Review: Definitely, Maybe in Love by Ophelia London

Title: Definitely, Maybe in Love

Author: Ophelia London

Publisher: Entangled: Embrace

Release Date: 28^th October 2013

Source: Bought

Rating: 5 out of 5

Description: Spring Honeycutt wants two things: to ace her sustainable living thesis and to save the environment. Both seem hopelessly unobtainable until her college professor suggests that with a new angle, her paper could be published. Spring swears she’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that happens. “Whatever it takes,” however, means forming a partnership with the very hot, very privileged, very conceited Henry Knightly. Henry is Spring's only hope at publication, but he's also the über-rich son of a land developer and cash-strapped Spring’s polar opposite. Too bad she can't help being attracted to the way he pushes her buttons, both politically and physically. As they work on her thesis, Spring finds there's more to Henry than his old money and argyle sweaters…but can she drop the loud-and-proud act long enough to let him in? Suddenly, choosing between what she wants and what she needs puts Spring at odds with everything she believes in. Definitely, Maybe in Love is a modern take on Pride and Prejudice that proves true love is worth risking a little pride.

Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel. It’s a story that I will always cherish as it is one of my all time favourite books.  Definitely, Maybe in Love by Ophelia London is a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Or as I like to think about it, its Pride and Prejudice with a lot more kissing and swoon worthy moments. Ophelia London walks the fine line of tension versus romance masterfully as she upgrades this romantic tale. I adored reading this book. Getting to know Spring and Henry will leave you with a smile on your face.

This new adult book was a breath of fresh air in a genre that is filled with overbearing protective male interests. Definitely, Maybe in Love focused on the connection that two people share and their misgivings/misunderstanding about each other. Spring needs to complete her thesis but in order to do so she needs help. The only person that can help her is her new neighbour Henry. The same neighbour she instantly dislikes. As Spring and Henry get to know each other, they embark on a journey of self-discovery filled with plenty of misunderstandings. London adds her own touch to this well-known story and its characters. The plot follows the same footsteps and Pride and Prejudice but it is entirely its own story.  Most of the characters are present but don’t necessarily play the same roles as the original.

There was so much tension and anticipation built into this book. It was swoony and romantic. I loved every minute of it. Even though there were times you wanted to shake the characters and yell make up and kiss already. I swear this book was making my heart melt at some of the romantic things Henry says.  These two characters start on opposite sides and slowly learn to find themselves and their middle ground. They are beautifully flawed characters that learn from their mistakes only to become stronger.

I was barracking for both Spring and Henry to realise how much they meant to each other.  Spring is an environmentalist and at the beginning of the book she was abrasive, hostile and very judgemental. She wanted to stand out, so she shaped herself into someone that could demand attention. London has wonderful character development. Spring grows throughout the story. She realises that some of the changes she made might have been for the wrong reasons and eventually she finds her confidence and self-worth again.  She’s intelligent and never backs down from a confrontation, however she can be stubborn and a little single minded. 

Henry was the perfect guy but he had his own issues with communication. He wasn’t overbearing, possessive or jealous. He never tried to change her but was always supportive.  He was the perfect compliment to Spring. I loved all of their arguments and banter. I have a soft spot for couples that banter and argue. These two were intelligent and I loved their debates. You could see them falling in love via their interactions and conversations. They had an effect on each other, helping each other grow and see things differently. They complimented each other in many ways making this relationship more special. These two had chemistry and you knew it.

Definitely, Maybe in Love was an adorable romantic story. A fabulous retelling of Pride and Prejudice.