Austen Inspired by Alana Highbury: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book 

She's writing her very own Mr. Darcy—until her heart pens a different love story.

Working from home with her best friend Jack down the hall, Viviana Cantwell leads a comfortable life, yet she can’t ignore the low hum of anxiety and whispers of self-doubt: You’re in your 30s now. Working a boring job. Still single, living alone in a drab apartment. Your parents and sister have it all—why can’t you?

When a gorgeous, arrogant publishing executive comes to town with his wealthy, charming friend, Viviana sees the answer to all her problems. She can date her dream man and embark upon her dream career: a novel featuring her very own Mr. Darcy should write itself, right?

But falling for her best friend instead doesn’t fit into her plan—or her book plot. Plagued with confusing feelings about Jack, heaps of self-doubt, and constantly flawed assumptions about everyone, she clings to the one thing that’s always been right in her life, her friendship with Jack—she can’t risk losing him too.

This sweet romance, loosely based on Jane Austen's works, has no explicit scenes but does have light swearing and adult themes.

The Author

Alana Highbury is the Amazon bestselling author of the Austen Inspired series and the Love & Holidays series. Her novels blend rom-com, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction, and she brings two decades of professional experience and a master’s in English. When not writing, she’s usually found reading, cross stitching, board gaming, or hanging out with her family, which includes a writerly husband, two children, two beautiful, lazy cats, and an elderly, feisty cockatiel.

Book Review

Confession: I have never read a Jane Austen novel, nor have I watched any of the TV/movies. Anything I know about her stories has been learned through mentions of them in other romances. But I have to say, even with that minimal knowledge, I couldn't help but adore this book. Were there nods I likely missed? I'm sure. Would those who are as Austen obsessed as our FMC appreciate the story even more? Perhaps... but I quickly found myself drawn into this unique story just the same. Viviana is an Austen-obsessed aspiring novelist, so when her boss suggests that the grumpy new guy around the office might be her very own Mr. Darcy, she thinks it might just be the inspiration she needs for her story...but things don't turn out exactly how she expects. This was such cute concept and definitely quite different than I had anticipated going into the story. It was definitely a slow burn romance, but also gave some women's fiction vibes too... and I really enjoyed seeing Viviana's growth throughout the story as well. For Jane Austen fans (and non-fans as well), this is definitely one worth checking out. I look forward to seeing what comes next in the series. 

Austen Inspired is a closed-door romance with kisses only. There is some minor language. 


You can purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/40WeGFW