Gill M
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/04/to-marry-and-to-meddle-by-martha-waters.html
Lord Julian Belfry is the second son of a marquess. Unfortunately, choosing to own a rather vulgar theatre has lead to scandal. When his father orders him to sell it, he chooses to cut himself off from his family, rather than submit.
In the following years he has worked hard to make the theatre successful and now he wants it to be respectable.
When he meets Lady Emily Turner, he is impressed by her ability to retain a reputation for respectability, despite scandals in her own family.
Julian suggests a marriage of convenience and explains that her respectability is an asset that he values. Essentially, her job will great a gloss of respectability over him and his business.
Emily has spent her life bending to her mother's opinion and duty to the family. Her reward is a dowry gambled away by her father and a suitor who is blackmailing her father.
Julian's offer has to be an improvement.
Marriage to Julian gives her freedom from her family, but the cause of “respectability” means regular exposure to Society. Many of Society dislike Julian, so Emily faces spite, scorn and an uphill battle.
Emily wants to be involved with the theatre, but struggles to convince Julian.
Emily gradually starts to overcome her conditioned reticence and expresses her opinions as never before.
Each work hard to make the marriage work, as the business arrangement becomes something much more personal.
A pleasing story, with a satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-marriage-bargain-by-lucy-marin.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy, heir to the once prestigious Darcy family and inheritor of the once fabulous Pemberley, is facing an unpalatable choice.
He either sells Pemberley to pay off debt incurred by several generations of Darcys or enters a marriage of convenience to a wealthy woman.
The state of both estate and family reputation means the once “brilliant match” to a Society lady no longer seems possible. He thinks himself in love with Caroline Bingley, but her modest dowry is not enough.
His mentor suggests a particular lady, who is connected to trade but extremely wealthy.
Elizabeth Bennet also wishes for a marriage of convenience, having been plagued by fortune hunting rakes.
A bargain is made and they marry.
Darcy's attitude from the beginning is unpleasant regarding both Elizabeth's money and status.
He is angry that his father and grandfather have left Pemberley with vast debt and much neglected. The Darcy name has lost respect and he has no money.
He chooses to marry Elizabeth for her money, then has the audacity to resent her for it.
She is the orphaned daughter of a landed gentleman, raised by her uncle, who is a very successful tradesman.
Both Darcy and Society ignore her gentle birth and disparage her connexions to trade.
Elizabeth makes a great effort to restore the shabby Pemberley, so that is at least comfortable for them. She puts in place plans to repair and redecorate so that Pemberley is returned to its former glory.
Darcy, Georgiana and Elizabeth begin to settle into a happy life together over the winter.
However, the Season beckons.
Elizabeth strives to establish herself in Society. She is hampered by Darcy's unwillingness to introduce her and to show he values her.
Darcy is embarrassed by gossip about marrying for money and doesn't want to be present when Elizabeth is slighted. Thus, Society treats her with even more contempt.
Elizabeth holds in her emotions due to her early life experience. Darcy interprets this as resilience; thus she gets no support.
Add to this Caroline Bingley dropping poison in the ears of Darcy and Society about Elizabeth, and the Fitzwilliam family are vile, to all the Darcy family.
I enjoyed reading the book but this Darcy vexed me!
There is a similarity to Being Mrs Darcy but it felt a bit flat in comparison.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Match Made at Matlock: A Sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/04/a-match-made-at-matlock-sequel-to-jane.html
Viscount Saye is heir to the Earl of Matlock. He is clever, rich and handsome, with a carefully cultivated reputation as an outrageous flirt, a dandy and something of a rake.
He is also shocked to find himself in love for the first time at two and thirty.
He has flirted with Lillian Goddard for some months and even managed the odd intimate moment.
When he hears that she is shortly to receive a proposal, he decides action must be taken.
A fabulous house party at the Matlock estate is arranged. Twenty guests are invited, just so Saye can woo one woman.
In attendance are Georgette Hawkridge, Saye's cousin, who brings along her closest friends, Lilly and Sarah.
Georgette has a secret passion for Samuel Anderson. Unfortunately, her father disapproves of Anderson, so subterfuge is essential.
Cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy hopes his betrothed, Elizabeth Bennet will attend.
