Audio Review: Darcy's Awakening - Georgina Young-Ellis

When Darcy and Lizzy meet at the Meryton assembly, Darcy is already engaged to another woman, and Lizzy has suffered the loss of someone she once loved. How will they find their way to each other, with these obstacles, and so many more, standing in their way?

My thoughts:

Oh you know me, I love my variations, I love them in any shape and form.

In this one Darcy is engaged (in secret) to Miss Bingley. OMG, Darcy really! But it does make sense, she is his bff's sis. She has money of her own. She is accomplished blah blah blah. Darcy really.

But the rest goes as before. They meet. He does fancy her, but alas, he is engaged to Miss Bingley and he is a gentleman. And Lizzy if of course taken by Wickham.

This is the first book where I wanted Lizzy to end up with the colonel. He was so sweet and he cared for her and I was all awwwwww- Of course at the end I liked that she ended up with Darcy, I mean obviously! But still, maybe Lizzy should end up with Colonel Fitzwilliam one time and then he dies in the war and then first she finds Darcy. There...write it please ;)

But so yes there will be setbacks, and I did know he and Miss Bingley would part ways, obviously, I just did not know how it could happen since he is such a gentleman. But as always everything works out for the best.

Narrator

Jannie Maisberger

She did a good job, she had this...lol dunno proper way of speaking everyone's voices that I enjoyed. Variations are really pleasant listening too. I go around with an amused look, a faked shocked look, well you name it.

Audiobook, 4 h 39 minPublished August 25th 2017 by LTB Productions LLCPride and Prejudice variation'I was given this free review copy audiobook and have voluntarily left this review.'

A dance with Mr Darcy - Regina Jeffers

The reason fairy tales end with a wedding is no one wishes to view what happens next. 

Five years earlier, Darcy had raced to Hertfordshire to soothe Elizabeth Bennet’s qualms after Lady Catherine’s venomous attack, but a devastating carriage accident left him near death for months and cost him his chance at happiness with the lady. Now, they meet again upon the Scottish side of the border, but can they forgive all that has transpired in those years? They are widow and widower; however, that does not mean they can take up where they left off. They are damaged people, and healing is not an easy path. To know happiness they must fall in love with the same person all over again. 

My thoughts:

This one was tough, she really put them through a lot. I have never felt so sorry for poor Lizzy. Life dealt everyone a cruel hand.

Darcy never returned to Lizzy, though, not by his own choice. He was in a really bad accident and then he married someone else.

But that was not the really bad part. Lizzy was dealt a cruel fate by her marriage. Poor poor Lizzy. She was changed, but at the same time not. I liked how the author made her strong.

The biggest surprise in this book was Lydia. I actually liked her. It had been 5 years so she had the chance to grow up a bit.

Darcy and Lizzy meet again. She is not happy, but slowly they learn truths about each other, and he never stopped loving her. And she never stopped wondering what could have been.

I enjoyed this variation. It was different and they were different people now too. (

Kindle Edition, 180ish
Published March 21st 2017 by Regency Solutions
Pride and Prejudice variation
own

An unwavering trust - LL Diamond

Two strangers with no one to turn to but each other… Fitzwilliam Darcy is in a difficult situation. His father is pressing him to propose marriage to the last woman in the world he would wish to take as his wife. With a fortnight to announce his betrothal, he makes the acquaintance of Elizabeth Bennet, who is in a predicament of her own. Could Darcy be willing to consider Elizabeth as a solution to his problem and to hers? And can Elizabeth ascertain enough of Darcy’s character to trust him upon nothing but a first impression? 

My thoughts:

This was different. It started at an earlier date and well some of the people that used to be nice were asshats. And of course there are some changes in Lizzy's family too, you will see.

Darcy's dad wants him to marry Anne and gives him two weeks. Then he meets Lizzy. And yes yes we all know they will marry cos he does not want to marry Anne. And well just say Lizzy needs to marry too.

