Only A Heartbeat Away by P.O.Dixon

 

P.O.Dixon - Only A Heartbeat Away

So I was looking forward to reading this book and dived in eagerly.

Darcy goes to the Mereton Assembly but Elizabeth is not there, Elizabeth is at the Netherfield Ball, but Darcy is Absent.

I was beginning to think that they would never meet.

Elizabeth had already travelled to Pemberly and instead of meeting Darcy she has met up with Georgina and become friends through correspondence and she eventually meets up with Darcy through Georgina at a ball in London.

I loved the way P.O. Dixon changed the situations completely but still stayed true to the story. Making an interesting tale that you wanted to keep reading, just to see how she would get all the main characters to the places they needed to be.

Grab a copy and jump in!

Love Will Grow by P.O. Dixon

Love Will Grow by P.O. Dixon

A Pride and Prejudice Story

We open this story in Kent shortly before Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrive for there anual visit to Rosings Park.

The first shift in the tale comes with Elizabeth being befriended by Anne DeBurgh.

Anne having watched Elizabeth's effects on Darcy and her vivacious banter with him and the Colonel, decides that Lizzy is just the person she needs to help her win the heart of her cousin Darcy ,who she tells Elizabeth that she has always loved deeply.

Lizzy questions Anne as to his suitability as a husband as she still has her prejudices firmly in place and Mr Wykham lies still are believed.

Anne shows Lizzy her letters from Georgiana  and puts her straight but this is not enough to change the outcome when Darcy proposes to her in a different venue but with the same result.

As far as Elizabeth is concerned she does not want to be part of a love triangle between Darcy, Anne and Herself caring for her new friend.

How is he going to get out of this one and win the woman he loves.

Pick up Love Will Grow and find out how this charming tale unfolds.

Dreams and Expectations by Wendi Sotis

Wendi Sotis - Dreams and Expectations

Well this version of Pride and Prejudice has everything plus a whole lot more!

As Lady Ann lies dying she gets young Darcy to promise to marry well.

On his mothers death her sister, Lady Catherine De Bourgh makes sure Darcy understands that marrying well is marrying her own daughter, Anne.

So, when he meets and falls head over heels in love with Elizabeth he is unable to tell her how much he loves her as his mothers death wish has too strong a hold on him.

Once again Wendi Sotis relishes making Lady Catherine into the vilest of villans, she is so evil in this story and her evil  henchman is non other than Mr George Wickham.

There is treason and ruination, there are smugglers and Lady Catherine is the mastermind of them all.

There are so many interesting twists and sub plots in this story you are left grieving with Darcy and Lizzy as they both pine for each other.

You follow Jane as a really rotten Caroline Bingley makes sure she is also in the same boat.

Poor Charlotte is tied to an even more repulsive Mr Collins than Jane Austen dared write.

Don't let the simple covers of these books put you off, you don't need an expensive glitzy cover to make an interesting entertaining read.

This story goes right through to a modern day Lizzy and Darcy which I feel would have been better saved for another book.

Thank you Wendi for another entertaining read, I hope there is more on the way.

All Hallows Eve by Wendi Sotis

All Hallows Eve by Wendy Sotis

In this Jane Austen fan fiction the story is quite unique.

While Darcy is torturing himself as he has realised he loves Elizabeth even though her standing is so inferior to his own. He walks to clear his head and on hearing Elizabeths lovely voice finds her in a clearing performing an ancient ritual.

Everything he knows is turned on its head. He and Elizabeth are linked and she is the one that out ranks him.

She is a high priestess and it is his destiny to protect her, she is in terrible danger.

Darcy enlists the help of Richard Fitzwilliam and his older brother as well as Bingley to be guards for Lizzy.

I don't want to give away the story, but, it is full of action and excitement  Loads of danger for Darcy to save his Lizzy from and some very neat twists that put some of Jane Austen's characters into a completely different light.

This is not for you if you are a purist but it is a lot of fun. And, having read this I shall have to find more books by Wendi Sotis to read as this one has really whetted my appetite.

A Darcy Christmas ~ A Holiday Tribute To Jane Austen

A Darcy Christmas ~ A Holiday Tribute To Jane Austen

Amanda Grange, Sharon Lathan, Carolyn Eberhart

As the book blurb goes: "Share in the magic of the season in these three warm and wonderful holiday novellas from bestselling authors".

If you need a little nudge to get you in the christmas mood, here is a good push in that direction.

Three christmas themed stories in one book, starting with:

Mr Darcy's Christmas Carol by Carolyn Eberhart

Where a remake of Dickens Christmas Carol meets Pride and Prejudice in quite a clever blend.

Staying with Austen's characters Darcy is visited by Ghosts and Christmas Spirits in an effort to show him how badly his life will turn out if he does not get off of his high horse and go and propose to the woman he loves.