Her father is deliberately delaying their marriage and denies Elizabeth permission to attend.
Viscount Saye and Mrs Bennet conspire to get Elizabeth to the party, to Darcy's great delight.
Two other main characters are Sarah Bentley, pretty, wealthy and with an unusual accomplishment (entomology) and Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.
Richard is the second son of the Earl of Matlock. A charming, much decorated soldier, he is currently resentful that his comparative poverty means he is unlikely to find a match any time soon.
The party starts with a Regency variation of speed dating, so that Saye can engineer to spend time with Lilly.
For some, the evening is promising, while for others it is disastrous.
A pig-roast served to guests lounging on cushions, has a shaky start, when the decorative foliage yields an enormous bug which thoroughly discomposes Anderson.
As the party progresses, characters are revealed, punches are thrown and relationships develop.
This is a delightful book, with some wonderfully funny moments.
I enjoyed reading this and have just purchased the audiobook with Stevie Zimmerman narrating.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/10/an-appearance-of-goodness-pride-and.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy loves Elizabeth Bennet. Unfortunately, having delivered the world's most insulting proposal, he was vehemently denied.
In an effort to explain himself and correct some misunderstandings, he writes a letter to Elizabeth, then drags his broken heart back to London.
Elizabeth feels mortified for having been so uncivil to Darcy and for misjudging him.
Some months later, Elizabeth is travelling with her newly married sister, Jane and her husband Charles.
She is shocked to find out that their destination is a house party at Pemberley, Darcy's home.
Elizabeth expects a distinctly chilly welcome, but Darcy does his best to make her feel welcome.
There is some angst as Darcy won't risk his heart by declaring himself, while Elizabeth grows closer to Darcy and yearns to tell him, but fears that she has lost his love.
During the house party, a flood hits Pemberley and the local town, Lambton.
Darcy must deal with the disaster, which has led to death and destruction.
In addition are some irritating guests, thefts, desecration of the drowned and a murder.
With the guests departure imminent, Darcy, Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam join forces to identify the culprit.
As expected ODC have a happy ending, but not before they face serious peril!
Excellent book!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/03/darcys-reckoning-experience-pride-and.html
The retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy's perspective has been attempted several times before.
By its very nature, the book contains a great deal of the text from Jane Austen's original.
The author has woven new elements into the story in a seamless manner.
Thus, we are introduced to Darcy's first love and heartbreak. This does much to explain Darcy's later suspicion of Jane Bennet as a fortune hunter.
Anne de Bourgh is given the opportunity to show a delightful inner world, hidden by her ill health and overpowering mother.
Caroline Bingley is as rude as ever but we see how her upbringing influenced her desperation to marry Darcy. There is also a possible chance for redemption.
I would not say that this is the best retelling from Darcy's perspective, but it a creditable effort and a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-heir-of-drymote-by-beth-fuller.html
Charlotte Mayweather, illegitimate daughter of Emily, is left orphaned when her mother dies in Bedlam.
Emily's sister is Ursula, Lady Cotterhugh.
Lord John and Lady Ursula Cotterhugh welcome Charlotte to their home, Drymote. She has a happy life until Ursula dies, followed a few years later by John.
While grieving the loss of her beloved Uncle, she life becomes unrecognisable.
The new Lord Cotterhugh, Albert is miserly, unpleasant and resentful of Charlotte's presence as a poor relation. He even begrudges her having a flower from the garden.
When Edward, the heir of Drymote arrives, his rakish, charming persona seems to confirm the scandalous reputation that preceded him. However, Edward has a great deal more about his than that, together with a burden of demons from his past.
The story of Charlotte and Edward's growing closeness plays out against a gothic background of vengeance, fear, betrayal and paranoia.
A pleasing read. The characters are well drawn and you are kept guessing right up to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
A whistle stop tour through the highs and lows of Regency England.
The author touches on the harsh penal system, the poverty and hunger faced by so many. Such a background was the catalyst for radical thinking and action. Unfortunately, the state and particularly the monarchy were keen to keep the status quo, ensuring brutal repression.
The behaviour of the monarchy and particularly the Prince Regent, made them deeply unpopular with the country. Not that they seemed to care.
