A very Austen Valentine Anthology

Six beloved authors deliver romantic Valentine novellas set in Jane Austen's Regency world. Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite, together with Susan Kaye and Mandy Cook, share variations of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, featuring your favorite characters in sequels, adaptations, and spinoffs of Austen's adored novels. 

Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine's Day. 

Kindle Edition, 479 pages

Published December 29th 2018

Series: Austen Anthology #2

Jane Austen variation

Own

I Dream of You by Robin Helm

A P&P sequel

Darcy is working too much, I should have written this review when I finished this short. I guess ok?

Sir Walter Takes A Wife by Laura Hile

A Persuasion sequel and P&P variation

This was interesting, Sir Walter is courting Lady de Bourgh. LOL. Funny

My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis

A P&P sequel variation

A rather sweet story

Pretense and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite

A P&P variation

They both think the other one is a spy, I also liked that they met during other circumstances 

My Valentine by Mandy Cook

A P&P and a S&S sequel

This one was really dull, and was about lizzy and Darcy's kid

The Lover's Ruse by Susan Kaye

Persuasion Variation

Another boring one.

Some good, some not so good. You know, like all other anthologies.

Audio: Dangerous to know Anthology

"One has all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it." —Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s masterpieces are littered with unsuitable gentlemen—Willoughby, Wickham, Churchill, Crawford, Tilney, Elliot, et al.—adding color and depth to her plots but often barely sketched. Have you never wondered about the pasts of her rakes, rattles, and gentlemen rogues? Surely, there's more than one side to their stories. 

It is a universal truth, we are captivated by smoldering looks, daring charms ... a happy-go-lucky, cool confidence. All the while, our loyal confidants are shouting on deaf ears, “He is a cad—a brute—all wrong!” But is that not how tender hearts are broken...by loving the undeserving? How did they become the men Jane Austen created?

In this romance anthology, eleven Austenesque authors expose the histories of Austen’s anti-heroes. "Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues" is a titillating collection of Georgian era short stories—a backstory or parallel tale off-stage of canon—whilst remaining steadfast to the characters we recognize in Austen’s great works.

Audible Audio, 14 h
Published April 24th 2018 by The Quill Ink
Jane Austen variations
For review

My thoughts

And here come the tales of all those rakes and rogues you find in Austen. Some that I like, some that I detest and some that are fun to hate. 

“Willoughby’s Crossroads” (John Willoughby, Sense and Sensibility) by Joana Starnes

Oh Willoughby, I so saw you there and then you went and made a mess of things. It is a look at what happened before he ever met Marianne, and the choices he made.

 “A Wicked Game” (George Wickham, Pride and Prejudice) by Katie Oliver

I actually liked Wickham! He was just a young fool, who later in life made so many mistakes. Poor guy. And then he married Lydia in the end, I mean poor guy will pay for that his entire life. 

 “Fitzwilliam’s Folly” (Colonel Fitzwilliam, Pride and Prejudice) by Beau North; 

Fitzwilliam has a bit of a rep with the ladies, but he is an honorable rake, and here he meets his match

“The Address of a Frenchwoman” (Thomas Bertram, Mansfield Park) by Lona Manning;

MP is the one I have seen the least, or read. I really can not recall anything of Thomas, but I liked how he was here and how he fell in love.

 “Last Letter to Mansfield” (Henry Crawford, Mansfield Park) by Brooke West;

Oh Henry, you dug your own grave. I still liked him

 “An Honest Man” (Frank Churchill, Emma) by Karen M Cox; 

Nope, I will never like Frank. It was not a good thing he did, and here we see how he and Jane fell in love, or lust.

“One Fair Claim” (Sir Walter Elliot, Persuasion) by Christina Morland; 

Oh he was such a pompous fool!

“The Lost Chapter in the Life of William Elliot” (William Elliot, Persuasion) by Jenetta James;

I found myself liking him as he fell in love and I felt sorry for him

 “As Much as He Can” (General Tilney, Northanger Abbey) by Sophia Rose;

Yes, NA is another one that I do not know that well, but I take it from this that the General was not a good guy ;) But here, awww, I get man, I get it

 “The Art of Sinking” (John Thorpe, Northanger Abbey) by J. Marie Croft; 

Well this guy is just an idiot. Interesting to hear about, but what a rogue! You had it coming

“For Mischief’s Sake” (Captain Frederick Tilney, Northanger Abbey) by Amy D’Orazio

.THis even had me snorting. At first I was not sure what to make of him, but I guess I get it in a way, and then when he finds love. All is forgiven.

Conclusion:
All these rakes and rogues. Some I can not forgive, some are shown in such a good new light here, that I am inclined to forgive them. But they are all interesting to hear about. What made them into rakes and how it shaped their lives.