The spirit of Christmas past shows him he was not always such a prideful and judgemental man and the ghost of Christmas future shows him such a bleak future with no Elizabeth in it that he is galvanised into action. 

A fun mash up of two classics.

The second story is:

Christmas Present by Amanda Grange

Mr Darcy receives the most welcome christmas present of all, an heir for Pemberley.

In this heart warming story Jane has already pipped Lizzy to the post and given birth to a lovely baby boy and Charles is besotted.

Lizzy in the latter stages of her pregnancy persuades Darcy to let her go and see Jane and the baby and spend christmas with her family.

Caroline is ruling the roost while Jane is recovering and has organised a ball. Lizzy cant help but want to dance, resulting in labours onset.

This is a warm uplifting story with a full cast brought together over christmas.

and finally we have:

A Darcy Christmas by Sharon Lathan 

If you are a fan of Sharon Lathan's books you will love this collection of glimpses into the Christmas's through the years as the Darcy family increases and new arrivals join the loving family, some come  through marriage some through birth and of course some leave them through death.

The stories sweet or sad are all heart warming and full of love.

Romance is Sharon Lathan's forte and this collection of christmas stories delivers plenty. 

I always enjoy her character Dr Darcy, he is a real splash of colour on the page.

Rainy Days by Lory Lilian

Rainy Days by Lory Lilian

What a delightful re imagining of Pride and Prejudice this is.

Lory Lilian has written Elizabeth Bennet as if she knows what it is like to be in the mind of a coy 20 year old girl who has lead a very sheltered life in the time of Jane Austen.

Elizabeth is often portrayed as knowing and witty, but she looses a lot of the country girl growing up with very little experience of men.

This story brings that girl to life.

She and Darcy get caught in a rain storm a couple of days before the ball at Netherfield.

While sheltering with Lizzy, Darcy who has already fallen for her, realises that she has a very different impression of him and sets about changing her feelings towards him.

This sends the whole story off on a different track. Having made a much better impression on Lizzy and given her cause to re-evaluate Mr Wickham, the ball at Netherfield is a different experience for them both.

I shall not give anymore of this plot away. But, I do very highly recommend this re-telling it is lively and very charming with lots of tenderness as well as missunderstandings you would expect between Lizzy and Darcy.

Look out for the youngest of the Granger's children, she is a delightful character in this tale.  

Mr Darcy Makes Advances by R. Grace

Mr Darcy Makes Advances by R. Grace

Maybe this should have been Mr Darcy gets lucky and makes out a lot or maybe Foreplay and Frolics.

Anyway, it starts on the fateful day of the proposal at the parsonage at Hungerford and eventually even though Elizabeth quite firmly says no, Mr Darcy ends up pressed firmly against her horizontal on Mr Collins couch.

Obviously by not accepting Elizabeths refusal to marry him the whole story takes a different route, one that finds Elizabeth and Darcy unable to keep their hands off of each other in some pretty steamy clandestine meetings in the woods of Roseings Park.

There is a charming scene where Darcy goes to ask Mr Bennet for Elizabeths hand in marriage.

This is a sweet, hot, sexy retelling with lashings of love and a few smiles.

A nice happy read that I finished in one sitting, so now it’s your turn, unless of course you prefer your Mr Darcy to keep his clothes on (I know a few who do)!

The Knights of Derbyshire by Marsha Altman

The Knights of Derbyshire by Marsha Altman

Pride and Prejudice Continues

Two in a row for Marsha Altman, this is number 5 in the series.

We are now 20 years on from the original story of Pride and Prejudice and the next generation of Darcys, Bingleys and Maddoxes (Caroline Bingleys children) and Wickhams are starting to come of age.

Up till now the families stayed firmly together and intertwined in many ways. 

It is hard to believe anything could bring them to blows.

But, extreme stress and fear can cause cracks in even the strongest relationships.

There is political unrest in England and after a long bitter winter it even touches the Darcys estate of Pemberley.

As the heir to Pemberley  awakes with a slight hang over on his eighteenth birthday he can not possibly imagine what the day has in store for him.

All the family rally to try and help when Darcy and Elizabeth most need them.

Bringing their different skills to try and resolve the terrible situation the family find them selves in.

For Dr Maddox the situation at last leads him to admit how bad his eyesight has become and some other family secrets have to be revealed with unhappy results.

Who can save the day? You had better get a copy of this book and read it to find out because you know I won’t tell!

A jolly good read, lots of pent-up emotions and the younger generation are really following  in their parents footsteps.

Marsha Altman’s Blog

The Ballard of Gregoire Darcy by Marsha Altman

The Ballard of Gregoire Darcy by Marsha Altman

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice continues

Once again Marsha Altman takes us on a wonderful journey into her imagination. If you have read her previous books: The Darcys and the Bingleys, The Plight of the Darcy Brothers and The Darcy’s Great Escape, you will know that Marsha packs her stories full of adventure and there is never a dull moment.