So this book was about them getting to know each other. It had some ups and downs. Darcy is still Darcy. But they never had that drama in the beginning so they started off on a different footing. They liked each other and they fell in love.

But there are other kinds of drama. There is always Wickham, that SOB.

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it. 

Cover
meh

Paperback, First Edition, 452 pages
Published May 20th 2015 by Independent Publisher
Pride and Prejudice variation
Own

Renewed Hope - Rose Fairbanks

Sometimes love needs a second chance. Told against the backdrop of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy's timeless love story, Renewed Hope continues the story of Sufficient Encouragement through the eyes of three couples experiencing love for the second time.

James Fitzwilliam may be the Viscount Arlington, but ten years ago he walked away from money and prestige to marry a servant girl against his family's wishes. Unexpectedly, she died, and he has spent the time since trying to forget his loss. At last determining to marry with no hope of love, he settles on his cousin Anne de Bourgh - the very lady he cast aside years earlier.

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam is a celebrated war hero and has loved only one woman. Her plot to use him to entrap his brother, the heir of a wealthy and powerful earl, crushed him in ways even battle could not. Years have passed, but the wounds remain. He knows better than to trust a lady again but is defenseless against the captivating Lady Belinda Crenshaw. Instead of proving faithless, she proves constant to the naval captain she loved who died at sea mere months ago. As Richard attempts to convince Lady Belinda to love again, his plans for retirement disappear.

Caroline Bingley has not always been mercenary and title grasping. Once upon a time, she was a naïve girl who fancied herself in love with a shopkeeper's son with poor prospects due to the colour of his skin. When war broke out with France, he chose to prove his patriotism just as Caroline recognized her family would grieve over the match. Breaking the engagement nearly destroyed them both. Meeting Jacob Truman again could be the answer to all their dreams or their worst nightmares. 

My thoughts:

That blurb really told everything that happens...then again, I already knew what would happen. And not because this was a variation, but because these things happened already in book 1. Just in the background because that was Lizzy's and the others story. While here the background people come into light and share their POVS.

Here Colonel Fitzwilliam gets his chance to find true love. Their story was nice, even if Belinda was all no, no love for me! Because she had loved and lost.

His brother Viscount Arlington does his duty to the family. But that story does not really get a conclusion here, and I think Anne really well step up in the next book.

And then there is Caroline, arghh, I hate when I like her. I want to despise her, but here, oh she is tired of it all and she wants to change. And I like her. Poor Caroline. She needs love too, she just have to stop caring about money and power first. Good for her to go for love.

Book 1 and book 2 is sort of the same then. Just from different POVS. We get to see Darcy in the background while he hunts for Lizzy. But it is not his story, it is the other's. Though it did bother me that we sill got no real endings here. There will be more. I would have liked an ending since I already read their story two times.

Side characters needs love too.!

Kindle Edition, 200iah
Published July 19th 2016 by Rose Fairbanks
When Love Blooms #2
Pride and Prejudice variation
In exchange for an honest review

The unthinkable triangle - Joane Starnes

All is fair in love and war – or is it? What if Mr. Darcy’s rival for Elizabeth Bennet’s hand and heart is not some inconsequential stranger, but his dearest, closest friend? How is he to reconcile the claims of loyalty and kinship with the urge to pursue his heart’s desire? 

My thoughts:

I did say it somewhere, I have wanted to try a variation where Colonel Fitzwilliam proposes to her, and she accepts. She and Richard always seemed to fit, so what if he threw caution or the wind and got there first?

Oh yes, intriguing! 

This was not a prudent match. She comes with 100 pounds a year. He has his his army pay, which is not a lot. They get engaged at Rosings, well not AT Rosings, but at that time.