Narrator Andre Refig

I like his rake voice ;) They sound so very snobbish at times (in a good way) cos it is just so fitting.

Audio: The Darcy Monologues

“You must allow me to tell you...”

For over two hundred years, Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy has captivated readers’ imaginations as the ultimate catch. Rich. Powerful. Noble. Handsome. And yet, as Miss Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” is established through Elizabeth Bennet’s fine eyes, how are we to know what his tortured soul is indeed thinking? How does Darcy progress from “She is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt me” to “I thought only of you”? 

In this romance anthology, fifteen Austen-inspired authors assemble to sketch Darcy’s character through a series of re-imaginings set in the Regency through contemporary times—from faithful narratives to the fanciful. Herein “The Darcy Monologues”, the man himself reveals his intimate thoughts, his passionate dreams, and his journey to love—all told with a previously concealed wit and enduring charm. 

Stories by: Susan Adriani * Sara Angelini * Karen M Cox * J. Marie Croft * Jan Hahn * Jenetta James * Lory Lilian * KaraLynne Mackrory * Beau North * Ruth Phillips Oakland * Natalie Richards * Sophia Rose * Melanie Stanford * Joana Starnes * Caitlin Williams 

Audiobook, 14 h
Published (first published November 7th 2017)
For review
Pride and Prejudice variation

My thoughts:

Audio short stories set in different eras :)

‘Death of a Bachelor’ by Caitlin Williams 

Darcy's thoughts the month before his wedding and after the wedding. A sweet story.

From the Ashes' by J Marie Croft

Darcy as I have not seen him before when he is trying to write THE letter to Lizzy. He was funny

If Only a Dream’ by Joana Starnes 

Oh Darcy, you are such a fool, but being a fool brings him closer to Lizzy at Rosings. So it all works out. I like these sides of him.

‘Clandestiny’ by Karalynne Mackrory

Netherfield Park, the Ball. See what things you can accomplish by talking!

‘The Beast of Pemberley’ by Melanie Stanford 

A Beauty and the beast re-telling :D Fun! Even if Lizzy could have been nicer. I mean Darcy was so sweet.

‘A Resentful Man’ Lory Lilian

I am not the biggest fan of stories which are just through another POV, but it made it up for it at the end cos he was so dang sweet

‘In Terms of Perfect Composure’ by Susan Adriani 

Here they did not get together when Bingley proposed so everything is still unsure and Darcy makes friends with the Gardiners

‘Without Affection’ by Jan Hahn

Darcy looks back at their life together and a few bumps in the road. All cos of him, men are silly.

‘Hot for Teacher’ by Sara Angelini

Present day, everyone are teachers. Darcy was even more proud than usual

“You Don’t Know Me” by Beau North

I think my least fav, as I do not really care for the modern day (fine 60s) variations, and this was not even a variation. It was just people with their names.

‘Reason to Hope’ by Jenetta James 

This "Modern" day ones sure do not follow the story. Just the names. Darcy meets Lizzy during the war. Though no war action.'

Pemberley by Stage’ by Natalie Richards 

1860s, bandits, Darcy to the rescue. Again, no story, just names. WIckham was evil as alwayas, but I did feel sorry for him too.

‘Darcy Strikes Out’ by Sophia Rose

Present day (present day just works so much better than the in betweens because here they are free. I want free or you know 1800s.)

Anyway, it takes place after "lambton" and it worked really well. Could even been its own story without the PP stuff.

‘The Ride Home’ by Ruth Phillips Oakland

This one was short and took place in a car but it was fun and Lizzy was drunk. It was amusing.

‘I, Darcy’ by Karen M Cox

I have come to realise that Lizzy really tends to be an idiot, yes I get that is the whole point with prejudiced bur Lizzy come on! Tsk.

Modern day, not anything from the story except names.

All in all fun stories! I am a classic which means I prefer it to take place around when it should take place. I like the era and how polite everyone has to be. Or not be.

But some modern ones were really fun too cos it changes thing. Oh you know, one does not have to be all proper ;)

ANd even you non pp peeps can enjoy these

Narrator Harry Frost

He did well and I forgot that I listened to a bunch of stories cos it worked so well (

The Marrying Type - Laura Chapman

Always the wedding planner, never a bride, Elliot Lynch is famous for orchestrating the splashiest weddings in Charleston, South Carolina. When her father’s sloppy management practices leave them on the brink of bankruptcy, Elliot will do whatever it takes to save the family business. When asked to appear on “The Marrying Type,” a reality TV show about the people behind the scenes as couples exchange I dos, she says yes to the invasion of privacy (and the hefty paycheck that comes with it). 

With a camera crew capturing every detail of her life, Elliot faces her most challenging contract yet: planning a wedding where her ex is involved in every part of the process. Add in a lazy assistant, liquor-loving bridesmaid, and rival planner encroaching on her turf, and Elliot’s wedding season goes from high-end to high-stress. 

