Mr Darcy's Refuge - Abigail Reynolds

Kindle Edition, 238 pages

Published August 22nd 2012 by White Soup Press (first published August 1st 2012)

Pride and Prejudice variation

Own

I finally Dled the kindle app on my phone, cos hell, nope I do not ever read them when I dl on my computer and then I can not find them. Though this did take me 2 months, ooops. Note to self, if you start one then do finish too.

To read it this long was not a good idea. I totally forgot how they fell in love *hangs head in shame* But hey, still fun!

They have to interact during a flood. Darcy is quite the hero, and Lizzy has to agree.

They will fall in love, have to struggle for their love. Mr Bennet is quite the d*ck. Wickham is up to his old tricks, and omg Jane has quite the love story of her own and I applauded that at the end. Well done, well done!

variations that mix things up are always fun

Trapped for three days by a flood, and trapped forever by society because of it….
The river isn't the only thing overflowing in Hunsford when a natural disaster forces Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to work together. The residents of flood-stricken Hunsford, seeking refuge in the parsonage atop the hill, are unaware they are interrupting Darcy's disastrous proposal. Even worse, the flood has washed out the only bride to Rosings Park, stranding Darcy with the woman who has just refused his offer of marriage. But it may already be too late to redeem Elizabeth’s reputation…. 

Carole's Sunday: Pride and Sensuality - PO Dixon

Author: P.O. Dixon

Narrator: Pearl Hewitt

Title: Pride and Sensuality (Darcy and Elizabeth Short Stories)

Genre: Historical Romance, PP variation, & Short story

Pages: Audiobook

Published:  March 27th 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

With his mind agreeably engaged on the pleasures that await him once he and his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth are man and wife, Darcy's patience wanes, and he begins to wonder if he will ever find time alone with his betrothed.

Elizabeth is not oblivious of the discomfort Darcy must surely suffer. Not only does she have the key to his heart; she knows how to use it.

A random find on Audible. I was feeling a short story and I think I needed a little Darcy/Elizabeth in my life. 

The story follows Elizabeth and Darcy after Elizabeth said 'yes' to the propose. It is a few days before the wedding and they are in a lot of love and lust. 

This was sweet and short and gave me the Elizabeth/Darcy fix I needed. They are adorable and I loved the interactions not only between them but between all the siblings. It was cute. 

Now - I was a little thrown off with the title. There really was no smexy time. It was nice to just see them kissing and talking and Darcy introducing Elizabeth to new things like cocoa. There was a lot of lust, but they are creatures of their time so I can see them waiting for their marriage but doing other things instead. 

Read one by the author a while back and I remember it being meh, but I like the writing style. Glad I gave this one a try! It made me more curious about the author.

I do wish it was longer. It ended at an awkward moment story-wise.

The narrator was perfect for an Austen-y story. I want to listen more by her. 

In the end, I liked this. Short and sweet. I wanted more at the end there. I'll give this 3 stars. For sure worth it if you need some Austen-y type stories in your life. 

Mr Darcy's Miracle at Longbourn - Rose Fairbanks

Less than a month after Fitzwilliam Darcy left Hertfordshire, he regrets the decision. Still, stubborn as they come, he will abide by the choice even if his heart freezes over worse than a December chill. 

At Longbourn, Elizabeth Bennet rejects the Christmas themes of unconditional love and forgiveness. In her mind, Mr. Darcy deserves neither and not only for insulting her upon first sight. Elizabeth is certain Darcy is behind her sister’s heartache. 

Fate has other plans, however, when it throws them together again and again and again. Christmas magic works on their hearts and minds as the calendar refuses to budge from December 23. What will it take to see Christmas Eve? How many lives need to change? 

Kindle Edition, 280 ish

Published December 8th 2017

Pride and prejudice variation

own

My thoughts:

I do admit, I am not a fan of the same day happening over and over again. What saved this one (after me being confused for a while, should have read the blurb!) was that things changed a lot. 

Darcy and Lizzy sure had a hard time getting together.

Bingley and Jane not so much.

Colonel Fitzwilliam finds something he wants.

Lydia learns something.

Mrs Bennet has a change of heart.

Mary blossoms.

Georgiana puts her food town.

Poor Kitty.

FU Wickham.

And then they all lived happily ever after. I liked that.

I will never ever tire!

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.'

Carole's Saturday Review: Lady Susan

Author: Jane Austen

Title: Lady Susan

Genre: Classic, Historical, & Romance

Pages: 80

Published: 1871

Where I Got It: My Shelf (Used bookstore)

Beautiful, flirtatious, and recently widowed, Lady Susan Vernon seeks an advantageous second marriage for herself, while attempting to push her daughter into a dismal match. 

I needed a little bit of Jane Austen in my life and I haven't read this one yet, so why not?

