Gill M
Spoilers included.
Elizabeth Bennett is desperate to help her heartbroken eldest sister. Jane is pining for Mr Bingley, who was persuaded of her indifference by his malicious sisters and misguided friend Darcy.
Elizabeth travels to London to track down Bingley and encourage him to return his attentions to Jane.
She views Darcy as abominable - “he was as pleasing in his physical features as he was black of heart”
Over time she wins her battle for Jane's happiness.
She then faces a war with her own prejudices against Darcy, as she comes to know him - “And then, the worst thing happened. He smiled”.
But as her heart softens, she finds Darcy hard to read. He is alternately attentive, then distant, as he worries that he will expose Elizabeth to the gossips of the ton.
I really liked the way Elizabeth is portrayed. She is stouthearted in defence of her friends but vulnerable when she is unsure of Darcy.
Darcy is lovely, but he took so long to come to the point! I started to worry that someone else would beat him to it.
To sum up, a good read and I look forward to other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Meet the young Elizabeth Bennet and enter her world of Dragons
This is book four of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series. Although released fourth, as a flashback to events occurring in the first three books, it would be ideal to read first. It combines a Pride and Prejudice variation, with fantasy about dragons. It will appeal to both JAFF readers and fans of fantasy.
The series starts in Georgian England, where dragons and people live side by side. However, most people are entirely unaware. Only those with preternatural hearing can perceive them.
All others are “dragon deaf”. To them, dragons appear as cats, birds or other creatures, their perception influenced by the dragons, to allow them to blend in and hide in plain sight.
The ability to hear dragons, usually manifests at around fifteen, at which point induction into the Blue Order is mandatory. The Blue Order controls the world of Dragons and those who interact with them.
Elizabeth Bennet is very special. She started to hear and talk to dragons from the age of four. When we meet her, she is eleven and being introduced to working with dragons, by her grumpy, traditionalist father, Thomas Bennet. He is the Keeper of Longbourn, the dragon. This means he is somewhat like a steward, to the dragon that owns the Longbourn estate.
Elizabeth is drawn to dragons and they to her. Her easy relationships and instinctive knowledge of how best to interact with dragons, vexes her father. He does not think her behaviour proper or as expected by the Blue Order. He will not admit it, but he is jealous of her skills.
We follow the story from Elizabeth's POV, seeing her delight in her new dragon friends and her unhappiness at some of her father's action and attitudes. Will she be prepared for what is to come?
The story focusses on Elizabeth, Mr Bennet and the many dragons. Although the rest of the Bennets are included, they are rather peripheral. Mr Bennet is very much the traditionist curmudgeon. In Elizabeth, we can see the feisty, fearless woman we know Elizabeth Bennet will become. The dragon characters are well drawn and engaging.
This whole series is narrated by Benjamin Fife. His narration is very good, his voice warm and pleasing to listen to. His female voices are convincing and his dragon voices are excellent.
This is a delightful story. It is well paced and comes to a satisfying conclusion. I would recommend it to all fans of JAFF and fantasy, including younger readers.
I look forward to more stories by Maria Grace.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Delightful story as Ann Elliott of Kellynch (Persuasion) develops the ability to hear dragons.
This opens a whole new world to her. It is also something she has in common with her erstwhile love, Captain Wentworth.
The dragons are many and varied. Small and furry, large and scary.
Benjamin Fife does an excellent job as narrator and his dragon voices are brilliant
This plot grips you from the start and doesn't let go
During a heated argument on a balcony at the Netherfield ball, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are overpowered by ruffians.
They awake on board ship and realise they have been kidnapped. If kidnapping wasn't bad enough, she is sharing a single bunk, in a tiny darkened room with the detestable Mr Darcy, which adds the threat of compromise and ruin. To add insult to injury, the kidnappers have mistaken her for Caroline Bingley!
We follow Elizabeth and Darcy as they struggle to overcome the many obstacles on the path home.
