Read This Book…

In this contemporary retelling of Persuasion, Reyna has grown up at her family’s resort, the Plumeria, in Tobago. It’s been tough, though, since her mom died. Her dad doesn’t seem to be really invested in running the resort, the new manager wants to change everything, and all her friends seem ready to leave the island while Reyna’s own future is uncertain. Then, she gets the worst possible news: Aiden, her childhood best friend and one-time love, is returning to the island. Only instead of being the boy down the street, he’s coming back as a VIP guest, one-third of the hottest band making headlines.

As Reyna tries to ignore her feelings for Aiden, she dutifully shows his group around the island. But despite the time that’s passed, she can’t deny there’s a spark still there. Is it too late for something to happen between them?

There’s so much to love about this novel: the lush descriptions, Reyna’s emotional journey, the fact that it’s a beautiful retelling of an Austen novel that doesn’t often get its due. Reyna is averse to change thanks to her mother’s death, but she also struggles with the idea that she needs to be in control in all things. This results in her not always making the best choices, but throughout it all, Dass writes her in such a sympathetic way that the reader is always in her corner. She also balances the romantic tension that lingers between Reyna and Aiden brilliantly, adding in little snippets of flashbacks to help readers understand the depth of their one-time connection. I enjoyed the large group dynamics that are portrayed, as well. Aside from Aiden’s bandmates, they’re also accompanied by the sisters of Reyna’s brother-in-law, making for a large group that sometimes clashes in interesting ways.

I highly recommend this book for fans of Austen retellings, but also for anyone looking for a nice little vacation in book form! Bonus: The audiobook, narrated by Antonevia Ocho-Coultes is excellent!