This is a short story compared to the other novels and told in a different format. The story is told in a series of letters from multiple different people. It was an interesting way to tell the story, because we get to see the characters from their own POV and from the POV of others. I did like this format a lot and I think the author did a good job. However, this is all I can really say I liked. 

The characters were all horrible. Lady Susan was a viper under her beauty and charm. The Vernons are nice enough and care about Frederica, but weak and annoying. Reginald is nice too, but an idiot. Alicia was an enabler and just as bad as Lady Susan. Frederica is sweet and so abused, but my goodness I wanted to slap her all the time. Having characters like these make stories hard to care about. 

I did not care about anyone and so I really didn't care. I began losing interest about halfway, but since that meant there was only 40 pages left, I kept on going. But I barely remember the outcome. I had to do a quick reminder course when I decided to write this review. 

The writing style was a-typical Austen, but I feel she missed the mark on her characters in this one. 

Big bummer for me, but not the worse thing I ever read....2 stars. I gave this a star for the format and writing style.  

A Modern Day Persuasion - Kaitlin Saunders

Nearly eight years ago, Anne’s family, specifically her father, insinuated that her fiancé Rick was solely interested in her wealth and status. Against her better judgment, Anne agreed to postpone the marriage, only to watch the love of her life walk away, never to be heard from again. Almost a decade later, still single and no longer wealthy, Anne struggles to make a name for herself designing greeting cards. Unable to move on with her life, she finds herself still emotionally bound to the man who disappeared the moment things didn’t go his way. Through a series of serendipitous events, however, Anne is reunited with her old love—just as a new beau enters the scene. Only time will tell if her heart can finally be set free to love again, or if Rick’s initial betrayal will leave her single…forever. 

My thoughts:

I think this was a good example how if you make a modern adaption then do change things!

First Anne met Wentworth at 17 (or 16) and wanted to marry him before even having finished HS. Yes her dad said no cos Rick had no money, but omg, hello! She had not even finished HS!

He was actually given an ultimatum, wait for her to finish college and then get married and he just walked away. What an effing ahole. That did not make me like him.

In the book her sis married that Charles guy even though he was in love with Anne. We never got an explanation why someone today would feel the need do do that. Why did he? Why did she? Also she must have married very young since she had 2 kids and were under 25. I am not saying people can not marry young but these two did not even like each other. It was a status thing. You can't be on the shelf either.

The Musgroves at once thought that Rick could marry one of their daughters. That worked great back then, now the whole eligible bachelor was just really? Bad parenting.

Anne was fond of reading. Rick was a really famous author. She had never heard of him. He went into the navy 8 years ago, became a writer and was now rich. 

What else...oh her sister dated their Elliott cousin, like euwww. Modern days, maybe not do that.

These two had almost no interaction before the letter, fine I believed it in those days, but now, I can not even see why you two like each other?!

Poor Anne, not married at 25. Omg how tragic.

The Lyme couple got engaged as in the real version too...too fast now.

All these people are idiots.

Omg do not read this one.

Paperback, 256 pages
Published May 5th 2011 by BookSurge Publishing
Persuasion remake
Own

Sense and Sensibility and Sea monsters - Ben H Winters

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters expands the original text of the beloved Jane Austen novel with all-new scenes of giant lobsters, rampaging octopi, two-headed sea serpents, and other biological monstrosities. As our story opens, the Dashwood sisters are evicted from their childhood home and sent to live on a mysterious island full of savage creatures and dark secrets. While sensible Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, her romantic sister Marianne is courted by both the handsome Willoughby and the hideous man-monster Colonel Brandon. Can the Dashwood sisters triumph over meddlesome matriarchs and unscrupulous rogues to find true love? Or will they fall prey to the tentacles that are forever snapping at their heels? This masterful portrait of Regency England blends Jane Austen’s biting social commentary with ultraviolent depictions of sea monsters biting. It’s survival of the fittest—and only the swiftest swimmers will find true love! 

My thoughts:

I am going to admit to something that may shock you...Austen's writing can be dry *people gasping in horror* Oh shut it, yes I KNOW I read like a million variations, but *coughs* dry. Dry I say.

Never mind that, well yes do mind that, because that was my problem with this book, it was rather dry. Oh fibblesticks.

But the world was cool, the creatures of the sea, lakes and more have turned into man eating monsters. Everything is out to get you. And in this crazy world the sensible Dashwoods lives and everyone goes on with their business as usual. Oh that servant is making a spectacle of himself while being eaten, look away. How dare he. That I liked, the manners of the time combined with people having to fend of monsters at the same time.

Have some tea, oh and pick up ore and kill the hideous sea monster while you are at it.

Conclusion:
But it was dry, and even though it was fun...it was boring and dry. Even when it was fun. Still, would make a cool movie.

Cover
Ha

Paperback, 340 pages
Published September 15th 2009 by Quirk Books
Sense and Sensibility variation
Own

Joint Discussion: Sense and Sensibility by Joanna Trollope

This month Carole and I will be reading "Sense & Sensibility" by Joanna Trollope.

