Publisher: Harper Teen, 336 pages
Publication: February 26, 2013
From Goodreads:
Franny's supposed to be working this summer, not flirting. But you can't blame her when guys like Alex and Harry are around. . . .
Franny Pearson never dreamed she'd be attending the prestigious Mansfield Summer Theater Program. And she's not, exactly. She's working for her aunt, the resident costume designer. But sewing her fingers to the bone does give her an opportunity to spend time with her crush, Alex Braverman. If only he were as taken with the girl hemming his trousers as he is with his new leading lady.
When Harry Cartwright, a notorious flirt, shows more than a friendly interest in Franny, she figures it can't hurt to have a little fun. But as their breezy romance grows more complicated, can Franny keep pretending that Harry is just a carefree fling? And why is Alex suddenly giving her those deep, meaningful looks? In this charming tale of mixed messages and romantic near-misses, one thing is clear: Flirting might be more trouble than Franny ever expected.
Review
This is the second Jane Austen spin-off book that I have read by Claire LaZebnik. The first one I read was Epic Fail which was actually published after this one. While I really enjoyed Epic Fail as an example of Contemporary YA I did not think it was a great retelling of Pride and Prejudice.
The Trouble with Flirting, however, was fabulous in both respects. I enjoyed the subtle similarities and distinct differences between this book and Mansfeld Park. While LaZebnik followed the Pride and Prejudice story line too closely in Epic Fail she did not do this in what is her first Jane Austen spin-off. It makes me kind of wonder if the success of The Trouble with Flirting too strongly influenced the story in Epic Fail. Regardless, if you want to try one of these I recommend The Trouble With Flirting.
Even if you're not a Jane Austen fan this is a great book because of the setting (summer drama camp), the romantic male lead has some really funny lines, a great refresher on Shakespeare, and last but not least the unmarried, reality TV watching, herbal tea drinking aunt!
On the down side, the girls' obsessions with the boys was a bit annoying at times as I wanted them to just focus on developing their craft or at the very least being happy without a romantic lead!
Posted by Sheri
I've had this on my kindle for ages! I didn't know it was inspired by Jane Austen, it sounds pretty interesting, will definitely check it out the next time I need a light fun read! Great review!
ReplyDeleteThis is the second glowing review I've seen for this book recently. I definitely plan on reading it and I love contemporary. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ The Quiet Concert