARC kindly provided by netgalley

Mimi Matthews books are my happy place and this was just that. This gothic-like retelling of Jane Eyre was such a delight and creatively written.it was so good. It held a supernatural element that felt spooky. I enjoyed the strong, fearless heroine and the honorable hero. MM writes the best historical romances. She always delivers a wonderful tale of life, romance and HEA.
Even though I know the classic story well I eagerly threw myself into this because I couldn’t wait to see how John and Bertha would get through this. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks Perfectly Proper Press via Netgalley.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for my opinion. I have to admit, I’ve never read all of Jane Eyre, which feels like a crime for a book lover. But, I know enough of it to get the references and compare it to John Eyre. This book was absolutely captivating! I finished it in two nights, which probably could’ve been one had I not been so tired. I promised myself that I would read small sections at a time, but I kept reading just a little more, then a little more, and then I couldn’t stop. I can’t got in to much detail without giving away my favorite part of the book, which is the combination of Jane Eyre with another classic novel. In this version, John Eyre accepts a position as tutor to Bertha Rochester’s wards…how she got them and the circumstances of Mr. Rochester form the mystery of the book which cannot be discussed without spoiling the surprise. You do figure it out pretty quickly, but Bertha herself remains such a mystery right up until the end. I definitely recommend this book, especially to fans of classic novels!

Reader, I must confess that I went into this book totally blind. No blurb, no captions, and a mere glance at the cover. This is because I spotted the title and the author, and it was all over. I needed a gender swapped Jane Eyre-Dracula mash up to quench my insatiable curiosity and wonder over such a combo. Some authors might have difficulty pulling off such a feat, but I did not have a doubt in the world that in Mimi Matthews’ capable hands that John Eyre would dazzle.

John Eyre arrives at his new place of employment on a cold, rainy, and foggy night. He barely catches a glimpse of the new Yorkshire countryside or Thornfield Hall. His mind is weighed down by the past and his head aches dreadfully. He craves the laudanum that he has been using to dull his memories and pain. But it is not long before natural curiosity for his peculiar new charges, his absent employer, and his new surroundings rouse him. Thornfield Hall might be remote, creak with odd noises, and the Yorkshire environs bleak, but John Eyre starts to settle in and feel a modicum of peace. Then Mrs. Rochester arrives.

Mrs. Rochester is changeable, direct, capable, and very much in charge. He senses there is great mystery from this well-traveled world-weary woman. She challenges him and his notions of women, and the world he has barely experienced in his humble circumstances. His very stolidity and sureness appear to be a challenge to her as well as they slowly become friends. That is until a well-known man of her own status arrives and rattles his confidence in their relationship. Nonetheless, he stands pat when events transpire that Mrs. Rochester requires his unquestionable and discreet trust. And he freely gives it. In the end, his love and trust are challenged, and he is faced with the irrational and incredible.

John Eyre is a tale that could be described as gothic literature—a combination of a gothic romance, classic literature, and supernatural horror. infused with atmospheric descriptions and hair-raising moments, this mash-up of two beloved classics stays in the mild to moderate horror range depending on your sensibilities and balances more toward the Jane Eyre story than Dracula.

The book is divided into dual time threads: the present with John Eyre doing the narration and the past in epistolary form from Bertha’s perspective. Matthews has cleverly switched genders from the original classic. Bertha Mason Rochester is now the heroine instead of Mr. Rochester as the hero. The supporting characters are also part of the swap and some scenes and situations from both of the original classics are left out or combined to make the story work better. That said, each of the two classics are clearly and beautifully represented in the story.

John had most of the limelight, though Bertha’s strong personality was always present. John is retiring in many ways though he has a keen mind and inner strength that supports of his employer and friend. This dynamic worked because she has been through so much and just needs someone on her side to believe her in the end. Bertha is intelligent, independent, and dominant in a time when that was not attractive in a woman, but she is also adventurous and is willing to buck society and go it alone. John Eyre is the first person to quietly accept her for her true self and back her up when all reason tells him that he should run. Their scenes, particularly near the end, were electrifying together.

Reader, I loved it. Matthews has crafted a compelling and addictive tale that I was tempted to immediately click back to begin reading again. Those who enjoy classic retellings, gothic lit, and the fun of gender swaps should add this to their reading list.