Forced to confront her past, Elliot must live out her troubled present on national TV if she has any hope of saving her future. 

My thoughts:

This was a modern adaptation of Persuasion, sure things are changed, but that young lovers who meet again theme is there.

Elliot is a wedding planner. Her father spends money. Her sister likes being lazy. Oh yes that same family dynamic from the book. I am glad we do not see much of them. But then they are not as bad as in the book, except for this one thing.... But this is Elliot books, and she is nice (too nice), hardworking (loves her job) and has no time for men.

In comes a reality shows about wedding planners. And a wedding to plan that includes the sister of the man she once loves. Eric was nice, I liked how they broke up in this one (if you can like those sort of things). It felt fitting for the time. But he always loved her, just like she always loved him. Stupid kids. And now he is rich as dirt.

The planning takes time, which was good as they slowly started talking again. Slowly could be in each other's presence. Slowly realised they should be together...after a few bumps in the road.

As for the narration, she did a great job. I enjoyed listening to her.

Conclusion:
Good book. Works great on audio, I'd say go for this way.

Narrated by: Emily Lawrence
Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:06-17-16
Contemporary romance /Persuasion variation
For a review

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.

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 

Blog Tour Review: A will of Iron - Linda Beutler

Only days after his disastrous proposal, the untimely death of Anne de Bourgh draws Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin Colonel Alexander Fitzwilliam back to Rosings Park before Elizabeth Bennet has left the neighborhood. Their return finds Rosings swathed in mourning. In death, Anne is revealed as having lived a rich life of the mind, and she plotted rather constantly to escape her loathsome mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Anne’s journal—spirited into the hands of Elizabeth and Charlotte Collins—holds her candid observations on life and her family. It also exposes her final, and sadly fatal, means of outwitting her mother. Anne’s Last Will and Testament, with its peculiar bequests, sends Lady Catherine into a tailspin and throws into turmoil every relationship amongst the Bennets, Darcys, Fitzwilliams, Collinses, and even the Bingleys! Was Anne de bourgh a shrewder judge of character than Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzilliam Darcy combined? 

 My thoughts:

Edit. I will no longer recommend this book. Seems the author thinks I am an embarrassment, and she had someone attack me on twitter for dare giving her a 3. Oh I should be stoned 

This one sure took the story for a spin.

Lizzy never leaves because Anne dies. And oh my, Anne's diary tells quite the story. She was a very busy lady, and how she hated her mother! But then that was deserved cos Lady Catherine was evil.

But yes the failed proposal is still there...*doom*

Darcy was Darcy, aww Darcy. 

Colonel Fitzwilliam, I was quite taken by him in this book. He is such a nice man.

So you all get that Darcy and Lizzy gets another chance. He gets to prove himself, she gets to see him in another light.

But! There is something else going on. Something sinister. Something that made me go all 0_0

Oh and then there is Anne's will, quite the lady as I said.

All the usual players do show up. There will be happy endings (that they have to work for), and I enjoyed this one. I smiled, I felt suspense and was happy to see it all work out. 

Kindle Edition, 246 pages
Published June 30th 2015 by Meryton Press
Pride and Prejudice variation
For review

Author Bio:

Linda Beutler is an Oregon native who began writing professionally in 1996 (meaning that is when they started paying her...), in the field of garden writing. First published in magazines, Linda graduated to book authorship in 2004 with the publication of Gardening With Clematis (2004, Timber Press). In 2007 Timber Press presented her second title, Garden to Vase, a partnership with garden photographer Allan Mandell. Now in 2013 Linda is working with a new publisher, and writing in a completely different direction. Funny how life works out, but more on that in a minute.

Linda lives the gardening life: she is a part-time instructor in the horticulture department at Clackamas Community College, writes and lectures about gardening topics throughout the USA, and is traveling the world through her active participation in the International Clematis Society, of which she is the current president. Then there's that dream job--which she is sure everyone else must covet but which she alone has--Linda Beutler is the curator of the Rogerson Clematis Collection, which is located at Luscher Farm, a farm/park maintained by the city of Lake Oswego. They say to keep resumes brief, but Linda considers Garden With Clematis her 72,000 word resume. She signed on as curator to North America's most comprehensive and publicly accessible collection of the genus clematis in July 2007, and they will no doubt not get shut of her until she can be carried out in a pine box.

