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Other People's Business
Some cupid kills with arrows, some with traps...
Bee and Ben haven't always hated each other, but they certainly hate each other now. They hate each other so much that it threatens to derail the wedding of their best friends, Imogen and Will.
But then something unthinkable happens and turns everything on its head. Within the wedding party, some hearts swell and others are broken, but will anyone work out that relationships are rarely quite what they seem?
This modern retelling of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing explores the idea of whether we're ever really in control of our own romantic destiny and if true love really can conquer all.
Bee and Ben haven't always hated each other, but they certainly hate each other now. They hate each other so much that it threatens to derail the wedding of their best friends, Imogen and Will.
But then something unthinkable happens and turns everything on its head. Within the wedding party, some hearts swell and others are broken, but will anyone work out that relationships are rarely quite what they seem?
This modern retelling of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing explores the idea of whether we're ever really in control of our own romantic destiny and if true love really can conquer all.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 29, 2017
Now let me say first that I love reading any Shakespeare books, so when I first saw that this was a modern take on his ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ I was very intrigued, in fact I was like a moth to a light I just couldn’t help myself. I had to read this book and what a pure delight it has been.
The story begins with tensions running high, at one of the most stressful times of anyone’s life, getting married. Are the flowers ordered, the venues confirmed, bridesmaids gifts bought, oh so much to do, especially when the hubby to be has been away on business for a month. Not only is he coming home, he is also brining his boss and three other people he works with, with him. A little bit of a con really, with Lawrence, the grooms boss, manipulating the whole thing into a bit of a works lets bond together exercise.
Now the story is told in alternative chapters between Ben, the groom’s bestie and working buddy Will and Bee the Brides cousin and bestie that was actually brought up by Imogen’s dad after their mums were tragically killed 20 years ago in a car accident. Now talk about love because Will and Imogen are like the Disney Princess and Handsome Prince just destined to be together. So sweet. Then of course there is Ben and Bee who just bounce off each other literally as there is a past between them that has never really gone away. The humour from these two in both thought and deed is just brilliant.
There are some really sad moments in this story but if we didn’t have the bad times how would we be able to count our blessing. There are times when we have to stop trying to please other people and really listen to what we know is right. Although there are some really funny chapters. This is a story of ‘I know the truth but I am not going to tell you I know because it is too much fun watching you trying to keep a secret’. I wanted to hiss and boo at the bad guys every time I saw their names. This is such a fun book. A super Shakespearean comedy retold in modern society superbly. Loved it!
The story begins with tensions running high, at one of the most stressful times of anyone’s life, getting married. Are the flowers ordered, the venues confirmed, bridesmaids gifts bought, oh so much to do, especially when the hubby to be has been away on business for a month. Not only is he coming home, he is also brining his boss and three other people he works with, with him. A little bit of a con really, with Lawrence, the grooms boss, manipulating the whole thing into a bit of a works lets bond together exercise.
Now the story is told in alternative chapters between Ben, the groom’s bestie and working buddy Will and Bee the Brides cousin and bestie that was actually brought up by Imogen’s dad after their mums were tragically killed 20 years ago in a car accident. Now talk about love because Will and Imogen are like the Disney Princess and Handsome Prince just destined to be together. So sweet. Then of course there is Ben and Bee who just bounce off each other literally as there is a past between them that has never really gone away. The humour from these two in both thought and deed is just brilliant.
There are some really sad moments in this story but if we didn’t have the bad times how would we be able to count our blessing. There are times when we have to stop trying to please other people and really listen to what we know is right. Although there are some really funny chapters. This is a story of ‘I know the truth but I am not going to tell you I know because it is too much fun watching you trying to keep a secret’. I wanted to hiss and boo at the bad guys every time I saw their names. This is such a fun book. A super Shakespearean comedy retold in modern society superbly. Loved it!
January 30, 2020
Much Ado About Nothing is my favorite Shakespeare, and this current-day retelling was a lot of fun. I found the banter between Bee and Ben delightful.
Shenanigans!
Shenanigans!
October 21, 2017
Perfectly Witty
This book is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, which I've never read but definitely will after having read this. Hollie Moat writes a well-crafted love story: Imogen and Will are set to get married. For Imogen's cousin, Bee, this means seeing Ben, Will's friend, again. Ben is an old flame turned enemy. The hatred between them was palpable: their witty dialogue never failed to amuse or keep the story alive. It was quite literally a never-ending battle of wits! I love good humour in books, and all the clever comebacks made me wish the book, itself, never ended.