With Jane Eyre being my favorite piece of classic literature, I had high expectations and was delighted to have them met and exceeded. Ms. Matthews serves up a story that is delightfully spooky, pleasantly twisty, and a fantastically delivered homage to not one but two great works in a way that readers will never expect. I was completely absorbed, throughly entertained, and totally satisfied with the way the author played with my favorite story in such a clever way.

Mimi Matthews did spooky and supernatural elements excellent without being gory or having grautitous horror. I do not do horror books or movies at all so if this is you as well I wouldn't worry about picking this book up. Especially, if you've come to appreciate this author's writing as I have. Mimi Matthews is wonderful with imagery. I feel like I'm right in the story experiencing it myself. This book was a definite page turner. I was hard pressed to put this story down. As the story progressed the plot thickened and I didn't even try to piece everything together. I allowed the story to unfold and enjoyed the journey. I enjoyed the strong h & H in the book. While there is romance in the story I wouldn't say it's the sole theme. This had a suspense and slow burn love with the h & H coming together to help and strengthen each other. I very much loved the story and was dissapointed that I had finished. Mimi Matthews has become and auto read/buy for me. If you enjoy some suspense without being scared like many horror movies like to do & a hea I reccommend this book.

John Eyre is a schoolteacher haunted by loneliness, guilt and a laudanum habit.
He takes up a job as tutor to two young boys at the isolated Thornfield Hall.
When weird things occur, he is not sure what is real and what is opium related.

John’s employer Mrs Rochester is enigmatic, mercurial and hiding some terrifying secrets from her recent travels across Egypt, Greece and Bulgaria.

This is a brilliant Jane Eyre gender swap, turned into a true gothic horror.
I loved the way the story unfolds. It was fun watching for links to characters in Jane Eyre and the breadcrumbs or hints about Rochester’s true nature.

Stunningly good. Couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

When I heard that John Eyre was a gender-swapping version of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre mashed up with elements from Bram Stoker’s Dracula—two of my favorite Gothic novels of all time—I was intrigued. I’m such a huge fan of these books that I’ve written novels inspired by both of them. I was eager to see if author Mimi Matthews could surprise or entrance me.

John Eyre, a schoolmaster in his late 20s, takes a post at remote Thornfield Hall as a tutor for two young boys—the wards of the widowed Mrs. Rochester. At this early point, the story adheres closely to Jane Eyre, albeit with gender-reversal: as John settles into his new role at the mansion, he feels a vague sense of unease, and hears chilling, inhuman laughter emanating from the supposedly unoccupied third floor. He meets Mrs. Rochester on the road, startling her horse and causing the infamous accident. Mr. Fairfax the butler runs the house, and Mr. Poole is blamed for strange things that go bump in the night.

There are plenty of curious new things going on, however, including a sinister silver mist that won’t go away, and the odd appearance and behavior of his pupils (they are mute and deathly pale). The minute Mrs. Rochester shows up, things change even more. Bertha is a true force of nature, strong and smart and unlike any woman John has ever met. The dark secrets she’s hiding are revealed to John and the reader one tiny piece at a time, and suspense builds as Bertha and John become friends and fight their attraction to each other.

The events at Thornfield Hall alternate with an earlier timeline relating Bertha’s travel adventures in Egypt and the Continent, where she falls under the spell of an enigmatic and charming man, Edward Rochester. Told through Bertha’s letters to a friend and journal entries, these chapters are a compelling, effective homage to the epistolary style of Dracula. After Bertha marries Mr. Rochester and accompanies him to his castle in Eastern Europe, the situation deteriorates and becomes increasingly spooky. She soon realizes that the man she has married may not be a man at all—and that her very life is in danger.

How does Bertha extricate herself from this deadly situation? Who are the mysterious boys that John Eyre has been hired to tutor? Why is Mrs. Rochester relieved when she learns that John uses laudanum to treat his migraines? When and how will John learn the truth about what’s going on at Thornfield Hall?

Matthews’s writing style is flawless throughout and captures the essence of 19th century Gothic prose. It was great fun to experience the gender-swapping elements in this re-telling of Brontë’s well-known tale, but author Mimi Matthews did so much more, giving new depth and interest to the “monster in the attic.” From the first page I was on the edge of my seat, caught up in the characters and the story, dying to see what new elements the author would dream up and how she would resolve everything.