And now for something completely different: in September 2011, Linda checked out a book of Jane Austen fan fiction from her local library, and was, to put it in the modern British vernacular, gobsmacked. After devouring every title she could get her hands on, she quite arrogantly decided that, in some cases, she could do better, and began writing her own expansions and variations of Pride and Prejudice. The will to publish became too tempting, and after viewing the welcoming Meryton Press website, she printed out the first three chapters of her book, and out it went, a child before the firing squad. Luckily, the discerning editors at Meryton Press saved the child from slaughter, and Linda's first work of Jane Austenesque fiction, The Red Chrysanthemum, published in September 2013. Her second work of fiction, From Longbourn to London was published in August of 2014.

Linda shares a small garden in Southeast Portland with her husband, and pets that function as surrogate children. Her personal collection of clematis numbers something around 230 taxa. These are also surrogate children, and just as badly behaved.

Links:

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Buy Links

Amazon Will of Iron

Blog Tour Schedule:

7/6: Review at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell 

7/7: Guest Post & Giveaway at More Agreeably Engaged

7/8: Excerpt at My Kids Led Me Back to Pride & Prejudice 

7/9: Review at Wings of Paper

7/10: Guest Post & Giveaway at So Little Time… 

7/11: Review at Half Agony, Half Hope

7/12: Excerpt & Giveaway at My Jane Austen Book Club 

7/13: Review at Songs and Stories

7/14: Review at Austenprose

7/15: Guest Post & Giveaway at Babblings of a Bookworm 

7/16: Review at Margie's Must Reads

7/17: Excerpt & Giveaway at Best Sellers and Best Stellars 

7/18: Guest Post & Giveaway at My Love for Jane Austen 

7/19: Excerpt & Giveaway at The Calico Critic 

7/20: Review at Diary of an Eccentric

Mrs Darcy's Diamonds - Jane Odiwe

Elizabeth is newly married to Fitzwilliam Darcy, her new role is daunting at first, and having to deal with Mr. Darcy’s aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, is a daily challenge. But, Elizabeth is deeply in love and determined to rise to every test and trial she is forced to endure. When her husband presents her with a diamond ring, part of the precious and irreplaceable Darcy suite of jewels, she feels honoured and ready to accept her new responsibilities and position. 

Mrs. Darcy knows she will face exacting scrutiny at the approaching Christmas Ball, but it will be her chance to prove that she is a worthy mistress, and she is excited to be playing hostess to the Bennets, the Bingleys, and the gentry families of Derbyshire, as well as Mr. Darcy’s French cousins, Antoine de Valois and his sister Louise. Elizabeth is delighted that this young and lively couple are helping to bring Miss Georgiana Darcy out of her shell. However, when her ring goes missing before the ball, Elizabeth is distraught, and her dilemma further increased by the threat of a scandal that appears to involve the French cousins.

My thoughts:

Awww there is nothing like JA variations, sequels and all the rest. Am I obsessed? How dare you Sir!!...ok ok, I am totally obsessed and enjoy them all :D

In this one we meet Darcy and Lizzy after the wedding and they will have a big ball, for friends and family. But there will be drama!

• A missing ring. Did she loose it? Did someone take it?
• An annoyed and annoying Lady de Burgh (put Caroline in that category too).
• Mrs Bennet being Mrs Bennet (we all know what that means, sigh!)
• And mysterious relatives showing up. Who are they?

There is some drama, some romance, and your favorite characters showing up and being their annoying selves ;)

There is also a build up for a sequel that I look forward to. But I will not go into things, I will let you all be surprised. 

Conclusion:

Enjoyable.

ebook, 148 pages
Published September 2nd 2014 by White Soup Press
Pride and Prejudice sequel
For review

Becoming Elizabeth Darcy - Mary Lydon Simonsen

In 2011, American Elizabeth Hannigan, suffering from the flu, falls into a coma and wakes up in the bed and body of Elizabeth Bennet Darcy. Beth soon realizes that the only way back to her life in the 21st Century is through the Master of Pemberley, Jane Austen's Fitzwilliam Darcy. But first she must uncover the dark secret that brought her to Pemberley in 1826 in the first place.

Becoming Elizabeth Darcy is a story of love, loyalty, and loss, where a modern woman is called upon to resolve the problems of Jane Austen's most beloved couple.

My thoughts:

This was kind of time-travel and yet not. You have to read and see. The lines are blurry in a way and I never truly knew what was going on.

Beth is really really sick, and as the ambulance takes her away she wakes up in a strange bed. She is suddenly Mrs Darcy, but how did it happen? And where is the real Elizabeth?

Yes it had me wondering, would Beth go home, would she stay? Was she dead, was Lizzy dead? But I can't tell you those things. Instead I can say Beth is there cos Lizzy and Darcy were having problems. A dead child, miscarriages. Sad really, but also it rang true, if that had happened of course they could have drifted apart even though they still loved each other.

The end was a great ending but at the same time I had wished for something else too. But, trust me, everyone was happy, this book has a HEA after all.