The novel wasn't completely about Bee and Ben though, there was a whole chaotic whirl of mishap, disaster and doom to keep the reader entertained. Cold feet, drunkenness getting out of hand, match-making, friends playing cupid, I couldn't have loved it more! It is a romantic comedy, in some degree, but it's also so much more.
Hollie Moat writes such convincingly real characters, very three dimensional, and in a style that is so very natural. She is an incredibly perceptive writer, all the little details that often go unnoticed: characters going off topic, plans going awry, the hidden thoughts and motives of characters. She wisely avoids writing long, artificial dialogue between characters, or the clichés that come with writing love stories.
I would recommend this book, I would force it into your hands if I could. I always recommend my favourites.
I received this book from the author for review consideration.
This book is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, which I've never read but definitely will after having read this. Hollie Moat writes a well-crafted love story: Imogen and Will are set to get married. For Imogen's cousin, Bee, this means seeing Ben, Will's friend, again. Ben is an old flame turned enemy. The hatred between them was palpable: their witty dialogue never failed to amuse or keep the story alive. It was quite literally a never-ending battle of wits! I love good humour in books, and all the clever comebacks made me wish the book, itself, never ended.
The novel wasn't completely about Bee and Ben though, there was a whole chaotic whirl of mishap, disaster and doom to keep the reader entertained. Cold feet, drunkenness getting out of hand, match-making, friends playing cupid, I couldn't have loved it more! It is a romantic comedy, in some degree, but it's also so much more.
Hollie Moat writes such convincingly real characters, very three dimensional, and in a style that is so very natural. She is an incredibly perceptive writer, all the little details that often go unnoticed: characters going off topic, plans going awry, the hidden thoughts and motives of characters. She wisely avoids writing long, artificial dialogue between characters, or the clichés that come with writing love stories.
I would recommend this book, I would force it into your hands if I could. I always recommend my favourites.
I received this book from the author for review consideration.
July 24, 2017
There is drama galore with this set of characters which makes it such an entertaining story of love, lies, secrets and pretty much everything in between. Bee and Ben are such complex characters who were so much fun to get to know. They both have flaws which again makes them perfect for each other, but will they get their happy ever after?
I was completely drawn into the story with it's witty and also quirky characters and I loved the alternating chapters told from both Bee and Ben's perspective it made it so easy to become attached to the characters. As the reader you got to know their inner thoughts and some of them were pretty funny. If I had to pick a favourite character it would have to be Ben I loved how vain he was and I couldn't help but smile hearing what he thought about certain situations.
With meddling from everyone causing confusion and hurt I was left wondering if things could be put right in the end. There is some good villains of the story who I couldn't help but hate. I loved the romance that runs through this story from Bee to Ben and also Imogen and Will.
Other People's Business really held a special charm for me with a brilliant story full of romance, wit and drama!
Five stars!
With thanks to H. J. Moat for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I was completely drawn into the story with it's witty and also quirky characters and I loved the alternating chapters told from both Bee and Ben's perspective it made it so easy to become attached to the characters. As the reader you got to know their inner thoughts and some of them were pretty funny. If I had to pick a favourite character it would have to be Ben I loved how vain he was and I couldn't help but smile hearing what he thought about certain situations.
With meddling from everyone causing confusion and hurt I was left wondering if things could be put right in the end. There is some good villains of the story who I couldn't help but hate. I loved the romance that runs through this story from Bee to Ben and also Imogen and Will.
Other People's Business really held a special charm for me with a brilliant story full of romance, wit and drama!
Five stars!
With thanks to H. J. Moat for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 3, 2017
Highly enjoyable modern update of Shakespeare witty comedy
Much Ado is my favourite Shakespeare, Beatrice my favourite of his women, the play so sparky and playful. I recently enjoyed another retelling of a classic, Prejudice and Pride, where the sexes are reversed. And Eligible, with the same Austen retold in today's world. The One Thing Worse Than Me is You puts Much Ado into a high school. So I am a fan of the classics being reimagined for our contemporary society.