The personal lives of the Royal family, were frequently scandalous. Prinny, the Prince Regent seemed to aim for excess in all areas of his life.
We are also given vignettes on the lives of the notorious or celebrated (often the same person).
The author combines a witty and sardonic turn of phrase, with beautifully chosen quotes.
When talking about Byron, the first celebrity to get fanmail she writes “Byron's wife Annabella Milbanke coined the phrase ‘Byromaniacs'for those women who obsessed over her husband”
This is a highly entertaining read and I'm happy to recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/03/forget-me-not-by-michelle-m-pillow.html
Viscount Sutherfeld is so concerned about the effect of London Society on his daughters' behaviour, that he relocates the family to an isolated estate in the North.
Eldest daughter, Isabel finds life at Rothfield Park tedious. She has to calm her sister Jane, who is convinced that the estate is haunted.
Even more vexing is the announcement that she is to marry a stuffy Colonel.
Isabel is independent, intelligent and stroppy! Her parents seek a tutor to give her lessons in propriety and deportment.
Following an argument with the Viscountess, she goes for a reckless gallop through the forest. After she is thrown from her horse, she returns to the house to find a changed atmosphere. Jane has been sent away, the servants shun her and her parents refuse to acknowledge her.
Isabel is determined not to succumb to parental pressure. Life is lonely for Isabel, so the arrival of Dougal Weston is an improvement. She doesn't want a tutor, so having already encouraged several governesses to resign, she looks forward to challenging Dougal.
Isabel and Dougal's relationship veers from polite, vexing, passionate and back again.
At the same time the restless spirits of Rothfield start to make themselves known. Some are fairly benign, but one is utterly terrifying.
This was a book that I couldn't put down.
A gripping ghost story, culminating in a thrilling battle against evil. It has a pretty high angst level and the Isabel's longing for eternal love made me cry!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/03/an-affectionate-heart-pride-and.html
The Longbourn estate is entailed away from the female line. The Bennet family have five daughters and no sons. So when Mr Bennet dies, his cousin Mr Collins inherits.
The Bennet sisters were pushed out into Society at an early age. The eldest, Jane married at fifteen, with Mary and Kitty marrying at seventeen.
To her mother's eternal relief, Mary became Mrs Collins, thereby ensuring the security of the family remaining at Longbourn.
Unfortunately, Mr Collins is an obnoxious fool and Mary delights in reminding her sisters of her superior status, as Mistress of Longbourn.
Elizabeth Bennet had been her father's favourite. Now she was an unwanted, dependent sister. Treated as a poor relation, she is shuffled from one household to the next. Worse, she has been written off as a spinster despite being only twenty.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is living in obscurity to protect his younger sister Georgiana. The consequences of an almost elopement with a fortune hunting rake, have broken Georgiana's already fragile health.
Darcy rarely joins local Society and Georgiana is too sick. Unfortunately, the local gossips fill the vacuum with malicious speculation. Mr and Mrs Collins, being judgemental and heartless, declare the Darcys sinful and notorious.
Elizabeth returns to Longbourn to face a claustrophobic life with her controlling and condescending family. She is downtrodden and disparaged.
Desperate for some distraction from her troubles, Elizabeth makes friends with Georgiana. Mr Darcy is intially suspicious of her motives, but begins to appreciate the comfort and care she brings to Georgiana.
Life-changing news prompts Elizabeth to escape Longbourn and devote herself to Georgiana's care. However, overcoming the obstacles of propriety requires a daring plan. A plan to combine forces with Mr Darcy!
This is a great story, but there is serious angst. I recommend a full box of tissues.
It was really hard to see Elizabeth so downtrodden and disparaged. Just the description of her controlling relations made me feel claustrophobic.
Darcy is lovely to Georgiana, but the strain of coping without family or friends for support is visible.
Watching Elizabeth and Darcy learn to love each other but thinking it unrequited made me cry.
A special bonus was having Darcy give a well deserved set down to the Collinses!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Lady Francine, orphaned daughter of a Duke, is being pressured to marry by her unpleasant Aunt Prudence.
Francine is just a few weeks from her majority and has no wish to marry. Her fortune means marriage is unnecessary and she wants her independence.
When Aunt Prudence starts introducing thoroughly unpleasant suitors and neglecting her duty as a chaperone, Francine knows she must find a way out.