Conclusion:

I wish I could go and be Mrs Darcy for a day ;)

Cover

ok

Kindle Edition, 326 pages
Published (first published December 1st 2011)
Historical romance / Jane Austen variation
Own

Mr. Darcy's Pledge - Monica Fairview

Fitzwilliam Darcy has always been able to keep his emotions under control. That is, until he falls under the spell of Elizabeth Bennet. Stung to the quick by her rejection, his pride in tatters, and left with no possibility that she will ever return his regard, Darcy determines to put all thoughts of Elizabeth behind him. But not even Town with its boundless opportunities for amusement can keep the image of Elizabeth Bennet from pursuing him everywhere he goes. 

By the time Darcy leaves Town to travel up to Pemberley, he has learned one thing. There is only one way of overcoming Miss Bennet’s bewitching hold over him and Darcy is desperate enough to try it. The solution is to get married. And this time, he is not going to choose a wife by allowing his emotions to lead him by the nose.His choice will be entirely rational… 

In Volume I of this Pride and Prejudice variation, Monica Fairview traces Mr. Darcy’s journey as he struggles to come to terms with the upheaval Elizabeth Bennet has caused in his life…and his heart.

My thoughts:

A good Pride and Prejudice variation makes me doubt that Darcy and Lizzy ever will get together, and this one did just that :)

This is Darcy's book. His is in agony here, he wants her, but she have just said no. So what should he do? Here he tries to find another wife and find out what he really wants, all while pining for her. Awww Darcy, you break my heart!

Darcy tries to see what makes a wife perfect, Georgiana gets some backbone, we meet the Bingleys again, there are wife candidates too. And you need not worry, there is Lizzy! But this is part one so more is to come. We still do not know if they end up together or not ;)

I liked seeing it all from Darcy's perspective. It shows how he really is and how he sees her. I also liked how Georgiana was portrayed and it was nice seeing Lizzy from far away.

An enjoyable variation :) Short, light and fun!

Cover

Ok

Paperback, 202 pages
Published May 6th 2014 by White Soup Press (first published April 25th 2014)
Pride and Prejudice variation
For review

Review: Saving Francesca - Melina Marchetta + Emma and Elliott

Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastian's, a boys' school that pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom.  Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an an impossibly dorky accordion player.  The boys are no better, from Thomas who specializes in musical burping to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about.

Then there's Francesca's mother, who always thinks she knows what's best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling who she really is.  Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself.

My thoughts:

I liked this one. It was meaningful, had some real emotions going on and was like YA should be. No stupid love triangles, instalove or silly teen angst over nothing.

Marchetta has a great voice and from what I hear this is not even her best book, no the rest are even better. I would like to read those too.

The book is about Francesca who haws started a new school without her old friends. And her mum is not leaving the bedroom. It's a tough start. But slowly she finds her way, very slowly. But I liked that, the book had a light slow vibe too. And she gets saved and finds out who she really is. Oh and yes maybe there is some maybe romance in there too ;)

conclusion:

Not the best day to write a review for me. But I will just say, this is a good YA book to read.

Cover

I have the looking up at the sky one, could not find a decent image of it, also it is very meh

Would I read more?

yes

Paperback, 256 pages
Published May 6th 2004 by Puffin Books (first published March 31st 2003)
Contemporary YA
Own

Few heroines evoke such diverse emotions as Jane Austen's Emma Woodhouse, for whom readers profess everything from disdain to devotion. In "Emma & Elton", Alexa Adams explores what might have befallen the supercilious Miss Woodhouse if she were made aware of Mr. Elton's affection prior to his proposal. This short story was first published on Adams' blog in tribute to Halloween, and though you'll find no ghost or ghouls gracing its pages, tenderhearted Janeites be warned: here lies "something truly horrid".

My thoughts:

It was short so I do not have a lot to say.

The story stayed every true to Emma. With a few exceptions, Emma is a bit smarter and at the same time not. And something truly horrid happens.

I liked the horrid thing the most...cos it was horrid ;)

A nice twist to the story.

'

Published October 31st 2012
http://alexaadams.blogspot.com/
Short story / Jane Austen variation

Review: For Darkness Shows the Stars - Diana Peterfreund

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

My thoughts:

When I heard about this one I knew I had to read it. A re-telling of Persuasion, and I do love that book. It did not disappoint.

This is a post-apocalyptic world, a dystopian society where The Luddites rule over the reduced and the post-reduced. Genetic experimentation went wrong and some kids were born wrong(The reduced) and after a few generations they did get birth to normal kids but they are still owned. It was a great society, ok do not get me wrong, it was a horrible society, it was just great to read about as I love when an author truly creates something good and well terrible. The world has crumbled, you can't travel across the ocean as you would get lost. Technology (high tech) is forbidden. God punished these people. As you can see, what an awesome premise. I do think it was the world I liked the most.