Here, Bee and Ben are in place at the centre of a war of words, with the rather vain Ben annoyed to have to confront his former girlfriend at the wedding weekend of their mutual colleagues/relatives. Bee's cousin Imogen is to marry Will, the perfect 'loved-up' couple. But of course, as in the play, the course of true love refuses to run smooth as John, half brother to Will and Ben's boss Laurence puts a spanner in the works, just as the friends of Bee and Ben also conspire to bring the pair back together.
I was impressed at Moat's diligence at transferring the characters, situations and script over to a modern world, without losing anything essential but putting what is needed, a modern 'twist' on the story. For some things about the play HAVE to change, to seem realistic in the twenty-first century.
Hero is a Bridezilla, but adorably so. Much insight into Ben and Bee's past makes their war of words believable. Dogsbody (one of my favourite characters) becomes a pig-obsessed worker, Ben a mirror-glancing muscled clotheshorse of a modern man.
I got to the 50% mark and did think - the plot is almost at an end, what more can Moat add to this to double its length? But I was happy with the additions made, certain parts of the plot needed updating to fit, and the backstory a welcome insight.
I enjoyed the alternating chapters too, told between Bee and Ben, and recognised the source material throughout, told with Shakespeare's language, lots of in-jokes and references to the playwright, and the playing out of the comedy. These are modern characters but in an age-old story of love.
Highly enjoyable, a great one for fans of the play but you don't need knowledge of it to find this a pleasure.
With thanks to the author for the sample reading copy.
Much Ado is my favourite Shakespeare, Beatrice my favourite of his women, the play so sparky and playful. I recently enjoyed another retelling of a classic, Prejudice and Pride, where the sexes are reversed. And Eligible, with the same Austen retold in today's world. The One Thing Worse Than Me is You puts Much Ado into a high school. So I am a fan of the classics being reimagined for our contemporary society.
Here, Bee and Ben are in place at the centre of a war of words, with the rather vain Ben annoyed to have to confront his former girlfriend at the wedding weekend of their mutual colleagues/relatives. Bee's cousin Imogen is to marry Will, the perfect 'loved-up' couple. But of course, as in the play, the course of true love refuses to run smooth as John, half brother to Will and Ben's boss Laurence puts a spanner in the works, just as the friends of Bee and Ben also conspire to bring the pair back together.
I was impressed at Moat's diligence at transferring the characters, situations and script over to a modern world, without losing anything essential but putting what is needed, a modern 'twist' on the story. For some things about the play HAVE to change, to seem realistic in the twenty-first century.
Hero is a Bridezilla, but adorably so. Much insight into Ben and Bee's past makes their war of words believable. Dogsbody (one of my favourite characters) becomes a pig-obsessed worker, Ben a mirror-glancing muscled clotheshorse of a modern man.
I got to the 50% mark and did think - the plot is almost at an end, what more can Moat add to this to double its length? But I was happy with the additions made, certain parts of the plot needed updating to fit, and the backstory a welcome insight.
I enjoyed the alternating chapters too, told between Bee and Ben, and recognised the source material throughout, told with Shakespeare's language, lots of in-jokes and references to the playwright, and the playing out of the comedy. These are modern characters but in an age-old story of love.
Highly enjoyable, a great one for fans of the play but you don't need knowledge of it to find this a pleasure.
With thanks to the author for the sample reading copy.
May 2, 2017
Other People's Business , HJ Moat
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
So, blush time here, I'm a book lover who's never read Much Ado About Nothing.
In my defence we were force fed Shakespeare at school, never allowed to just enjoy a book but had to dissect it, analyse the life out of it, and for me that just spoiled it. Not just Shakespeare but other fiction too.....didn't affect my love of books and stories but did put me off some Classics. So I can't tell you how it stands up the the original, just how this appealed to me as a contemporary story.
Great characters here from Lawrence - who I hated as a supercilious rich boy, Will and Imogen who were both so sweet it almost hurt my teeth, and my favourites Ben and Bee. I loved those two, they had such perfect lines, such acid humour and though I understood why Bee was so hurt, I didn't really understand Ben til we learned more of him towards the end.
Of course there's also nasty John, Lawrence's brother, who's malicious through and through, Daniel and Barnaby who work for Lawrence and who he's insisted are invited to the wedding. In his typical steamroller way Lawrence has commandeered the wedding as a kind of team building exercise, and Imogen is so in love with Will that she goes along with everything. I'd like to see him try that with Bee :-)
Then there's Len, Imogen's father who's such a great guy. He's worked hard for his wealth but hasn't forgotten his roots, and adores his daughters and Bee.