The main focus of the story is on Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, together with Jonah Hackett, an orphaned ship's cabin boy. We watch Elizabeth move from enmity to love in a few tumultuous days. For Darcy his attraction and admiration deepens to a profound love. They both develop a close bond with Jonah. Although the emotional change is swift, the circumstances and traumas make a few days seem like weeks.
I adored this book. It gripped me from the start and kept me reading to the end (despite it being 2am!) The epilogue is very satisfying.
I heartily recommend that you read this book.
J. Dawn King's books are always a delight to read. I can't wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Delightful
This novella provides a glimpse into the future, 200+ years after the end of Tempt Me. So lovely to see Elizabeth and Darcy again, together with the many descendents of their friends and family.
The focus is on their daughter Georgiana and her seemingly hopeless quest for true love.
I really enjoyed this, especially after just finishing Tempt Me on Audible.
Do read it!
I really enjoyed this. As a neuroatypical person, I have long had a soft spot for the trope of Darcy, as a man with Asperger's.
The author captured perfectly his bewilderment, when facing a social situations. One can easily imagine someone of his social standing, covering his unease with hauteur.
Really lovely romance.
Seriously heartfelt longing and angst
“He is the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything which he condescended to ask.”– Mr Bennet, Pride and Prejudice Volume III, Chapter 17
It had never occurred to Fitzwilliam Darcy that once he had chosen a bride, her father might dare to refuse his consent. When his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth is taken from him with only a curt note of explanation, he determines that, far from accepting her father's rejection of his suit, he must instead find her again and make his case. After all, a woman worthy of being pleased is also worth fighting for.
Several months shy of her majority, it is not so simple a thing to defy Mr Bennet's will, but Elizabeth, for the sake of her future happiness, must try. With various allies in her corner, as well as foes standing against her, Elizabeth's courage must rise against all attempts at intimidation. Even from her own, much beloved father.
This is a good read with significant angst. The characters are well drawn. Darcy is lovely - steadfast and devoted. Mr Bennet's behaviour is petty and spiteful. So much so, that Elizabeth cannot believe she is supposed to be her father's favourite daughter. Unsurprisingly, Mr Collins is dreadful.
Mrs Bennet is a revelation! She gets to show how smart (and devious) she can be. It is good to see such a lovely relationship between Elizabeth and Mrs Bennet.
The ending is very satisfying and I thoroughly recommend this book to all readers of Jane Austen variations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth met when they were young? What if Mr. Darcy had an ambitious, cunning uncle?
Years ago, Mr. William Oliver was a different man. He was raised to inherit Pemberley, as Fitzwilliam Darcy. The summer of his thirteenth year, he spent his time sneaking off to play games with a girl named Elizabeth, who was visiting her aunt and uncle in Lambton, just miles from his home.
But all that changed one tragic day when the boy's father fell to his death, directly after they'd had a terrible quarrel. His uncle, Simon Darcy, ushered him off, telling him that everyone would believe the boy had killed his own father, and that he must run away and never come back.
And so, for ten years, Mr. Oliver has lived another life with another name, as a foundling in London, dependent on the employment of his friend, Charles Bingley. He accepts an invitation to the country with the Bingleys and accompanies them to a public ball.
Then he sets eyes on Elizabeth, all grown up. He recognizes her immediately, and he is stunned by her beauty.
Also, he is determined that she never reveal who he truly is.
This was a very enjoyable read. Young Fitzwilliam/Oliver was well written and Beth is lovely.
The adult William Oliver is torn between fear, helplessness and finally righteous anger at the obstacles to regaining his birth right.
In addition we have a slimy, manipulative uncle and a thoroughly unpleasant Wickham.
Very readable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
As a fussy baby, Anne De Bourgh was prescribed laudanum to quiet her and has been given the opium-heavy syrup ever since on account of her continuing ill health. While her mother is outraged when cousin, Darcy chooses not to marry Anne, as has been long planned, Anne can barely raise her head to acknowledge the fact. But little by little, she comes to see that what she has always been told is an affliction of nature might in fact be one of nurture - and one, therefore, that she can beat.