But ok on to the story. It followed Persuasion in some aspects (I mean after all this is a dystopian messed up society so everything can't be in there). I liked the story of how 18 year old Elliot meets her old friend Kai again. He was owned by them before he ran away. Now he has money and fame as the Posts are making names for themselves. The world is changing. Kai was a bit of an ass (as he should be), he was hurt and Elliott is trying to cope with her new responsibilities. As just as in Persuasion her sister and dad are idiots.

Conclusion:

A good dystopian book, great world, and a love story that even if not in the spotlight, surely burns inside of them.

Series: For darkness shows the stars #1
Genre: Dystopia / Jane Austen variation / YA
Pages: 402
Published: 2012 by Balzer and Bray
Source: Library

Review: Midnight in Austenland- Shannon Hale

Series: Austenland #1

Genre: Modern JA adaptation. mystery, romance

Pages: 288 (hardcover)

Published: Jan 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Source: NetGalley

When Charlotte Kinder treats herself to a two-week vacation at Austenland, she happily leaves behind her ex-husband and his delightful new wife, her ever-grateful children, and all the rest of her real life in America. She dons a bonnet and stays at a country manor house that provides an immersive Austen experience, complete with gentleman actors who cater to the guests' Austen fantasies. 

Everyone at Pembrook Park is playing a role, but increasingly, Charlotte isn't sure where roles end and reality begins. And as the parlor games turn a little bit menacing, she finds she needs more than a good corset to keep herself safe. Is the brooding Mr. Mallery as sinister as he seems? What is Miss Gardenside's mysterious ailment? Was that an actual dead body in the secret attic room? And-perhaps of the most lasting importance-could the stirrings in Charlotte's heart be a sign of real-life love? 

My thoughts:

I have not read Austenland 1 so I do not know if all the characters there was in here, but anyway, it works well as a stand alone.

This one has Northanger Abbey vibes as the heroine Charlotte takes a mystery game every seriously and suddenly everything is wrong. What is fact and what is made-up. Austenland is suddenly very dark.

Who would not want to do what Charlotte does, I mean she stays for 2 weeks at a mansion pretending to be in 1816 and everyone there is playing this game too. I would love to is the answer. But Charlotte needs it after her ass of a husband left her. There are also romances for all those who join so fun fun. There are three gentleman residents, her brother (not really though), a colonel, and brooding Mr.Mallery. And what would Austenland be without a brooding man?

The mystery comes from a game the play, or is it a game? Then there is Miss Gardenside whom Charlotte recognizes and who is acting strange too. That is only the beginning as Charlotte tries to come to the bottom of this. And like Charlotte I had no idea where the little game they began started and ended.

One thing I was not that happy about though, and that was there were snippets from a year back, a couple of months back and so on. All about her failure of a marriage. I would rather just have stayed in Austenland.

Conclusion:

A nice little mystery romance.

Cover:

Fits

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My flash fiction

Review: Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, The Last man in the world - Abigail Reynolds

Genre: JA variation
Pages: 288
Published 2010
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Source: My own

What if-The last man in the world she could be prevailed upon to marry-is her husband?In Jane Austen-s Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet tells the proud Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy that she wouldn-t marry him if he were the last man in the world.But what if she never said the words? What if circumstances conspired to make her accept Darcy the first time he proposes?In this installment of Abigail Reynolds-s acclaimed Pride and Prejudice Variations, Elizabeth agrees to marry Darcy against her better judgment, setting off a chain of events that nearly brings disaster to them both-What readers are saying-A highly original story, immensely satisfying.--Anyone who loves the story of Darcy and Elizabeth will love this variation.--I was hooked from page one.--A refreshing new look at what might have happened if---Another good book to curl up with- I never wanted to put it down.

My thoughts:

I think I never posted this one...so it works well in a Saturday

I have a weak spot of Jane Austen sequels, variations and just about anything. I never get tired of the story, and I do love the What if’s. I have read some wonderful ones, some strange ones, and they are always witty and amusing. 

This one was actually rather heartbreaking in a way. Lizzy and Darcy got married because she never turned him down after that first awful proposal. Colonel Fitzwilliam showed up and saw Darcy kissing her, and they were married. Mr Darcy is in love with her and thinks she loves him too, but here comes the heartbreaking part, she doesn’t. She is not happy in their marriage and tries to do her duty. And to see him so in love and clueless just tugs on my heartstrings when she doesn’t share his feelings. It’s horrible to read. 

That is the beginning of this novel, but the author would never leave us with a mess like that. The truth will come out and hearts will break. But there will also be a chance for them to build something new, something lasting and fitting the love they are supposed to share. As for old characters, this is mostly Lizzy’s and Darcy’s book, but we do meet Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, Wickham, and Bingley shows up too and he wants his Jane back.

