Prom night is supposed to be a joyous celebration--a night to remember! Not a night that will forever haunt you and scar you for life. Elizabeth's prom date, Colby did just that to her. A night forever burned into her mind--a night that she will literally never forget. Now she's at Whitman University and far away from rich, egotistical Colby. She's still scared. She keeps all men at arms length. She has a policy: one night only, no hot guys, no rich guys, no popular guys. Oh and no repeats. Her new neighbor Declan changes that policy. Elizabeth decides that if she's going to get over that night, she needs to take control. If she can have a one night stand with Whitman's sexiest guy on campus then she can take steps to heal herself. But Declan changes more than just her policy. He piques her interest in many other ways too such as how he has a copy of Pride and Prejudice sitting in a box with his boxing gloves. She wants to know more about him especially after meeting him and Dex at a frat party. For some reason Declan makes her feel safe which is odd since he's a gym trainer and UFC hopeful. She should be scared of him and his love of violence. But it does the opposite.

What started off as a typical bet with Dex--who can get the girl to flirt with first or a date from her--becomes more than Declan expected. Of course, it has to be the unicorn on campus. He only remembers her because her namesake matches his favorite character from Pride and Prejudice--Elizabeth Bennett. While his twin is the smooth talking frat boy--Declan is rougher around the edges. For some reason he feels protective of her even from his own twin--the man he shares everything with. But Elizabeth has some serious secrets. He wants to help her heal and overcome them at the same time. Why on earth does he keep kissing her? She's fragile--too fragile. Declan is scared he's going to break her. But will he be the one broken?

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3.5 stars!

This is my second book from Ilsa Madden-Mills and also the second book from her that begins with a sexual assault. I don't know if this is common in her books, but it's happen in both I've read. I don't say this to say that's an inherently bad thing, but sexual assault does play a big role in this book, so know that going in. Also, content warning for suicide.

This is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, which is a book I haven't read (but I definitely want to get to it soon!). Because of that, I can really comment on the retelling aspect but I thought the plot was mostly interesting. Declan is a fighter and Elizabeth makes jewelry and they both like literature. I like this but I wish their interests had played more into the story. We only really focus on them a few times. There's also some family drama for both characters. This makes for a more interesting dynamic, especially with the inclusion of Declan's twin Dax. I do wish that the rest of the family stuff had been fleshed out a bit more.

I did think the romance itself was cute. It's very much a two damaged heroes situation and I liked they way they played off each other. It felt a little hot and cold at times and I think that might go back to it being a Pride and Prejudice retelling. I didn't love the drama with Declan's ex-girlfriend but it wasn't a huge part of the story. I liked where the relationship ended up and it felt like a solid relationship. Just a little thing, but I really prefer if authors make sure there is a condom used, especially in the first sex scene. I don't care if it makes sense for there to be condom's accessible, just make something up, I don't care it it makes sense. This might not be an issue for other people but I always prefer for there to be safe sex practices from both people and I really don't like when a lack of condom use is used as a measure of trust, which unfortunately happens here.

I'm glad I tried another Madden-Mills book. I enjoy her writing and plots for the most part, even if I find some of her dialogue a bit stilted. I will likely continue to read this series and more from this author in the future. ( )

2.5 Stars
Dirty English was good, but not great.
It started well enough. From the prologue I was hooked but by the time I was about half way through I kind of just wanted it to end. It also ends at 80% so the ending was way too rushed for my taste.
I expected so much more. I loved Declan. He's a sexy British fighter with a good heart...and he has an equally sexy twin who I wouldn't mind reading a book about. But then you have Elizabeth. I didn't necessarily dislike her..I just couldn't stand her most of the time. What happened to her is horrible and you can't blame her for being the way she is but there's only so much back and forth I can take before it's just too much.


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"Something about a big dude that read Pride and Prejudice made me breathless."

SOLD! I'm going to read this book no matter what. I am a very well know P&P super fan. So any book that makes reference, is a modern day re-write, uses the words "Mr Darcy", I'm going to read it. And this did not disappoint to add to my bookshelves. Elizabeth and Declan meet just like any other college student- frat party. Elizabeth is aloof and Declan is brooding. What happens between them besides the obvious sparks, is a series of hidden fears and miscommunication. The perfect combination of a great weekend read.

Surprisingly, unlike it's predecessor, it is Declan not Elizabeth that I relate to the most. He seems the most warm, easy to read of the two. His intentions are clear. Elizabeth however sends mixed signals and a bit too angsty - not my favorite in a heroine - but that's a personal preference thing for me. . The pace and writing of the book move along for a fast read. There is a good unexpected twist at the end.

This is a first time read for this author for me. I enjoyed Ms Madden-Mills reimagination of a beloved favorite of mine. If you love the college-age contemporary romance, I'd definitely recommend the story. If you are on the fence, the characters are developed enough to escape the boundaries of the new adult pigeon hole.

4.5 of 5 star read ( )

I definitely recommend the audio for this one, you get to listen to a hot British accent :) The story was good, though fairly predictable. Poor Elizabeth has been through some pretty terrible things and is still trying to get back to her old life. Declan is her new neighbor and they have an immediate connection. I liked the back and forth and the romance scenes were pretty hot *whew*. I liked that though Declan rescued Elizabeth and helped her work through some of her fears, she helped him too by supporting him and showing him what actual love is. ( )