Author: Joanna Trollope

Title: Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen Project)

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary set, & Retellings

Pages: 362

First Published: Jan 2013

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

John Dashwood promised his dying father that he would take care of his half sisters. But his wife, Fanny, has no desire to share their newly inherited estate with Belle Dashwood's daughters. When she descends upon Norland Park with her Romanian nanny and her mood boards, the three Dashwood girls-Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret-are suddenly faced with the cruelties of life without their father, their home, or their money.

As they come to terms with life without the status of their country house, the protection of the family name, or the comfort of an inheritance, Elinor and Marianne are confronted by the cold hard reality of a world where people's attitudes can change as drastically as their circumstances.

With her sparkling wit, Joanna Trollope casts a clever, satirical eye on the tales of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Reimagining Sense and Sensibility in a fresh, modern new light, she spins the novel's romance, bonnets, and betrothals into a wonderfully witty coming-of-age story about the stuff that really makes the world go around. For when it comes to money, some things never change. . . .

B: I do like Jane Austen fiction, and I have read quite a few *coughs A LOT* so of course I had to try to get one in ;) let’s start.

C: I do love some Jane Austen fiction myself! I especially love “what if” versions. SO. What did you think of this one?

B: Trollope can write, I will give her credit for that. It was a modern version of Sense and Sensibility, BUT, I wish some things could have been changed. Now it was just what it was, a modern version of a version we already know.

C: Yes, it certainly was a modern twist on the classic. Sadly, S&S was my least favorite of the Austen novels. So, yes, I enjoyed the ride, but it was a meh for me ultimately.

B: True, it has never been a favorite of mine either. Maybe that is why I wanted things to change. You know, spice things up. What I would do first is to have Brandon and Eleanor end up together. I have never understood him and Marianne. Ok he had the hots for her cos she was young and pretty, but she just gave up. What do you think?

C: Oooh! I completely agree! I always root for that couple! They make more sense and it would be a great relationship. I can see it ending badly for Marianne and Brandon. Even if it was modern. Honestly, I always think of them of the couple from that movie with Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey (Eternal Sunshine). They had a great month and great sex, but it ends up in flames, because SHE gets bored. Silly girl even in the modern version. smh.

B: I can see that. She will get bored, and she has an affair with Willoughby again, cos she still want him, and he still wants her. Brandon gets depressed and they all die. See, Brandon and Eleanor needs to be a couple! Marianne is young, she could find someone. And Ferrars is an idiot who can make his mind up, he could find someone else too. I never saw the love between E and him either. OH, and I wanted their mum to find someone too ;)

C: The mom was a silly woman too, but yes, I wanted her to end up with someone. Maybe Ferrars? hehehe But yes...poor Brandon. :/ Speaking of Eleanor, what did you think of the occupation the author gave her? I did not think it fit her and it seemed so unsensible! xI

B: I on the other hand thought it was a sensible choice. She likes it to be clean so she draws clean lines. Eh, it fits. I did not mind. Though I never loved her. I liked her, but none of the characters made me love them

C: I would have made her a lawyer or office girl or something organized and clean. I like Eleanor, but I didn’t connect with her (like I did in the original) or with anyone for that matter. Part of the reason it was a meh for me.

B: I did find it to be good. Even if I wished she had taken chances with the story. I do want to read more of the variations, but I guess they are all like this. No one changes anything.

C: It was a fun ride and it was to revisit the characters in a different, modern light. Yes, she should have taken some chances. I am curious to check out the others. Maybe I’ll like the other ones. Has she written the “Persuasion” one yet? It’s my favorite of the Austen’s.

B: They are all done by different authors, and there is Emma, Northanger Abbey already done and Pride in the works.

C: Hmmm, maybe we can do another one someday? haha. Maybe save Emma for last (I wasn’t a huge fan of that one).

B: Emma, well that works in the “olden days” ;) but a modern bossy Emma. Yikes, she would be somewhat of a bitch wouldn’t she?

C: That is why I am scared to check that one out! hahahaha. *shudders* But did you have anything else to add?

B: Hmm, no. I enjoyed it, I wish she had taken chances. That is all. I still want to check the other famous authors doing variations. But my heart belongs to Pride and P variations set when they should be set :)

C: Agreed. It’ll be cool to check out the others. You know what...I’ve never read a “Persuasion” variation! o_o I wonder if there are any out there!? I haven’t even thought about looking.

B: I do want to read one too! Everyone is so PP focused, but it would be cool

C: Maybe I’ll hunt one down for the future ;)

B: Yes :) And remember to pick a book now

C: Will do! The end?

B: The end.