One of the things I loved most was Matthews’s depiction of Bertha Rochester. Unlike Jonathan Harker in Stoker’s Dracula (who responded to his experiences at Castle Dracula by going stark raving mad), Bertha just gets mad, as in angry, and goes through hell to fight back. I was thrilled by Bertha’s cleverness and courage and impressed by the resolve, resilience, and compassion of our hero, John Eyre. The author wisely chose to focus only on the most salient story elements from Jane Eyre and Dracula that were necessary to the re-telling of her story, and she wraps things up in a very satisfactory fashion.

My only small complaint is that, even within the novel’s perfectly proper confines, I would have liked to feel a bit more passion and heat between John and Bertha, but this is a minor quibble. I was completely enthralled by this novel. It will be especially appreciated by readers familiar with the classics which inspired it, but will be enjoyed by the uninitiated as well; it might intrigue them to read the originals.

With John Eyre author Mimi Matthews delivers a thrilling, spooky ride filled with heart-stopping suspense—I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars.

How many times can one Gothic novel be retold? If that novel is Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre—a story that spawned other great classics like Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and served as a blueprint for the entire genre of mid-century Gothic romance pulps—I think its generative capabilities are endless. One of the latest authors to put her own spin on Jane Eyre is Mimi Matthews, with John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow, coming out tomorrow, July 20. From the title, you might guess that this is a gender-swapped retelling, but it’s actually much more than that: John Eyre uses the familiar beats of Brontë’s classic (along with elements from a few other Gothic novels) to tell an entirely different story. I am thrilled to have been invited to participate in the official blog tour for this book’s release, because I need more friends to geek out about this charming and clever reimagining with!

After his previous teaching post ends in tragedy, John Eyre, a bachelor of modest means, accepts the offer of a tutoring position for two young boys on a Yorkshire estate called Thornfield Hall. When he arrives, John is surprised to discover that the boys are foreign and seemingly mute. And far from being the sons of some lord, they are the newly acquired wards of the mysterious widow Mrs. Rochester. Despite these challenges, John comes to care deeply for his charges—and even more deeply for his formidable employer. But strange warning signs keep him from feeling entirely at home in his new position: unnatural mist and violent storms plague the estate, disconcerting visions of ghosts and beasts appear on the moors, and demonic-sounding laughter echoes from a locked room in the attic. Meanwhile, Bertha Rochester’s past is slowly revealed through a series of letters and journal entries that document the progression of her relationship with Edward Rochester, a man she met while traveling abroad sixteen months before. Drawn in by his preternatural charm, Bertha soon found herself entirely under the power of a husband more monster than man. Can she find happiness again with the earnest young tutor? Or will the secrets of her past continue to control her life?

I’ll try not to spoil too much, but genre-savvy readers will be quick to pick up on familiar elements in the story that come not from Jane Eyre but from another Gothic classic: Dracula. These elements fit surprisingly well into the Jane Eyre-based plot. While Brontë’s novel was written half a decade before Stoker’s masterpiece, it was already playing with elements of the burgeoning vampire genre. As Matthews notes in the author’s note to John Eyre, there are several allusions to supernatural creatures in Brontë’s book, including specific references to vampires and blood-sucking monsters. It’s not such a far leap to make these elements literal and expand upon them. This addition of the supernatural adds layers of new meaning to story beats that on the surface precisely resemble moments from Jane Eyre. I was particularly impressed by Matthews’ twist on the fire in the bedroom scene. But more subtle than the elements clearly borrowed from Dracula are aspects of the plot that more closely resemble du Maurier’s Rebecca—which was, itself, a sort of reimagining of Jane Eyre. Like Maxim de Winter, the love interest in John Eyre is known to have been previously married, and the thought of Bertha’s first spouse haunts John like Rebecca haunts du Maurier’s narrator. John imagines a great love between Bertha and the aristocratic Edward that he cannot possibly live up to—but of course John’s assumptions are far off-base.

