A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King Published by GP Putnam's Sons on November 2, 2021
Genres: Romance
Pages: 352
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
About A Certain Appeal
A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King is a romp of a contemporary romcom retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
Bennet moved to NYC, escaping an imploding interior design internship and to room with her friend Jane, just out of a painful breakup. They both perform at the Meryton, a premiere burlesque club. Bennet’s day job is being an executive assistant at a start-up.
The Meryton is up for sale and the financial backer is attending a performance. So Bennet is ON as Kitten Caboodle, stage kitten extraordinaire. Sparks fly between Bennet and Will Darcy, a close friend of the potential investor. And yet when she overhears him making a disparaging comment about her, it’s like a bucket of ice water. Mostly. As the sparks still fly between the two.
Bennet is entirely relatable. Burnt by an undermining, lying coworker during her internship, she’s hesitant to dip her toes back into the world of design, afraid of failing or worse, not standing up for herself. Again.
My thoughts about A Certain Appeal
While Bennet doesn’t always stand up for herself, she’s a fierce defender and supporter of her friends, especially Jane and her found family.
I loved the self-confidence and acceptance of Bennet’s burlesque family – the support of each other was beautiful to behold. Getting a peek behind the curtain into the world of burlesque was a delight. I want to meet a real-life Ming DyNasty to give me self-confidence tips!
The slow burn, enemies to lovers between Bennet and Darcy was steamy, intense fabulousness. Darcy wasn’t all ice and distance – I loved seeing his vulnerable side. I also loved that he didn’t swoop in to rescue Bennet or use money to solve all of her problems.
In conclusion
This is a fast-paced, super cute retelling that’s just as much about finding or rediscovering your confidence, battling the self-defeating demons in your head as it is about meet-cutes and HEAs.
Thank you NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the ARC.
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