Emma by Jane Austen. Discussion with Anna from Diary of an Eccentric

Jane Austen famously described Emma Woodhouse, the title character of her 1815 novel, as “a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like.” Yet generations of readers have loved Emma, as much for her blunders as for her wit and vivacity. Emma, “handsome, clever, and rich,” has nothing else to do but try to pair off her friends, and she consistently misreads the relationships and situations around her as much as she misreads her own heart. The novel features a wonderful cast of characters, including Emma’s hypochondriac father, the odiously prideful Mrs. Elton, the mysterious and reserved Jane Fairfax, and Miss Bates, who never stops talking.

Anna from Diary of an Eccentric is a big Austen fan, just like me ;) So we decided to read Emma and talk about it. I sent her questions and then can be found here. She sent me questions and they can be found in her post here.

I decided not to read the book, instead I listened to the audio on my way to work. It took a while, but it was fun :D And the truth is that it was more fun that reading (as I tried that too.) I am truly the worst Austen lover ever.

But listening made it better, and some things stood out more too. My annoyance with Miss Bates and the horrid Mrs. Elton. I swear that if I ever hear the word Barouche Landau ever again I will have a fit. It made me think of things I had not seen before, and it made me like this novel more.

So a long story short, here are my answers. They will be my review.

1. Be honest, would you have been annoyed by Mrs Elton just as Emma was?
Anna:
Yes, she was the most obnoxious character in the book.  I think it's funny that she called her husband "Mr. E," but she was really rude in how she addressed the other characters.  And poor Jane Fairfax!  Of all the women in Highbury who could have became her "protector," it had to be Mrs. Elton!

B:
Arghh, two words: Barouche Landau! She kept going on and on and on and on! The things she had, her sister. She drove me insane.  I felt sorry for anyone that had to keep her company.

2. Did you wonder what kind of person Emma would have been, had her mother lived?

Anna:
It would have been great to have learned a little about Emma's mother, whether she praised Emma up and down like everyone else.  Even when Emma drove me crazy, I reminded myself that if everyone is always telling you how wonderful you are, you're likely to have a bit of a swelled head.  I'd also love to know how her mother put up with her father's health obsession and desire to stay at home all the time.

B:
I find it hard answering my own question. As I know nothing about Emma's mother, except that she was good, I really can't say anything. But Emma being Emma I think she would have been pretty much the same as she had a good influence from her governess. Still had her mother lived then her father might have been different and that would have made Emma different too.

3.  Mr. Knightley has loved Emma for a long time, but is this not a bit creepy? Considering her age then?

Anna:
The 16-year difference is a bit much for me, but I didn't think their relationship was creepy.  Mostly because I don't think Mr. Knightley realizes that he's actually in love with Emma until he fears she'll marry Frank Churchill, and by then she's 21.  I guess the way he scolds Emma like he's her father might be a bit odd, but he's the only one who sees Emma's flaws and offers her some guidance.  I guess someone needed to tell her, and he's the closest friend she has.

Blodeuedd:
I did not use to think it was creepy but then he went and said something and I went all euwwwwww! So I will try and forget about that and instead think of them as good friends, as him as an older brother (kind of euww that too). And then as someone who realises that he loves her..when she is old enough. Then the age does not matter anymore.

4. Do you think Mr. Knightley and Emma will live happily ever after?

Anna:
Yes, I do.  I think they're good for each other.  He's mature and wise enough to balance out the annoying parts of Emma's personality, and I think her youth would be refreshing for him.

Blodeuedd:
I guess I have to say yes :) This is romance, they should live happily ever after.

5. Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax. Is everything perfect in that relationship or not? Did you believe in their love?

Anna:
Now that's the relationship that worries me!  How Frank flirted with Emma right in front of the woman he supposedly loves...I can only imagine how hurt Jane must have been.  I don't know if I could've forgiven him for that, but then again, marrying him would save her from a life of service, so it certainly would have been easier to believe that Frank meant well but just messed up.  Because you don't see them falling in love, all you see is his bad behavior, it's hard to believe in their love.  We just have to hope for the best.

Blodeuedd:
How many times I read or watch this story I will never ever understand this relationship. I can't see that they love each other. I know they hid it but come on! He flirted shamelessly with Emma, he was mean to Jane when she was around, and not around. How can that be a man in love? And she, no, she is so cold, and she just let him. I think they had been in love, passionately, crazy in love. But it was a passion that will burn out and then they will just be bitter.

6. Has Emma truly learned her lesson, or are more matches in the future?

Anna:
One could only hope.  I wonder how she'd act when her children are grown.  I'd like to think that Mr. Knightley's love and attention would keep her in line.

Blodeuedd.
Ha, no, she has more to offer.

7. Miss Bates, annoying or not?

Anna:
I didn't find Miss Bates annoying because I was always laughing at her babbling.  Of course, I wasn't subjected to an entire afternoon of her chattering.  Mostly, I felt sorry for her.  She really needed a friend, someone to talk to and listen to her, especially with her mother so old and no husband or children.  And that comment Emma made to her at the picnic...poor Miss Bates!