So even following an ex-monk on a pilgrimage through deepest darkest Ireland becomes an exciting action packed tale. It’s full of surprises and danger.

Follow Darcy’s half brother as he is thrown into the world.

If you haven’t read her previous books why not? Get on with it you won’t be sorry.

I have become very fond of Marsha Altmans characters and although I don’t think Jane Austen could have come up with plots like this from her quiet  life at the parsonage, I feel sure she would have a good giggle if she could read these tales inspired by Pride and Prejudice.

This story as well as entertaining also touches again on the subject of mental health in a time when there was no help for people with mental illness and the King himself was afflicted.

This deeper and darker layer adds to the depth and intensity of Marsha Altmans writing.

She has just brought out the next story in her series The Knights of Derbyshire and I am already well and truly stuck into it and enjoying it.

( I apologize for the delay in getting this book reviewed, technical problems involving Jorgey (Blue Persian cat) a hot cup of tea (Lady Grey) and my Acer laptop, these three things don’t really mix it seems!)

Marsha Altman’s Blog

Pulse and Prejudice by Collette L. Saucier

Pulse and Prejudice by Collette L. Saucier

Pride and Prejudice with a Blood Thirsty Twist

Collette L. Saucier has stayed very close to the original story and follows the same time line.

The pride full haughty Darcy is also tinged with bitterness, he really doesn’t want to be a vampire.

It was possible to feel more sympathy for this vampire Darcy for his bad behavior at the Merryton Assembly when the poor chap is trying to live off of animal blood so as not to hurt anybody and, he has been living like a monk trying to avoid any female contact as he is not sure he could control himself.

This would put his avoidance of dancing and his rudeness into perfect perspective.

So having decided he can never marry, he then falls totally for Elizabeth.

Now Darcy of course is not the only vampire in this story, yes you guessed it, that horrid Wykham, the thorn in Darcys side, but unlike Darcy who is a reluctant vampire, Wykham embraces the darkest depths of his vampire state, and certainly no one is safe around him.

Doubling Darcy’s fears when Elizabeth is in his company.

This is a good re-telling, gripping and entertaining with out being too outrageous.

Caroline is just as unpleasant as ever and Mr Darcy gets my vote for seeing her as just as obnoxious as she is.

The new characters that Collette has added blend in well and engage you.

Will Elizabeth be able to face marriage to a Vampire ? You will have to get the book to find out.

I recommend this book whole heartedly. Collette has hinted at working on a follow up. I will be ready and willing as soon as it is out!

http://www.colettesaucier.com/

Mr Darcy’s Bite by Mary Lydon Simonsen

Mr Darcy’s Bite by Mary Lydon Simonsen

 A forbidden tale of passion and possession...

If you have read my reviews of Mary’s books, Searching for Pemberley and The Perfect Bride for Mr Darcy, you will know I am quite the fan.

I like her style and this book is no exception, although this is a werewolf book (I’m giving nothing away here as the cover makes that clear).

It is also a sensitive look at how Darcy’s condition affects his life, the Estate of Pemberley and the people who work there. How it changes his hopes of a happy marriage and the pain and torment of falling head over heels in love with Elizabeth Bennet, knowing he will have to tell her about his condition, and, risk all in the hope that she will not reject him.

There are no angry mob scenes, no rabid wolf attacks but this is a moving love story about, love and understanding conquering even the largest obstacles.

Definitely a recommended read.

Interview With An Author – Janet Mullany

Interview With An Author – Janet Mullany

Janet Mullamy’s Website Here

1) Your own favorite Austen character and why?

Janet – Henry Tilney. He’s such an adorable flirt and he really seems to like women.

2) Your Favorite Austen book?

Janet – My answer usually is whichever one I happen to be rereading, which at the moment is Sense and Sensibility, but I’m torn between Mansfield Park and Persuasion. Indecisive? Not really.

3) Which actor would you chose to be YOUR Mr Darcy and why?

Janet – Obviously I don’t have a calling as a casting director because I can’t honestly think of anyone! I’m really tired of all the perpetual cooing over Colin Firth and I’m impressed that he’s managed to have a career despite P and P. I tend to visualize Darcy as a fairly ordinary looking sort of man. Just about any competent actor in his mid 20s could do it.

4) Who would be your perfect Elizabeth?

Janet – A younger Emily Blunt or Emily Mortimer.

5) Your favorite book of all time by any author?

Janet – Wives and Daughters by Mrs. Gaskell

6) Your favorite Austen film or TV adaption?

Janet – 1995 Persuasion

7) You are having a dinner party and can invite four Austen characters which would they be?