Oh no! Drama! We all know Darcy was on his way. Yes yes we all know she would have turned him down, but now she never has the chance. Now Richard tells her what an awesome guy Darcy is, now Richard helps things turn around. Now Lizzy actually starts to think Darcy is a good guy. Maybe she will start to think he is too good? Too nice? Too likable ;)

We also know that come on, she wont leave Darcy in the dust. But the way she handles the Richard situation was good. They are not meant to be together and he will see it too. I also liked Darcy more this way, he was so madly in love and torn apart when his cousin is with the woman he loves. Poor poor Darcy. 

Kindle Edition, 301 pages
Published September 23rd 2015
Pride and Prejudice re-telling
Own

A sense of obligation - Rose Fairbanks

A chance, but meaningful, encounter in Netherfield’s library changes everything between Darcy and Elizabeth. As they rush to the altar, Darcy’s faulty memory may destroy their chance at domestic comfort before they begin. Knowing their obligations and no longer resisting their attraction, they forge a foundation of trust and respect. New feelings may not be enough, however, to overcome the misunderstanding which lays between them. Exploring the juncture of sentiment and reason, A Sense of Obligation, takes Darcy and Elizabeth on a passionate, humorous and introspective path toward happiness in marriage. 

My thoughts:

I liked this twist. Darcy thinks he has ruined Lizzy and asks her to marry. This all takes place at Netherfield so those other words never happen. Which is a good thing.

Darcy is all noooo! How could I?! But he is such a good man. And he falls in love. Seriously the best Darcy in a long time. I never disliked him. He was always so honorable and sweet. He was never too proud. 

Lizzy has a good head on her shoulders, and yes if someone had seen them her reputation would be ruined. Just not like he thinks. So she says yes and starts to like him. And it grows.

They were so sweet together, and I did enjoy the misconceptions. 

I also liked how the Bingley and Jane drama played out. And what happened to Caroline, ha! Not to mention about Wickham. Things can change so much with a few tweaks here and there.

Conclusion:

I enjoyed it. A nice different variation, one with a super nice Darcy. 

Kindle Edition, 277 pages
Published July 25th 2015
Pride and Prejudice re-telling
For review 

Mr.Darcy's Challenge - Monica Fairview

In this humorous Pride and Prejudice Variation, Mr. Darcy is determined to win Elizabeth Bennet's hand in spite of her rejection and he has a strategy worked out. He will rescue Lydia Bennet from Wickham and will return to Longbourn to convince Elizabeth to marry him. But when a chance encounter prompts Darcy to propose once again to Elizabeth before he has rescued Lydia, his plans go horribly wrong. 

Broken hearted, disillusioned and bitterly regretting his impulsive action, Darcy sees no point in assisting Miss Bennet. After all, rescuing Lydia might save Elizabeth’s reputation, but why should he care when they have no future together? His code of gentlemanly conduct, however, demands that he fulfill the terms of his promise to her. Once again, Darcy finds himself faced with impossible choices: helping Elizabeth when she is certain to marry someone else, or holding onto his dignity by turning his back on the Bennets once and for all. 

Pride and love are at loggerheads as he struggles to choose between his mind … and his heart. 

Volume Two of The Darcy Novels continues the story began in Mr. Darcy's Pledge but can be read as an independent book as well.

My thoughts:

Oh Darcy you are such a fool *smacks Darcy over the head*. At least you got over the woman you thought about in book 1...not Lizzy. Yes he aches for her but he wants to marry and is such a fool, a gentleman fool. Sighs. But do NOT worry, of course it will end happily. He is just too nice.

This book sure takes its share of twists and turns and turns the real book on its head. Darcy tries to find Lydia. He gets to show how nice he really is to Lizzy. Lydia's ending was great for once. It fit. Even if she is a silly silly girl.

We saw nothing of Mary and Kitty, or Jane either in a way. This is Darcy's book after all. It's all about his longing and fight to make her his.

And he succeeds! Huzzah! And then they live happily ever after. Well except for everyone matched up, but they will be ok ;)

Conclusion:

A nice little series :) Darcy being Darcy and simply wonderful.