Blodeuedd:
I did not use to think it but then I listened to the audio and it was horrible I tell you. She kept going on about trivial things and changed the subject every few minutes. It drove me crazy. So to listen to her for an extended time, no thank you. I do understand her, and feel sorry for her, but yes I was annoyed by her.

Thank you Anna!

Now go to Anna's blog for the rest

Diary of an Eccentric

Review: Mr. Darcy's Proposal - Susan Mason-Milks

A Pride and Prejudice "What If?" Story... This retelling of Pride and Prejudice asks “what if” events prevented Fitzwilliam Darcy from proposing to Elizabeth Bennet that day at Hunsford parsonage? Darcy arrives with marriage on his mind, only to find Elizabeth has just received news her father is critically ill and not expected to live. In the process of offering his help to her in traveling home, Darcy discovers what she really thinks of him—and it’s not good. Should Darcy deliver Elizabeth home to be with her family and then disappear from her life, or should he propose another kind of help? Will Elizabeth be willing to sacrifice her future happiness to save her family from financial ruin? Or, do she and Darcy, two very stubborn people, have a chance of finding happiness together?

Pages: 408, Genre: Pride and prejudice variation, Published: 2011, Source. My own

My thoughts:
I got a JA addiction and I like it ;)

This was quite the different what if. Since it all happens pretty quickly it's not like I spoil things. Lizzy's dad has a heart attack and Darcy offers to take her back home as she is visiting Charlotte. Here is where the story differs as he also waits with his proposal and asks her when she is back home. When she knows her dad will not get better. When the whole family's future is at stake. And she says yes. This is a story of how he loves her and she is pretty indifferent. She sees that he has hidden depths but she does not love him. 

The story worked so well. I loved seeing him trying. Her not knowing how to act, trying to be a nice little wife. It was all so wrong, but at the same time so good. Because they had to find their way together another way. They had to take their time to fall in love, well Lizzy had to. It was quite heartbreaking at times too.

There are many what if stories out there, and they all manages to bring something new. And this was new and fun (and sad) to read.

Conclusion:

I will end this with a I do like reading JA variations :)

Cover Corner:

Nice

Review: The disappearance of Georgiana Darcy - Regina Jeffers

A Pride and prejudice mystery
SHACKLED IN THE DUNGEON of a macabre castle with no recollection of her past, a young woman finds herself falling in love with her captor—the estate’s master. Trusting him before she regains her memory and unravels the castle’s wicked truths would be a catastrophe.

Far away at Pemberley, the Darcys happily gather to celebrate the marriage of Kitty Bennet. But a dark cloud sweeps through the festivities: Georgiana has disappeared without a trace. Upon receiving word of his sister’s likely demise, Darcy and his wife, Elizabeth, set off across the English countryside, seeking answers in the unfamiliar and menacing Scottish moors.

How can Darcy keep his sister safe from the most sinister threat she has ever faced when he doesn’t even know if she’s alive? True to Austen’s style and rife with malicious villains, dramatic revelations and heroic gestures, this suspense-packed mystery places Darcy and Elizabeth in the most harrowing situation they have ever faced— finding Georgiana before it’s too late.

Genre: Pride and prejudice variation /sequel, Pages: 336, Published: April 17 2012 by Ulysses Press, Source: For review

My thoughts:
This was certainly different from other variations that I have read. It was darker and you know what, it kind of made me not want to visit Scotland ;)

Lizzy and Darcy are happy. Kitty is getting married. Mary is married, the Bingley's are happy and Wickham and Lydia, well you know about them. Here I do feel sorry for Lydia, sure she is a silly idiotic thing but not even she deserves him. Everything is fine except for something that the characters find out later on in the book. Something the reader sees glimpses of. Georgiana is missing, she went to Scotland to put the house in order for when her husband joined her. Yes she married Colonel Fitzwilliam. She has been missing for quite a while and that is what this book is about. Where is she? What happened? We do get to see her but what on earth is truly going on? It was hard to wrap my head around it and it all seems like a bad fever dream. Because Scotland is scary.

I did like how Jeffers managed that, she took dark things and twisted them around. She made me ask myself if I truly knew what happened to Georgiana. It is quite the mystery and it gets solved in the end, and then truly sinister things comes to light.

Conclusion:
It was a different sort of variation. A mystery with all of our favorite Pride and Prejudice characters. And a castle straight out of nightmares.

Cover:
Nice

Review: Mr. Darcy Forever - Victoria Connelly

Estranged sisters Sarah and Mia Castle have spent a lifetime fighting over the men in their lives. They finally begin to make amends at the annual Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England. During the festival, the sisters realize that they can't bear to be apart. They discover that their sisterhood forms a bond stronger than their mutual connection as Jane Austen addicts. And in true Jane Austen fashion, they each begin to lose their hearts to dashing gentlemen.