She asks Lord Blakely, a notorious rake, to pretend to be her betrothed. He takes some convincing but money and the offer of a sexual liaison, seal the deal.
Blakely is plagued by burdens of responsibility and a frightening secret.
What starts out as a business arrangement, flares to a steamy education in debauchery.
The book details their growing relationship, set against a background of wicked relatives and savage murders in London.
For the most part, the steamy sections are well done. There is a ménage à trois which I found uncomfortable reading, particularly when I didn't know how far the author was going with it.
Overall, an enjoyable read, with plenty of breadcrumbs left to tempt you on to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2023/02/set-in-regency-england-with-large.html
Set in a Regency England with a large population of dragons. This is book ten of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series.
If you choose to read the entire series, the order should be; book four, A Proper Introduction to Dragons, then books one, two, three, five, six, seven, eight and nine.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy are senior officers of the Blue Order.
Sir Fitzwilliam Darcy, knight of the Pendragon Order, has sworn to “protect and serve the interests of the Blue Order and dragonkind”.
Elizabeth is the Dragon Sage, respected by dragons and keepers for her skills and insight into dragon health, culture and psychology.
In this book the Darcys and their entourage, gratefully return home to Pemberley after the traumatic events of book eight.
Unfortunately, there is a great deal amiss in Derbyshire.
A black-market trade in dragon body parts, has lead to poachers preying on dragons.
Sir Richard Fitzwilliam has been tasked to investigate and chooses an unlikely ally, in Lydia Bennet, newly released from Blue Order reform school.
The discovery of an injured dragon on Pemberley grounds, reveals the attacks are disturbingly close to home.
Simultaneously, the Darcys are having to deal with a Blue Order bureaucrat, looking to find fault in the running of Pemberley and other dragon estates in Derbyshire.
To add to the pressure on Lady Elizabeth, her dragon-deaf mother and sisters are insisting on visiting Pemberley (a home where half the staff are dragons, who appear to the dragon-deaf as various animals)
Young dragon, Viscountess Pemberley is determined to take her place in protecting all the dragons on the estate and surprises the Darcys with the progress she is making.
This latest chapter in the series combines intrigue, peril, burgeoning romance and exceedingly vexing relations, both Bennet and Fitzwilliam!
I would recommend it to all fans of JAFF and fantasy.
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.
I look forward to more from Maria Grace.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-faithful-narrative-pride-prejudice.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy is finally ready to propose to Elizabeth Bennet.
It has taken him some time to overcome his objections to her status, family, connexions with trade and lack of fortune.
As he seeks the perfect opportunity to offer for Elizabeth, he comes across her diary, in amongst the bluebells. He initially thinks it to be a novel and takes it, planning to return it to Elizabeth.
When picking up the book he sees his name and cannot resist a glance.
Darcy is brought up short by reading Elizabeth's diary and discovering just how much she despises him.
Elizabeth has long disliked Fitzwilliam Darcy, considering him proud, arrogant and devoid of any proper feeling. Her opinions are backed up by the “evidence” of the handsome Mr Wickham.
Darcy is heartbroken to read her opinion of him and resolves to answer her allegations by writing a letter in her diary. He knows Mr Wickham to be a scoundrel and debaucher, so must ensure Elizabeth has the knowledge to protect herself and her family.
As a result, both Elizabeth and Darcy have much to consider and re-evaluate.
Will they ever meet again? How will they react to each other? Is there hope?
I really like this Darcy. Instead of haughty and angry when he takes his leave of Elizabeth, he is sorrowful and wistfully apologetic.
Elizabeth is mortified at her mistaken assumptions and prejudice. She wants to apologise for her unkindness but Darcy misinterprets her shyness and embarrassment as ongoing disdain.
With Darcy avoiding her she has to resort to devious measures to be able to speak to him.
Lovely resolution and as a bonus, Wickham gets his comeuppance, twice!
Really enjoyable novella.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/more-than-companion-by-rose-pearson.html
Miss Honora Gregory, daughter of Viscount Greene had been looking forward to her first Season in London.
However, several years of difficulties on his estate, left Lord Greene with no money for a Season.