Janet – Henry Tilney, Anne Elliot, Mary Crawford, Mr. Darcy

8. Why have you chosen them?

Janet – Mary would flirt outrageously with all the men but I think there’s the basis for interesting conversation.

9) Which character would you like to play in a film?

Janet – Lady Catherine de Bourgh. She’s so awful.

10) Tell us about your next planned book (whether Austen related or not)?

Janet – JANE AUSTEN: BLOOD PERSUASION (October 2011)–Jane, Damned again. Jane Austen battles rogue vampires, a sulky ex-lover, family members behaving badly, and other interruptions to her writing in Chawton, 1810.

Thank you very much Janet, very much appreciated.

Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith

Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith

 Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

I was not sure I needed to read another Zombie Pride and Prejudice sequel, but for my blog I just had to knuckle down and do it.

Well, having admitted to not being into the idea of this book, I must admit to getting into it quite quickly and what is more, once I  started I was drawn into what was quite a gripping story.

The book opens with Darcy getting bitten by a child dreadful.

Elizabeth finds herself with no choice other than to go to her noted Aunt in Law, Lady Catherine De Bough for help to save Darcy.

Lady Catherine de Bough uses the terrible situation to put Elizabeth into a compromising situation and taking Darcy to Rosings, her estate, with plans to at last unite her daughter, Anne with Darcy.

This tale shines a whole new light of Anne De Boughs long debilitating illness.

And that’s it, I don’t want to tell you any more you will have to read the book and find out how it all turns out.

It’s fast and furious and strangely enjoyable.  A thumbs up to this one after all.

Steve Hockensmiths Website Here

More From Steve Hockensmith Here 

Interview With An Author – Abigail Reynolds

Interview With An Author – Abigail Reynolds

Abigail Reynolds Website

1) Your own favorite Austen character and why?

Abigail:   Darcy is probably my favorite Austen character, but not for the usual reasons. I’m fascinated by his complexity, by having to guess the thoughts that go on behind his silences, and how a man could be both so sensitive to his sister’s needs and P&P. There are so many ways to sketch his character that, as an author, I can’t help but be fascinated by him. But if you asked me who I’d want as a friend, it would be Elinor Dashwood, for being the person you can always rely on to try to do the right thing.

2) Your favorite Austen book.

Abigail:    Pride & Prejudice, with Persuasion in a close second.

3) Which actor would you chose to be YOUR Mr Darcy and why?

Abigail:  I can never answer this question! I’m not particularly up to date on actors, and I have such strong images of the characters in my head that it seems odd to think of anyone else playing them. That said, I’d love to have seen Alan Howard or Ian McKellen when they were in their prime playing Darcy.

4) Who would be your perfect Elizabeth?

Abigail:  As above, I draw a blank. ☺

5) Your favorite book of all time by any author?

Abigail:  An easy one! That would be Pride & Prejudice.

6) Your favorite Austen film or TV adaption?

Abigail:  Probably P&P 1995, though I also enjoy P&P 2005.

7) You are having a dinner party and can invite four Austen characters which would they be.

And

8. Why have you chosen them?

Abigail:   Darcy and Wentworth so that I could explore their characters, Elizabeth Bennet for sheer good company and entertainment, and Charlotte Lucas whose still waters run deep.

9) Which character would you like to play in a film?

Abigail:   Anything but Emma! I have a strong theater background so I have a pretty good sense of what I could and couldn’t handle. Elizabeth Bennet is beyond my reach, but I’d love to tackle Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I could have a lot of fun with one of the more complex and serious female roles like Elinor Dashwood or Charlotte Lucas.

10) Tell us about your next planned book (whether Austen related or not).

Abigail:  I have a new Pemberley Variation, Mr. Darcy’s Letter, coming out soon. I’m working on another one set at Hunsford, but I’m not sure if it’s going to be a novel or a novella yet. The pace is moving faster than I expected! 

There’s also another modern novel set in Woods Hole in the same series as The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice and Morning Light, this one based on Cassie’s younger brother Ryan.

A Very Big Thank You To Abigail.

If you are an Author and would like to Be Included In ‘Questions To Authors ‘- Click on the Questions To Authors link at the top of the page and go for it! 

The Darcys Give A Ball by Elizabeth Newark

The Darcys Give A Ball by Elizabeth Newark

I sat and read this book in one sitting and I wish there had been more of it. Some of the long jumps in time could have been stood to be filled out.

Darcy and Elizabeth are not at the forefront of this story, but still it was a pleasure and entertaining to see some of the Collinses life and their station in life improve as they finally wrest Longbourne from the Bennets and their children grow up.

The author really enjoys playing with all the imaginary offspring of all the heroes and heroines of Austen’s novels and puts them all together in a ballroom, such a whimsical and delightful idea.

I would love to read more like this, If you have yet to read it, do, it’s a real pleasure.