The thing I liked best about this story was actually this great twist just because it brought so many feelings into the mix. And it gave me as the reader a chance to really root for them, and hoping that they somehow could truly fall in love as equals. Because this twist meant that Darcy still was awfully pride and looked down at her family and Lizzy also had prejudices against his sister, whom she thought of as proud. And then there is the whole Wickham angle, yes she still thought of him as the good guy.

Conclusion:

There are many JA variations around and this one was one of the more interesting ones that I have read. I would happily recommend it to fans of variations, or anyone with a love for Jane Austen. If you haven’t tried one by now then take a chance on them. They are fun to read, and it does not make the original any less of a book. 

Cover:

Eh

Review: Jane Austen Made Me Do It - Anthology

Genre: Jane Austen variations

Pages: 448

Published: October 2011

Publisher: Ballantine

Source. NG

“My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” If you just heaved a contented sigh at Mr. Darcy’s heartfelt words, then you, dear reader, are in good company. Here is a delightful collection of never-before-published stories inspired by Jane Austen—her novels, her life, her wit, her world. 

In Lauren Willig’s “A Night at Northanger,” a young woman who doesn’t believe in ghosts meets a familiar specter at the infamous abbey; Jane Odiwe’s “Waiting” captures the exquisite uncertainty of Persuasion’s Wentworth and Anne as they await her family’s approval of their betrothal; Adriana Trigiani’s “Love and Best Wishes, Aunt Jane” imagines a modern-day Austen giving her niece advice upon her engagement; in Diana Birchall’s “Jane Austen’s Cat,” our beloved Jane tells her nieces “cat tales” based on her novels; Laurie Viera Rigler’s “Intolerable Stupidity” finds Mr. Darcy bringing charges against all the writers of Pride and Prejudice sequels, spin-offs, and retellings; in Janet Mullany’s “Jane Austen, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” a teacher at an all-girls school invokes the Beatles to help her students understand Sense and Sensibility; and in Jo Beverley’s “Jane and the Mistletoe Kiss,” a widow doesn’t believe she’ll have a second chance at love . . . until a Miss Austen suggests otherwise.

Regency or contemporary, romantic or fantastical, each of these marvelous stories reaffirms the incomparable influence of one of history’s most cherished authors.

My thoughts:

As always like with all stories, some I liked some not so much. Some I wanted to read more of because they were good, and some I thought also needed to be longer because I was just confused when they were so short. All in all this was a nice collection of different variations, modern version and a few ghosts.

And I am going to say a bit about every story.

Jane Austen's Nightmare Syrie James 
JA meets her characters, it was such a delightful and short story :D Must read more by this author.

Waiting: A story inspires by Jane Austen's Persuasion by Jane Odiwe 
Anne and Wenthworth. A little but about the past and the proposal now. Sweet.

A Night at Northanger by Lauren Willig 
Ghost Trekkers at Northanger. Not my favorite story. It was good, but to me it did not feel very Jane Austen like.

Jane and the Gentleman Rogue: Being a fragment of a Jane Austen mystery by Stephanie Barron 
Jane Austen and spies. I do not know about this one, it was ok, but I just do not know why she cared for something.


Faux Jane by Diane Meier and Frank Delaney writing as F. J. Meier 
I do admit to feeling confused during the whole story. Not for me.

Nothing Less Than Fairy-land by Monica Fairview 
Emma and Knightley after the honeymoon. Another sweet one. Poor Emma, her dad sure is troublesome. Very enjoyable and I must read more by this author.

Love and Best Wishes, Aunt Jane by Adriana Trigiani 
A letter and I was bored, that is it.

Jane Austen and the Mistletoe Kiss by Jo Beverley 
A lovely story about a widow with 3 daughters and a HEA. A short story that worked well and would surely have made a great book too.

When Only a Darcy Will Do by Beth Pattillo 
I was worried that the modern stories would not work for me, but this one was nice. A woman holds JA tours and meets a guy. And what a guy.

Heard of You by Margaret C. Sullivan 
Admiral Croft and the story how he met his wife. Awww young Frederick Wentworth, I always did like stories set at sea.

The Ghostwriter by Elizabeth Aston 
JA helps an author write a book. I liked how JA was portrayed here, not as you would imagine her at all.

Mr. Bennet Meets His Match by Amanda Grange 
How he met his wife. Yes he fell for a pretty face, and I liked how it showed that he was still happy with his choice.

Jane Austen, yeah, yeah, yeah by Janet Mullany 
A teacher talks about Sense and Sensibility during detention and compares them to the Beatles to get the girls interested. I liked this discussion as it does show you can do anything with JA.