Cover

eh

Paperback, 248 pages
Published November 24th 2014 by White Soup Press
The Darcy Novels #2
Pride and prejudice re-telling
For review

Book Blog Walkers: Weekly Check-in Nov 21 2014 and Pride and Prejudice re-tellings x3

This challenge is organized by Felicia over at the Geeky Blogger's Book Blog

Saturday 1 hour walk

Sunday 1.15 hour walk

Monday 10 km bike and 45 min zumba toning

Tuesday 5 km bike

Wednesday 5 km bike and 1 hour zumba

Thursday 10 km bike and 1 hour zumba

Friday 5 km bike 

Good week, even though I took a free day on Tuesday cos I had the flu, and on Friday no time for anything cos of xmas party :)

Sunday

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A lady's reputation is a fragile thing. If anyone ever discovered that Miss Elizabeth Bennet had received a letter from a single gentleman, she could be ruined... or forced to marry a man she detests. In this Pride & Prejudice variation, Elizabeth takes the safer course and refuses to read Mr. Darcy's letter of explanation. Returning home unaware of Wickham's true nature, Elizabeth confesses everything to him, putting both Mr. Darcy and herself in grave danger from Wickham's schemes. 

My thoughts:

You all know I love these. They are my weakness, I can't get enough and if they are done right then yay. This one begins from the LETTER. She does not read it and does not realize that Darcy is good and Wickham is bad.

But Darcy loves her and longs for her. Some things are the same and some not. I can not go into detail but I really liked one thing that changed. It was hopeful. Another thing I did not like. Lizzy would not behave a certain way, not after the incident. She is no fool. But hey I can live with it.

I have read most of Reynold's variations and they are all fun. I really should read them all. 

Kindle Edition, 264 pages
Published November 28th 2011 by Intertidal Press
Pride and prejudice variation
Own

Spring 1944 - Britain is now in its fourth year of war. In order to defeat Adolph Hitler and his Nazis, everyone in the country must do his or her bit. While a young Elizabeth Bennet makes her contribution by driving a lorry, Fitzwilliam Darcy flies Lancaster bombers over Germany. Because of the war, both are wary of falling in love, but when the two meet near an airbase in Hertfordshire, all bets are off. 

Set against the background of World War II, in Darcy Goes to War, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy battle something more than class differences. The greatest evil of the 20th Century is trying to bring Britain to its knees. In order to be together, they must survive the war. 

My thoughts:

There was not a lot left of the original story. 5 sisters, two fall in love, 1 make a bad decision. That's it. Darcy and Lizzy meet, they fall for each other. No drama, no heartache. Except the heartache that a war is going on and he might be dead the next day.

I like what happened to Lydia, and her sisters. Jane got her HEA as always too.

I actually think I would have preferred this one to not be a re-telling. Instead it would have showed the work women did for their country, and what men did. And how fast people can fall in love (with that I mean all the girls in the village who was preggers by soldiers).

Interesting story. 

Kindle Edition, 260 pages
Published September 4th 2012 by Quail Creek Publishing LLC
Pride and prejudice re-telling
Own

Did you know that Mr. Darcy had an American cousin?!

My thoughts:

The title says it all...Mr Darcy has an American cousin! He is hot too and has money.

Do I like Caroline? Not so much. Did I like her in the end? Not so much, BUT she had improved greatly and we could have been friends. If I only did not hold a grudge ;) I mean come on, she is a hard woman to like in PP. Here she does learn to be kinder, and people even comment upon it. Because she was a bitch ;)

Anyway, enough with my grudge. Caroline and Mr Darcy meets and do not particularity like each other. But they keep ending up together, and in the same room. Damn that fate! Time moves along, and they become somewhat friendly.

The drama around them is Lizzy being ill :/ A houseparty with new friends. Lydia showing up (sigh Lydia). Mrs Bennet trying to marry her 2 daughters off and Caroline being nice!

Fun, even if I still do not like Caroline, ha.

ebook, 368 pages
Published October 1st 2009 by Sourcebooks Landmark
Pride and Prejudice sequel
Own