One more star, Frank ( I think was his name), the guy who looks after the grounds and pigs for Len. He was just perfect with his two cohorts when things went awry!
So, the wedding of the century is on, or at least that's how it feel to Bee, and she's going to come face to face with Ben. And its not going to be pleasant.
True to form there are some acidly sharp, but very funny exchanges, but each leash their claws a little as its a wedding of their best freinds.
I loved the snappy humour, the way it was clear that love and hate are really two sides of the same coin. these two were perfect for each other. If only they could get past their pasts....
Everything's going well, and then cracks seep in. Ben seems to get excluded from some secret mystery meetings between Will, Lawrence and John, and the three are acting very strangely.
When the bombshell hits Ben really comes into his own. I Hated the smugness of Will and Lawrence, hated their actions and poor Immy. what an awful thing.
From then its all about change, with relationships on and off, on and off before they all finally settle.
Its a fun read, a good romance, ( though I still feel Immy was too good for Will. His actions really were horrific, whatever he believed - but she loved him!)
Like I said, how it stands up to Shakespeare I can't tell you, but I enjoyed it as a story in its own right.
I've read books based on other stories and films, and seen films of books and for me they work best when they take the ethos and run with it, but create a fresh new story rather than following step for step the original.
From reading synopsis of Shakespeare's MAAN I think this one is one of those, the fresh story based on an original line.
If you're looking for a romance read with lots of drama, some great humour and fabulous characters then give this a try, its a fun story.
Stars: Five, a book that made me smile, made me sad and at times made me angry. For me a great read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by author
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance
So, blush time here, I'm a book lover who's never read Much Ado About Nothing.
In my defence we were force fed Shakespeare at school, never allowed to just enjoy a book but had to dissect it, analyse the life out of it, and for me that just spoiled it. Not just Shakespeare but other fiction too.....didn't affect my love of books and stories but did put me off some Classics. So I can't tell you how it stands up the the original, just how this appealed to me as a contemporary story.
Great characters here from Lawrence - who I hated as a supercilious rich boy, Will and Imogen who were both so sweet it almost hurt my teeth, and my favourites Ben and Bee. I loved those two, they had such perfect lines, such acid humour and though I understood why Bee was so hurt, I didn't really understand Ben til we learned more of him towards the end.
Of course there's also nasty John, Lawrence's brother, who's malicious through and through, Daniel and Barnaby who work for Lawrence and who he's insisted are invited to the wedding. In his typical steamroller way Lawrence has commandeered the wedding as a kind of team building exercise, and Imogen is so in love with Will that she goes along with everything. I'd like to see him try that with Bee :-)
Then there's Len, Imogen's father who's such a great guy. He's worked hard for his wealth but hasn't forgotten his roots, and adores his daughters and Bee.
One more star, Frank ( I think was his name), the guy who looks after the grounds and pigs for Len. He was just perfect with his two cohorts when things went awry!
So, the wedding of the century is on, or at least that's how it feel to Bee, and she's going to come face to face with Ben. And its not going to be pleasant.
True to form there are some acidly sharp, but very funny exchanges, but each leash their claws a little as its a wedding of their best freinds.
I loved the snappy humour, the way it was clear that love and hate are really two sides of the same coin. these two were perfect for each other. If only they could get past their pasts....
Everything's going well, and then cracks seep in. Ben seems to get excluded from some secret mystery meetings between Will, Lawrence and John, and the three are acting very strangely.
When the bombshell hits Ben really comes into his own. I Hated the smugness of Will and Lawrence, hated their actions and poor Immy. what an awful thing.
From then its all about change, with relationships on and off, on and off before they all finally settle.
Its a fun read, a good romance, ( though I still feel Immy was too good for Will. His actions really were horrific, whatever he believed - but she loved him!)
Like I said, how it stands up to Shakespeare I can't tell you, but I enjoyed it as a story in its own right.
I've read books based on other stories and films, and seen films of books and for me they work best when they take the ethos and run with it, but create a fresh new story rather than following step for step the original.
From reading synopsis of Shakespeare's MAAN I think this one is one of those, the fresh story based on an original line.
If you're looking for a romance read with lots of drama, some great humour and fabulous characters then give this a try, its a fun story.
Stars: Five, a book that made me smile, made me sad and at times made me angry. For me a great read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by author
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