Series: Austen Addicts #3, Genre: Jane Austen inspired fiction,  Pages: 320, Published: April 3, 2012, Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark, Source: For review

My thoughts:

The fact that I love Jane Austen inspired books is no secret. Little things that made me smile in this one was the mentioning about Austen Authors and 3 variations I do know well. It felt so real that way. The other thing is that I would sure love to visit the Jane Austen festival in Bath.

It's a part of the Austen Addicts series, but it's also a stand alone since it's all about new people and they have nothing do do with previous one. So no need to worry there.

And now to the story, here we have more the Sense and Sensibility theme. Two sisters, Sarah who has OCD and worries about her younger sister. Mia the younger one who is full of life and passion. Best of friends until something happens. Most of this book is therefore about the two of them, but they are not together. Both come to Bath for an Jane Austen Event and since there is romance, both might meet a dashing gentleman. A perfect Colonel Brandon and well I am not sure who the other one is, I guess Ferrars then.

We do not know drove them apart at first, it's a mystery that we learn more and more about. And it's so sad since they used to be so close. I also felt so sorry for Sarah because her sister at least understood her OCD and now she does not have anyone. While Mia seemed cheerful and so sad at the same time. So as I kept hoping they would find their way back I also wondered if that would be possible.

The romance is a bit fast, but in the spirit of JA and true love I am find with that. There should be HEAs and love at first sight (or second).

Conclusion:

I do not think I will ever get tired of books like this one. They are in my blood and they just make me happy.

Cover:

Eh

Review: Rude awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict - Laurie Viera Rigler

Genre: Contemporary romance/time-travel/JA
Pages: 304
Published: 2010
Publisher: Plume
Source: Borrowed
In Laurie Viera Rigler's first novel, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, twenty­first-century Austen fan Courtney Stone found herself in Regency England occupying the body of one Jane Mansfield- with comic and romantic consequences. Now, in Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, Jane Mansfield awakens in the urban madness of twenty-first-century L.A.-in Courtney's body. With no knowledge of Courtney's life, let alone her world-with its horseless carriages and shiny glass box in which tiny figures act out her favorite book, Pride and Prejudice-Jane is over her head. Especially when she falls for a handsome young gentleman. Can a girl from Regency England make sense of a world in which kissing and flirting and even the sexual act raise no matrimonial expectations?

My thoughts:

This was a cute book that I just breezed through. Honestly I just opened it and then suddenly I had read it. I think I needed an easy book that was all sweet and fun.

And we all know I love Jane Austen. And in this one a woman called Jane Mansfield loves the author too. I do like a fellow Janeite. But the best part was of course that Jane is from 1813 and wakes up in another body in 2009. What is a fridge? A Computer? Why do women wear so little clothes? She must be ruined since she called of a wedding, and so forth. I liked the funny things how this poor woman tries to cope with our century because it sure is a different century.

And there is romance on the horizon, perhaps....

Jane finds herself. Still I did feel a bit sad because she gave up everything, just as Courtney did (the person she is now). Did they not miss their homes and family? And how about the person who seems to like Courtney? Because Jane is not Courtney. Anyway even with those questions I still liked it, and I sure would like to read the first book where Courtney from 2009 wakes up in 1813. Now that would be fun to read about.

Conclusion:
The verdict then; it is cute and easy.

Cover:
Fits

Review: Dreaming of Mr.Darcy - Victoria Connelly

Genre: Contemporary romance/ Austenesque
Pages: 352
Published: Jan 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Source: For review

Fledgling illustrator and Darcy fanatic Kay Ashton settles in the seaside town of Lyme to finish her book, The Illustrated Mr. Darcy, when a film company arrives to make a new adaptation of Persuasion. Kay is soon falling for the handsome bad boy actor playing Captain Wentworth, but it's the quiet screenwriter Adam Craig who has more in common with her beloved Mr. Darcy. Though still healing from a broken heart, Adam finds himself unexpectedly in love with Kay, but it will take more than good intentions to convince her that her real happy ending is with him.

My thoughts:

This was a bit different from my usual JA stuff, but it still deals with the love of Austen. Kay, our heroine, truly loves Jane Austen. Truly loves is the word. But then our hero loves JA too, talk about a match made in heaven...or not.

This was a bit of an Emma novel. Kay is clueless (but in a good way) that Adam likes her. Because she is oogling hottie actor Oli who is playing Captain Wentworth. And this is where the Emma story comes in. She is smitten by someone who is just playing with her. And she is trying to hook up a friend with Adam. Not a good matchmaker, and neither was Emma. But it does make for a delightful story. She is dreaming about her actor, and poor poor Adam can't do anything about it.