Letters to Lydia by Maya Slater 
Maria Lucas is watching and writing letters about how she thinks Lizzy and Darcy are up to something. Delightful letters, and it seems Maria could have played a crucial par behind the scenes.

The mysterious Closet: A tale by Myretta Roberts 
Honestly again I was just confused. i think the story was good, but needed to be fleshed out cos now confusion took over.

Jane Austen's Cat by Diana Birchall 
An ok story. Not much going on in it.

Me and Mr Darcy, Again.... by Alexandra Potter 
4 years after book 1 and I do have that book...I might just have to read it and see the woman who met Mr Darcy

What would Mr Darcy do? by Jane Rubino and Caitleen Rubino-Bradway 
A YA story, very nice and I liked this one where a young boy learns to dance and meets a girl

The Riding Habit by Pamela Aidan 
Not much happened in this one where Lizzy learns to ride but it was still good.

The Love letter by Brenna Aubrey
A twist on Persuasion, an ok story but not much happening.

The Chase by Carrie Bebris 
A story about JA's brother. Sea chases and so on, something I would rather see on tv than read.

Intolerable stupidity by Laurie Viera Rigler 
First I was all confused because it was really strange, but after a while I started to enjoy it. A very weird story that should just be read.

And that was all, as you can see there are a lot of stories in this one and something for everyone.

Review: Mr. Darcy's Bite - Mary Lydon Simonsen + I am guest blogging

Genre: Pride and Prejudice variation
Pages: 352
Published: October 1, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Source. For review

Elizabeth comes to realize that she loves him in both his incarnations, and all his servants protect his secret. But then Elizabeth must confront a shocking danger to her beloved with every full moon, when Darcy is alone and exposed to those who hate wolves...

My thoughts:

The blurb did have me thinking that someone was after werewolves and that there would be danger and so on. But there was not anything like that in this book. No, this book is about Darcy and Lizzie being in love, but Darcy never proposes. Something is wrong and Lizzie is growing restless. He obviously likes her so what is the matter?!

This is where the drama comes in, he is a werewolf and of course she is shocked to learn the truth. Who would not be? She is not really prepared for anything like this so there is a shaky times when she tries to come term with it, and then there is another lady who wants Darcy too. Which brings some extra tension to the book. But we all know they will end up together, that is always promised.

Honestly, yes I can see Darcy as a werewolf. That explains somethings in a way and it just fits him. Especially when we get to see him as a wolf, there is just a playful side to him that does not always come out when he is human. He is just a great alpha.

It was another sweet book. They got to know each other, there were a few misunderstandings, and everyone lived happily ever after. 

Conclusion:

If you want something extra in your JA variation then go for this one, you will love Mr. Darcy as a werewolf.

Rating:

Nice

Cover:

ok

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I am over at Vivienne's blog today reviewing Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

Love can never die. Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie? 

I am also guestblogging today about my top 5 books over at Book Lovers Inc. Do stop by cos they are celebrating with lots of awesome contests :D You can even win something if you comment on my post all thanks to BLI
Can you guess which book is nr 1? ;)

Review: Mr. Darcy's Undoing - Abigail Reynolds

Genre: Pride and Prejudice variation
Pages: 352
Published: October 1, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Source: For review

A passionate new Pride and Prejudice variation explores the unthinkable-Elizabeth accepts the proposal of a childhood friend before she meets Darcy again. When their paths cross, the devastated Mr. Darcy must decide how far he'll go to win the woman he loves. How can a man who prides himself on his honor ask the woman he loves to do something scandalous? And how can Elizabeth accept a loveless marriage when Mr. Darcy holds the key to her heart? As they confront family opposition and the ill-will of scandal-mongers, will Elizabeth prove to be Mr. Darcy's undoing?

My thoughts:

It is that time again, time for a JA variation. And this one gets a bit passionate towards the end too.

Lizzie meets Darcy, he proposes and she thinks he is an ass. We all know the story. In this one she goes home and meets Mr Covingon, she knows him from before and he asks for her hand in marriage and she accepts. Darcy comes and wants her back but it is too late. Of course Mr. Darcy does not give up, and there are a few twists and turn before they can get their HEA.

Oh Mr. Darcy, you are so improper, not that I complain. It was fun to see his more passionate side, he truly wants her as his wife, he dreams about her (dirty ones ;), and he hopes to sway her with kisses. And who can say no when Mr. Darcy starts kissing you? Poor Lizzie does not stand a chance. And I, well I love that his does not want to give up, he knows she loves him too.

What we have in this story is the tale of a man pursuing that which he wants, a few passionate encounters, and that which we all love, Mr. Darcy and Lizzie being totally and madly in love with each other.

Conclusion:

If you want to read about Mr. Darcy seducing with kisses then read this book. It is another cute and passionate re-telling of the story so many of us know and love.

Rating:

Nice

Cover:

Nice