While I totally agree about these tropes, I can also tell you that my brother married his “fake relationship” meet-up. (It didn’t last, but that wasn’t why). He was at a coffee shop, and she sat down at his table and said “can you pretend to be my boyfriend? My ex is over there and I don’t want him to bother me” (or something to that effect). They were together probably 10 years, so it worked to some extent.
Super fun to read! I just revisited Persuasion (my fav) for the first time in a decade (last time I read it I was Anne’s age, now I’m Mrs. Croft’s). Tried it on audiobook for the first time and found myself listening to chapter 23 maybe half a dozen times. The circumstances behind their whole second chance struck me as much more fantastical than when I first read it in my tweens, but isn’t that the point?
I’d like more tropes that apply after the first kiss or engagement. I want some second chance romance within a 10 or 20 or 30 year marriage, for example. If anyone has a rec, send it my way!
Such a good point Katie! I wish there were more romances focused on older couples and second chances that take place within marriages. I actually can't think of any off the top of my head although I can think of lots of movies... let me know if you get any recs!
I think Persuasion works less because of a second chance (as in bf was drunk and disorderly and proved himself an ass or the Regency era equivalent) than because Anne made the wrong decision and was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to think for herself. Just another example of what makes Austen great.
That's very true Midge. It's Anne who gets a second chance, to think for herself and follow her heart, rather than Wentworth getting a second chance because he messed up. And I definitely prefer Austen's way of doing it. (I reckon people were drunk and disorderly in Regency times too ;-) )
That's interesting. Which writers do you like? I find Austen a very astute observer of people, relationships, and of the conventions of her time. I love her use of free indirect discourse too, which makes the books feel quite modern compared to the more omniscient authorial style of other authors of the period. But you can only like what you like!
Hello, Andrea! Yes, same question as Emma. I would love to know who your favorites are. It beautiful that we can all have our own opinions on who we enjoy.
Such an interesting and delightful post -- and Austen has done them wonderfully.
Thank you very much Martha, glad you liked it! Austen is the template for so much contemporary romance.
I have to agree! And Emma did such a delightful job highlighting them for us.
While I totally agree about these tropes, I can also tell you that my brother married his “fake relationship” meet-up. (It didn’t last, but that wasn’t why). He was at a coffee shop, and she sat down at his table and said “can you pretend to be my boyfriend? My ex is over there and I don’t want him to bother me” (or something to that effect). They were together probably 10 years, so it worked to some extent.
What an amazing story Andrea! I'm loving all these real life romance narratives!
I love this!
You had me at Jane Austen. And second chance romance❣️
Right?! It's so much fun to cheer them on.
Absolutely ❣️
Super fun to read! I just revisited Persuasion (my fav) for the first time in a decade (last time I read it I was Anne’s age, now I’m Mrs. Croft’s). Tried it on audiobook for the first time and found myself listening to chapter 23 maybe half a dozen times. The circumstances behind their whole second chance struck me as much more fantastical than when I first read it in my tweens, but isn’t that the point?
I’d like more tropes that apply after the first kiss or engagement. I want some second chance romance within a 10 or 20 or 30 year marriage, for example. If anyone has a rec, send it my way!
Such a good point Katie! I wish there were more romances focused on older couples and second chances that take place within marriages. I actually can't think of any off the top of my head although I can think of lots of movies... let me know if you get any recs!
Oooo! I'll have to do a post and pull some of these second-chance with a gap romances together.
Have you read Once Persauded, Twice Shy?? It's a wonderful modern retelling of Persuasion. I highly recommend it!!
I will check it out!
Thanks for the recommendation! Will look for it ❣️
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I think Persuasion works less because of a second chance (as in bf was drunk and disorderly and proved himself an ass or the Regency era equivalent) than because Anne made the wrong decision and was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to think for herself. Just another example of what makes Austen great.
That's very true Midge. It's Anne who gets a second chance, to think for herself and follow her heart, rather than Wentworth getting a second chance because he messed up. And I definitely prefer Austen's way of doing it. (I reckon people were drunk and disorderly in Regency times too ;-) )
That was awesome. 💖
Glad you liked it Rayna!
Thanks for taking the time to read it, Rayna. We were so lucky to have Emma share it with us.
Thank you so much for stopping in! 💗✨
Reading this made my morning coffee even more delightful! ☕️
I’m so glad @Emma Hemingford shared this delightful post with us!
Thanks so much! I’m glad I contributed to your delightful morning coffee ❤️📕
This was a fun morning read! My husband and I are friends to lovers and we always say “we’re the exception not the rule”. It’s solid
Glad you liked it Winnie! When friends to lovers works out it’s the best kind of relationship ❤️
I have yet to understand why Austin has become the standard for writing. IMHO the woman is pretentious and a boor
That's interesting. Which writers do you like? I find Austen a very astute observer of people, relationships, and of the conventions of her time. I love her use of free indirect discourse too, which makes the books feel quite modern compared to the more omniscient authorial style of other authors of the period. But you can only like what you like!
Hello, Andrea! Yes, same question as Emma. I would love to know who your favorites are. It beautiful that we can all have our own opinions on who we enjoy.