I liked Kay, cos she was not clueless in a bad way. Come one, if Colin Firth hang around my house then of course I would stare at him and not the shy nerd who tries to talk to me. So it was understandable that she did not notice. I also liked who silly she was and how her mind went to babies and weddings at once. She was such a daydreamer. While our hero was a lovely shy guy who, aww, hugs. I do like a good shy guy.

Conclusion:

It was a cute story about not seeing that which is right in front of you. But true love always wins.

Cover:

Ok

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Btw. Blogger has awesome threaded comments now, yay. But do tell me if you do not like the pink box which the comments are in...though I can't seem to fix the color.

Review: Mr Darcy's Obsession - Abigail Reynolds

A Pride and Prejudice Variation

Genre: Historical/romance
Pages: 352
Published: October 2010 Sourcebooks Landmark

In this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth is called away before Darcy proposes for the first time and Darcy decides to find a more suitable wife. But when Darcy encounters Elizabeth living in London after the death of her father, he can't fight his desire to see and speak with her again...and again and again. But now that her circumstances have made her even more unsuitable, will Darcy be able to let go of all his long held pride to marry a woman who, though she is beneath his station, is the only woman capable of winning his heart?

I think it might be I who is obsessed with Mr Darcy, and this book is just just pure escapism.

In this one Mr Bennet died, the Collins' moved into the house, Jane married a shopkeeper to help out her family, and Elizabeth went to London to help with the Gardiner kids. Mr Darcy never proposed because Elizabeth left before he had time too. But Mr Darcy just can't her her out of his head. He sneaks around a bit and manages to meet her by "accident"  one day, and they start talking. Some women you just can't let go.

Oh this book sure held a few surprises here and there, concerning secondary characters. I loved it because I never saw them coming. Reynolds takes artistic freedom and changes things that happened and make this story hers. While keeping to the Austen vibe. Without saying to much the surprises include Lydia, Georgiana, and a new character you will meet. She manages well there.

There are also new people, Charlie, a kid living on the street, and here Darcy does show his heart later on. Aunt Augusta who says what she wants, and Lord Derby, Darcy's uncle and a jackass. And of course there is Bingley, the Gardiners, and Jane.

I liked how Darcy sneaked around in this one and wanted to see Elizabeth and making it seem like total accidents. He just couldn't let go, and he was also a gentleman. She does fall, but of course there is that big Wickham hurdle to overcome. There is romance, aww, and a lot of drama with certain characters. I am sure you can guess who will cause the biggest scandal.

What I liked the most were the surprises, I just could not guess certain things. In some variations it's pretty easy and you know who will marry who, even with all those I have read. But this one brings something new. And as a Variation obsessed woman I enjoyed this book.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Sweet

Reason for reading: From the publisher

Final thoughts: I always loved that he never gives up and wants her even though society frowns upon it.

3,25

Review: To Conquer Mr Darcy - Abigail Reynolds

Genre: Historical Romance/Jane Austen variation
Pages: 416
Published: August 2010 Sourcebooks Casablanca

In the Pride and Prejudice Variations series, Abigail Reynolds explores the roads not taken in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, imagining lively plot twists and ecstatically happy endings. Here the story picks up from a pivotal point in Pride and Prejudice—Mr. Darcy's infamously botched proposal of marriage. What if, instead of disappearing from her life after Elizabeth Bennet refuses his awkward marriage proposal, Mr. Darcy took the initiative and tried to change her mind? In Conquering Mr. Darcy, Darcy follows Elizabeth back to her home in Hertfordshire and sets about making himself so irresistible her impulses win out over her sense of propriety until, madly in love and mutually on fire, their passion anticipates their wedding.

I have been wanting to read this book for some time, not just because I like all sorts of Jane Austen sequels and variations, but because I like the what if question. Also this book is more the To conquer Miss Bennet kind of book. Darcy is a force to be reckoned with.

This book takes another route, after Lizzy has returned from that awful proposal Mr Darcy shows up with Mr Bingley. This time he will not take no for an answer and decided to court her, gain her friendship and all of her. And that he sure gets too. 

I am weird when it comes to HR sometimes, and I end up thinking "no one buys the cow if the milk is free". Here it worked, because in the end, who wouldn't be seduced by Mr Darcy. Stolen kisses, embraces and I am seduced by it all too. But I guess the point here is that he wants her, and he is not going to tire of her just because something happened. Mr Darcy is the true gentleman. if I wasn't already in love with him I would fall for him in this book. He makes an effort to be a better man, a man she deserves, he pursues her, makes her laugh, makes her want him. And all while I am delighted and grinning. Jane Austen would be shocked for sure.

The romance is lovely to watch, she melts, and like I already wrote, Mr Darcy is worth reading this book for. I have never seen him like this, and I am loving it. We also meet Bingley and Jane of course and they get their HEA, and do not forgot Lydia's mistake. The book follows the general storyline and that is here too.

