Hi there! I’m here today to talk about this newest book in a self-published m/m romance series. **And every day we are reminded that discrimination against marginalized communities is still a serious problem, so click here to find a compilation of resources where you can donate your time, money, or whatever you can to support these communities. I still encourage you to research these causes on your own to educate yourself and find the best way to lend your support.**
So, I never thought I’d be able to read and review books by Anyta Sunday early. I discovered her books in 2019 with the Signs of Love series, and have fallen in love with her characters ever since. In March of 2021, she has started releasing m/m romance retellings of Jane Austen novels – she’s covered Emma, Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and Mansfield Park so far – as a part of a new Love, Austen series, which I have been reading and adding to my ebook collection. About a week ago, an opportunity arose and I seized it, and I can say that I received the chance to read the newest installment, Elliot, Song of the Soulmate, a retelling of Persuasion, a few days early to talk about here on my blog! I’ve been so excited ever since the first chapter was included at the end of the last book, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts!
Elliot Anneston, high school debate champ, has always been a master of persuasion – that is, until he encounters Scottish transfer Wentworth McAllister at a party. When the Scot proclaims interest in being his husband, Elliot finds himself whisked away in a whirlwind romance. But something causes Elliot to lie and break both their hearts. Fifteen years later, while working at Ask Austen studios as a consultant for a new film, Elliot finds that the new musical talent hired is his very own high-school sweetheart, Wentworth. Can soulmates who have been separated truly find their way back to each other?
This is probably one of my favorite stories and couples from the series so far. The story starts out with Elliot and Wentworth’s chance encounter, and we get to see them slowly fall in love and rely on each other before it all comes crashing down when Elliot breaks both of their hearts with his lie, before jumping fifteen years into the future when suddenly they cross each others’ path once more. I felt this was a really strong choice for the narrative, as opposed to starting fifteen years after they’d broken up and we’re left to learn about their story strictly through flashbacks and/or conversations, as some of the second-chance romances I’ve read recently have been done. Even though the two haven’t seen each other in over a decade, the second their eyes meet you can feel all of the emotions flood back – the anger, frustration, sadness, and hurt, but also the love, so so much love. There are so many small moments between Elliot and Wentworth throughout the novel where any onlooker can just see how much they care and appreciate each other. And Sunday, the master of slow-burn, makes us wait for the moment where the two heroes are finally ‘reunited’ once more, but it is so incredibly worth it. I also loved getting to see [or have mention of] all the previous couples from prior Love, Austen novels – I just might need to reread the whole series when it’s done and create an ongoing character list to keep track of how everyone is connected. There’s also an adorable dog named Honey who Elliot and Wentworth can take care of on their yacht and live happily ever after, and honestly? Who needs more motivation to read than a cute dog?
Whenever a retelling is written, it seems that some readers will already have some sort of expectation. It can help (by allowing the reader to enjoy the aspects from the original work that are included), but it can also hinder (because some might be upset about things that have changed). What I have enjoyed about Sunday’s Love, Austen series so far is that as an non-Austen fan myself [I’m sorry, I’ve only read Pride and Prejudice because it was required reading in my AP English class] I can appreciate the similarities and references included, but can also enjoy the work individually on it’s own. I think Austen fans and non-fans alike can find something to love about this series, and I can’t wait for the next one, a Sense and Sensibility retelling, to be released.
In conclusion, Anyta Sunday remains one of my favorite romance authors with this newest Austen retelling. I think everyone who enjoys Persuasion, or just loves second-chance romances, will want to pick up Elliot, Song of the Soulmate. The book is set to be released on October 11th, 2021 (which is the day this post goes live) so please join me in wishing it a happy book birthday and consider picking up a copy for yourself! *Thanks to the author for the early e-copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Where to find Elliot, Song of the Soulmate:
Amazon
Goodreads
Anyta Sunday’s site
Thoughts About Things 