Honora's aunt, Lady Langdon “kindly” offers to take Honora with her to London, but only as a companion. She is a self centred woman, who seems to take great delight in emphasising to Society that Honora is only a companion.
Honora meets Lord Crampton, who she finds rude, arrogant and prideful. Robert Crampton is a merchant's son, who became an Earl due to being the last surviving male in the family. Unfortunately, his lack of education and previous status have made him anxious about being accepted by the ton. A service to a Duke's family raises his profile but then it seems to go to his head.
Honora has several interactions with Lord Crampton. In her first, she gives him a good set down. As time goes on her blunt honesty gives Robert the push to reflect on his behaviour and try to improve. They each begin to appreciate the other.
Honora's friend, Lady Albina encourages her to ask Lady Langdon for an opportunity to find a husband.
Lady Langdon tells her no one will be interested due to her lack of dowry, but offers her a wager. She gives her one evening, when her status is returned to her. If she can get three gentlemen to dance with her at the ball, Lady Langdon will give her a Season and present her to the Queen.
If she fails, she must continue as her companion and never speak to Robert again!
Robert comes across as an ass, but as he and we gain insight he improves. Even at the end of the book he is definitely still a work in progress
Honora is lovely and smart. Brave enough to take a chance.
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.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/any-fair-interference-by-nan-harrison.html
On the day after the Netherfield ball, Mr Bingley and his party quit Netherfield, with no intention of returning.
Caroline Bingley hates Hertfordshire and is keen to drag her brother to London. She and friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy persuade Bingley that the woman he loves, does not return his affections. They even suggest, Jane Bennet might marry him to gain security for her family.
Darcy is desperate to leave as he is infatuated with Elizabeth Bennet, who he feels is unsuitable to be Mrs Darcy.
In London, Darcy continues to battle with his desire versus his duty to family. Eventually, he flees home to Pemberley.
Meanwhile, Bingley is miserable and heartbroken.
At Longbourn, Jane is heartbroken and tormented by her mother, who won't stop wailing about Mr Bingley's defection.
On Boxing Day, Mr Bennet becomes ill and takes to his bed, never to leave it.
As snow and freezing weather grips the country, Elizabeth takes on managing the estate. When the snow keeps the estate workers away, she takes on the labour needed to tend the animals. In addition to this, Elizabeth tends her ailing father and tries to placate her vindictive mother.
Fortunately, her sisters rally around. Lydia is a revelation, showing a fine aptitude with a pitchfork.
Darcy is snowed in at Pemberley for weeks. In between sterling efforts to ensure all on his estate are safe and warm during the winter, he broods. He realises that his infatuation has become love, but still feels he cannot have her.
In London, Caroline meets an old schoolmate, who invites her into her home and provides her with access to the highest circles of Society. She is delighted and eschews all contact with her family.
Unsurprisingly, she is not missed. Mr Hurst is delighted to have her away from his wife, Louisa. Married for the convenience of Louisa Bingley's dowry, their relationship has been a business arrangement. Taking advantage of Caroline's absence, he decides to court his wife. While initially surprised Louisa is delighted when they develop a relationship of true love and affection.
When the winter is over, the Bennet's must leave Longbourn.
Elizabeth goes to stay with her relatives in London. The struggle of the winter, combined with grief over her loss and her mother's spite, tip Elizabeth into the deepest depression.
But there is one man determined to help pull her back.
What a wonderful book!
As Lizzy and Darcy both face trials, they each come to esteem each other.
Darcy very gently draws Elizabeth from her depression.
They come together in the deepest love.
All the characters are developed on from canon.
Hurst shows hidden depth. Lydia and Kitty find new maturity.
Caroline gaining access to the highest circles and being unbelievably crass and embarrassing was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
Georgiana finds the strength to overcome her shyness.
Anne de Bourgh is funny, forthright and delighted to help Darcy in his quest for Elizabeth.
It is lovely to see Bingley being resolute and arriving at exactly the time he is needed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/the-blackbird-by-beth-fuller.html
On a foggy All Hallows Eve, Ira and his young colleagues are sent home early so that they can find their way to their homes.
Crossing a bridge on his route, he hears a disembodied voice.