And, of course, we must discuss the gender-swapping that the title of John Eyre puts front and center. In the hands of a lesser author, swapping the genders of Eyre and Rochester could have been just a cheap gimmick. But Matthews understands that changing Mr. Rochester to Mrs. Rochester fundamentally alters the power dynamics and overall tone of the story. Matthews’ Bertha Rochester is ultimately a far more sympathetic character than Brontë’s Edward Rochester. While she cuts a formidable figure and certainly holds power over John in her role as his employer and a member of the wealthy upper class, that power is undercut by the role of women in Victorian society. No matter their initial differences in status, any man who marries Bertha will automatically have full legal and financial power over her. This is why Matthews could not simply replicate the story of the wife in the attic—a mixed-race and mentally ill woman whose only power was in her transgressiveness and the way it might humiliate Rochester. Instead, Bertha is genuinely the victim in her first marriage, and it takes all her daring and ingenuity to claw her way back to a semblance of power. With this theme in mind, Matthews makes sure to stress throughout the story that both Bertha and John fervently wish for their relationship to be one of equal partners. In this way, I found the love story in John Eyre to actually be more satisfying than the original.

Every time I finish a book by Mimi Matthews, I swear her work cannot possibly get any better. But I'm proven wrong time and time again, and this time is no exception. She's in my exalted top five list of favorite historical romance authors. And now she's up there in my top tier of gothic, supernatural and horror writers. Seriously, how does she do it?! John Eyre is a retelling of Charlotte Bronte's classic story Jane Eyren mixed in with another classic story. I don't want to spoil the surprise of that other story here in case you're not aware of it. But it's a doozy!

John Eyre leaves his job as a school master in disgrace and heads to Yorkshire, England to tutor two strange young boys at Thornfield Hall. The boys, Stephen and Peter, look like war refugees, and both are mute. Thornfield Hall is an odd place - creepy laughing and noises fill the night, a terrifying wolf roams the moor, and there is an ever-present silvery mist on the property. In the middle of all this is the intriguing and beautiful widow Bertha Mason Rochester. Sixteen months before John arrives, heiress Bertha was traveling to exotic lands, and she met the alluring Edward Rochester and married him. Through letters to a friend and journal entries, she detailed how their life together quickly fell apart; Mr. Rochester was much more than he appeared to be, and it was all terrifying. Now John and Bertha must fight the darkness together and pray they all survive.

I admit although I know much about Jane Eyre and the other unnamed classic, I have not read either of those books. Don't judge me! (I can hear you judging me! I'm just not a classics sort of gal). This version is told in a dual timeline, and parts of the story are told through journal entries and letters. And of course, this book is obviously gender flipped. It's a Victorian gothic novel mixed with both horror and supernatural aspects; it sounds weird, but it works! John was a great hero. He left his current position behind and moved to a totally surreal estate where he was to teach two peculiar little boys. Stephen and Peter will break your heart! You can feel the love and caring that John feels for his two charges, and it was wonderful to see them begin to bloom under his care. The burgeoning horror John felt at Thornfield Hall was palpable. Also, he couldn't help but be drawn to the enigmatic Bertha, even though he was her employee. I didn't care for Bertha at all for about a third of the story; however, as I began to discover her past from her writings, she became a much more sympathetic figure, and revealed just how strong a woman she really was. The romantic feelings between John and Bertha were slow to build, though there was immediate attraction. I felt a growing sense of dread as the story came close to its conclusion. I had no idea how things could end happily, or how they could even survive! This is such an amazing story; if you're new to the writings of Ms. Matthews, I'm sure you'll love her work as much as I do...if that's even possible!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, all all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Mimi Matthews is one of the best writers — not of romance, not of gothics — just one of the best writers around. Period. She has the ability to surround readers, pulling them away from the modern world to a different place in time. In the case of John Eyre, this is a world many of us know. Who hasn't read Jane Eyre and thrilled to its revelations and tragic lovers, crying at the somewhat bittersweet ending?
Now we meet John, a disgraced school teacher who becomes a tutor in an isolated mansion, entering a world unlike any he has known. The subtitle — 'a tale of darkness and shadows' — is played out on the pages of what is a delightfully thrilling story. John's counterpart, widow Bertha Mason Rochester, is both intriguing and worldly, yet damaged from her marriage — we find out through letters and journal entries how spectacularly her marriage to Edward Rochester fell to pieces. And, oh, what pieces!
Because in the hands of this master, John Eyre is not just a tribute to the original Charlotte Bronte classic. No, Matthews brings in threads of another famous tale, one with perhaps the most frightening leading man in all of literature, This is uber Gothic, the kind of book best read at night, under the covers (no flashlight needed thanks to Kindle backlighting) to enjoy all the shivers. Brilliant, more than one reviewer has called it. And they are correct. (I received an advance copy via NetGalley. Opinions my own.)