But I did miss one thing, and it had to to with Lady de Burgh, but then again who needs her.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Cute

Reason for reading: From the publisher

Final thoughts: Sweet, and Mr Darcy is quite the seducer.
Grace: 3,5

Review: Emma and the Vampires - Wayne Josephson and Jane Austen

Genre: Fiction, historical, paranormal, Classic
Pages: 304
Published: August 2010 Sourcebooks Landmark

What better place than pale England to hide a secret society of gentlemen vampires?

In this hilarious retelling of Jane Austen's Emma, screenwriter Wayne Josephson casts Mr. Knightley as one of the most handsome and noble of the gentlemen village vampires. Blithely unaware of their presence, Emma, who imagines she has a special gift for matchmaking, attempts to arrange the affairs of her social circle with delightfully disastrous results. 

I know that some do not like these mash-ups, but I think they are so funny. The things I love the most are the things I like to see changed or made fun of.  This totally works for me. And you all know I love things Austen by now.

Most of you surely know Emma, the pretty spoiled lady who suddenly realizes that she is a great matchmaker, and of course she isn't and that leads to a string of fun misunderstandings. And this book follows that plot, it follows Emma as it should, with a few exceptions...

There are vampires around and in Highbury there are a few gentlemen vampires. The rest seems to be blissfully aware even though these men have black eyes, red eyes, never eat or sleeps and are really pale. Mr Knightley is one of these gentlemen, as is Mr Elton and Mr Weston. But there are also wild vampires around, and Emma who carries a stake is not a bad vampire-killer when attacked. Mr Knightley is also very handy with a sabre, cos yes he and the rest chops a few heads when attacked. A real gentlemen does not attack a lady without being asked.

Vampires works so well here because he keeps it witty and a comedy of manners. The book is hilarious and sure Emma may not be the best heroine but she does have a good heart and means well. Harriett is a vampiremagnet with her heaving bosom and slender neck, Mr Knightley as knightley as ever, Emma's dad just as he always is, and Frank Churchill, a coward, for a vampire.

For readers who wants to read something nice, I would recommend this. For readers who love mash-ups, don't forget this one, and for those that haven't try one, just plunge in, and don't be horrified that Austen's works are being turned into something else. I am pretty sure she would have gotten a few laughs from it too.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner:  Well that looks gross.

Reason for reading: From the publisher.

Final thoughts: The only thing I didn't like was the end, it left me a bit, what, and then? 

4

Being a gentleman, he would never consider roaming about at night attacking young ladies to whom he had not been properly introduced.

- Emma and the vampires

Review: Mr Darcy presents his bride - Helen Halstead

Genre: Historical romance, regency
Pages: 320
Published: 2007

When Elizabeth Bennett marries the brooding, passionate Mr. Darcy, she is thrown into the exciting world of London society. She makes a powerful friend in the Marchioness of Englebury but the jealousy among her ladyship's circle threatens to destroy Elizabeth's happiness. Elizabeth is drawn into a powerful clique for whom intrigue is the stuff of life and rivalry the motive, and her success, it seems, can only come at the expense of good relations with her husband. This novel also continues the stories of other favorite Pride and Prejudice characters including Georgiana Darcy and Kitty Bennett, each of whom have amusing adventures of their own.

I truly can't get enough of these it seems. This book takes place after the wedding, Lizzy is to be introduced to society, Lady Catherine is furious, Kitty wants a man, Georgiana is to be presented, and all the rest are there too.

First I must mention that this book had some sadness, and that was sure unexpected, but it was a part of the story. Still made me sad.

Lizzy and Darcy is as loving as always, but I must confess that this book showed a side of him that I didn't like. He was jealous, got all grumpy, and I even thought he was a bit whiny. She still loved him, but this was not the Mr Darcy one meets at the end of the book. Sure the book showed an epilogue of 12 years later, but if it was like thsi in the beginning so how did they suddenly got really happy and content?

To the rest, oh my, this book wanted matches for all, I shall not say who actually married but in play were: Kitty Bennet, Georgiana Darcy, Anne de Burgh, Colonel Fitzilliam and Caroline Bingley. I must confess I enjoyed that, I wanted a HEA for all of them (ok not all, but it worked out ok.) I am sure if she had continued Mary had gotten a man too, but yes, Mary, she was rude and really unpleasant in this book.

An ok Austen sequel, but I just feel now afterwards that I didn't love Darcy as I should have.

For fans this could be a book to read, since I liked the fact that she went all matchmaker on the whole bunch. But I would have liked a happier Darcy and not that sadness part.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Fitting

Reason for reading: Ok, you see I went to visit a friend and I went to her library and omg, omg! Big city library, in awe! I wish I could have stayed for 2 weeks and read and read. But I still managed to grab a few books,and will continue to read like crazy. Some cool books coming up this weekend. 

Final thoughts: An ok sequel.