In a frenzy of desperation, she throws away her laudanum and seeks refuge at the London home of her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Suddenly wide awake to the world but utterly unprepared, Anne must forge a new identity among those who have never seen the real her - including herself.
Anne De Bourgh spends the first part of her life in an opium induced daze. The first half of the book chronicles this time. The author shows us Anne's pitiable existence and bizarre inner world. When she finds the strength to break free of her addiction (and her mother!) she faces a completely new world. The book follows Anne in her gradual exploration of new places, new people and a greater understanding of herself.
The conclusion of the book is a lyrical description of Anne's inner experience, of the last hours of her life. It was beautiful, life affirming and made me cry!
I would recommend this book to all JAFF readers.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
The Bennet girls are orphaned following a carriage accident. Elizabeth and Jane have worked hard to secure a future at Longbourn for all the sisters, with an initial investment provided by their Uncle Gardiner.
Elizabeth is celebrated in Town as beautiful, bright and witty. She is being courted by a peer and is desired by many. Darcy watches her from afar and wants her for his own, but his own scandal has him on the fringes of the Ton.
When Uncle Gardiner is threatened with ruin, Darcy offers his aid in exchange for Elizabeth's hand.
Accepting his proposal upends her life in unimaginable ways and plunges her into a tale of love, violence, intrigue and betrayal.
This was brilliant story, with a gripping storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
An interesting regency murder mystery, which uses the Hunsford based characters from Pride and Prejudice.
The odious Mr Collins, Rector of Hunsford is found stabbed to death in Lady Catherine de Bourgh's garden,
The prime suspect is Mr Bennet, who was overheard arguing with Mr Collins over the entail of Longbourn in the days before the murder was committed – and who stands to benefit more than anyone from the Rector's death.
However, scandalous goings on at Rosing, mean that there are many avenues to investigate.
An entertaining read
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I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
An amusing courtship and an enthusiastic wedding night. Regrettably, not very good, not terribly erotic and too many typos.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
The Honorable Roberta Talbot, known as Birdie, has spent her life supporting and organising her feckless, impoverished aristocratic family.
On her way to yet another governess job she comes across Cecily. Distressed to be going to an arranged marriage to a stranger, Cecily suggests that they swap. Soon Birdie is on her way on an adventure, all the way to a haunted castle in Scotland and into the domain of its beastly lord.
Captain Gabriel Eversleigh never expected to become the Duke of Dunross. Racked by survivor's guilt after a disaster at the Battle of Waterloo, Gabriel became a recluse in his castle.
To honour his father's dying request, Gabriel promises to marry a girl he has never met, a family friend left orphaned and destitute. Gabriel plans to be a husband in name only.
Birdie is determined to turn her sham of a marriage into the real-thing, Birdie not only confronts the ghosts of Gabriel's past but stirs up a dangerous secret hidden deep within the castle walls. But when Gabriel discovers he's married the wrong bride, will their love be able to flourish, or will his softening heart harden once more?
Birdie is indomitable and Gabriel is lovely underneath his wounded surface.
I really loved this book and couldn't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Love this. Exceedingly hot in places. Mature audiences.
https://archiveofourown.org/works/13889784/chapters/31960716
An interesting twist on a Christmas ghost story.
Already captivated by the image and story of Dorian Gray, Rachael was surprisingly accepting of the presence of his ghost in her house.
Dorian is quite a complex character, often haughty and cruel, hiding the guilty, lonely, regretful soul underneath.
I enjoyed the relationship developing from lust to love.
Set in London, it has some irritating Americanisms. In the UK, we don't have realtors or Sterno but I'm nitpicking.
A quite enjoyable story, although I think it slightly overpriced.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
This is a charming novella set in Regency England, but in an alternative universe where fairy magic exists. Those with fairy blood have silver grey eyes and are viewed as wicked by the superstitious populace. Polite society just dislikes them.
Our heroine lost her silver-eyed mother at the age of seven. Her gentleman father, raised her as if she were a son, so she has expertise in running the family estate.
When he dies, his entailed estate goes to a distant relative with no land-owning experience. Unfortunately, the new owner won't take the advice of a mere woman.
So our heroine loses her place in society and becomes a dowdy “Cinderella”, in her own home, while watching her beloved estate being run into the ground.
Although the story is reminiscent of Cinderella, the angst of Miss Wychwood seeing how bleak her future may be is very well done.
The ending is delightful and definitely worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious readers only and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
A quite pleasant tale, starting from the day after the dreadful Hunsford proposal.
Mr Collins sees Darcy give Elizabeth his letter. Later he sneaks into her room to read it!
Given the letter's potentially ruinous information about Georgiana Darcy, we await catastrophe.
The story moves on as Elizabeth returns to London, to join Jane at the Gardiner's.
Jane has a new beau and he has an eligible brother. They are buying a house near Meryton.
Darcy and Elizabeth are in company again in Hertfordshire.
While the developing relationships are satisfying, the catastrophe, when it comes, seems more of hiccough.
Enjoyable, but not gripping.
I received a free copy of this book via Storyorigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Set on what is supposed to be Susanna and Camden's wedding day, all the action takes place in one day.
Numerous obstacles throw themselves into the path of the happy couple. Winter weather causes the majority of problems, but slimy wedding guests also intrude.
A short story, with a moderate amount of angst and a little violence.
While this calls itself a regency novella, it is set in 1834. However, the Regency ended in 1820.
The description of house decorated for Christmas and the wedding are delightful, but several Americanisms creep in.
I did like the cover.
Overall, not a bad read if it was fanfiction, but I wouldn't pay for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
An interesting story featuring some minor characters from Sense and sensibility.
Charlotte Jennings has loved Thomas Palmer since she was a child, when he unsuccessfully courted her elder sister
At the end of her second and last season, he reappears in Society, seeking a wife.
With some manoevring, Charlotte brings herself to his notice and secures a proposal. Although the proposal is in no way romantic, she is sure his taciturn manner hides his true feelings.
She is devastated to discover that Thomas has no hidden feelings and barely tolerates her.
So we follow a sad, lonely but determined Charlotte, as she carves out a place for herself in her new home, family and marriage.
Although sad in places, this is enjoyable and worth a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
The book starts with Jonathan, a soldier with amnesia meeting Anne at Chelsea Military hospital, where she volunteers as a nurse.
She recognises from his manners that he is of the nobility.
She spends time with him leading to a steamy tryst.
She is the illegitimate daughter of an earl and an opera singer, so never expects to meet him again but her circumstances change.
She is introduced to Society and meets Jonathan, now restored to his elevated position.
Things I liked about this – Jonathan was an interesting character and the portrayal of his post Waterloo shell shock, was well done.
I enjoyed Jonathan and Anne's teamwork when fighting against the smallpox outbreak.
Things I did not like – Anne's behaviour with Jonathan at the hospital felt wrong. I can understand being overwhelmed with passion, but she literally just met him. It also flew in the face of her determination to not behave like her courtesan mother.
While I enjoyed the happy ever after, it occurs without resolving the obstacle to happiness that was referred to throughout the book.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Lady Virginia, daughter of the Earl of Braddock, wanted more than just the life of a socialite. When the Great War began, she took the chance to contribute and trained as a nurse. As Sister Ginger Whitman, she serves as a military nurse on the frontlines of Palestine.
A chance encounter with a severely wounded soldier throws her life into chaos.
He is involved in uncovering a plot against the British and entrusts her with vital evidence, but warns her of traitors working in British Intelligence.
In trying to help him she is faced with the difficulty of knowing who to trust. Her fiancé and her best friend prove trustworthy, but as the story unfolds, Ginger experiences betrayal, abandonment and violence.
The story has a fast and exciting pace with plenty of angst and peril.
Definitely not to be missed and the audiobook was excellent. The narrator has a pleasing voice and does a wonderful job of storytelling.
I received a free copy of this book and audiobook via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
A delightful collection of romantic stories with a festive flavour.
Feisty, determined heroines and handsome, aristocratic heroes.
Enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.