Already unsettled by the eery effect of the fog, he is startled by the appearance of a black shape. When the shape is revealed to be terrified, desperate woman, Ira wants to help her. So when she jumps into the river, he follows her and brings her to safety.
The story she reveals is disturbing. Even more so when it becomes obvious that she is telling the absolute truth.
This novella is a compelling Halloween story.
The author excels in depicting the eeriness of the fog, the feeling of menace and the sense of being watched.
Short, but gripping.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/mr-darcy-and-island-pride-and-prejudice.html
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
Silly, flirty, fifteen year old Lydia Bennet is invited to Brighton, a whole town full of soldiers. What could go wrong?
Elizabeth Bennet begs her father to cancel the trip. Instead, he finds it amusing to send her along to supervise Lydia.
Handsome, charming Lieutenant George Wickham, a former favourite of Elizabeth is also in Brighton.
However, Elizabeth has finally understood that he is a duplicitous rake. When she lets him know she is wise to him, he retaliates by targeting Lydia for seduction and ruin.
One day she looses track of Lydia.
Thinking that she sees Lydia in a crowd boarding a ferry, she is alarmed to see Wickham is also there.
She jumps on board but finds no Lydia. Then she walks into Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Darcy and Elizabeth have a tempestuous past. He loves her and proposed to her. Unfortunately, Elizabeth detested him and refused, quite vociferously.
Darcy wrote a letter to Elizabeth defending his character and clearing up misinformation provided by Wickham. As a result Elizabeth has come to admire him and regret her refusal.
Darcy happens to be in Brighton and comes across his nemesis, Wickham. After a brief altercation they part. Darcy muses on all the awful things that Wickham has done and becomes enraged. He sets out to thrash Wickham. Seeing him boarding a ferry, he follows, but is stunned to see Elizabeth.
On the island, Wickham finally gets his comeuppance. The question is, who did it?
Elizabeth and Darcy become trapped on the island when they miss the ferry, which won't be back for four days.
For various reasons, Darcy and Elizabeth pretend to be married. There is only one room available at the inn and it only has one bed. Darcy and Elizabeth have to learn to be in close quarters.
The story then details their struggles ( and temptations!) while trying to work out who the murderer is. Almost everyone present has a motive, including themselves.
Things I liked:
Good to see Wickham dealt with.
Lots of interesting non-canon characters and a different scenario for ODC.
An insight into the invidious position of women in Regency England.
Not so keen:
While we all know Darcy has a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease, this Darcy is bumbling and inept.
The somewhat ribald and frank discussions on sex between Darcy and Elizabeth, while amusing, felt a little cringe worthy.
Not bad, but not sure if I'd 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.
In the 1950s, an American sailor meets a Welsh student nurse in Liverpool. They fall in love and he proposes.
Elin takes Al to meet her family in the tiny village of Capel Celyn. He is captivated by the beauty of the village and welcomed by her family.
Alas, before the wedding be arranged, Al is called back to his ship and sets sail for Philadelphia.
Elin will follow him and they will wed in his home town.
Then Capel Celyn comes under threat of being flooded for a reservoir. Elin chooses to postpone her departure to help campaign against the flooding.
Sadly, her telegram is misinterpreted as ending the relationship. Al is heartbroken and seeks solace in marrying a close family friend.
Meanwhile, Elin eagerly awaits letters from Al, but becomes increasingly desperate at the silence.
Finally, she is informed of his wedding.
Her life quickly spirals out of control.
Sixty-five years later, retired Naval captain Al Locke returns to Capel Celyn. He is devastated to find the village drowned and no trace of Elin.
He stays for a week and the story is slowly revealed.
The book is heart-breaking at times, but finally Al finds the answers he sought and a lasting sense of tranquillity.
The narration was excellent.
I received a free copy of this audiobook via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/03/against-every-expectation-by-paige.html
Wow! What a wonderful book ❤️
Mrs Bennet was determined that her daughter Elizabeth, would marry Mr Collins.
He is her cousin and heir to their entailed estate. Marrying him would ensure her family's security, when her father died. Unfortunately, Collins is an obnoxious and repellent creature. Elizabeth refuses to have anything to do with him.
He then offers marriage to Charlotte Lucas, spinster and Elizabeth's best friend.
Charlotte is pragmatic about marriage, just happy to have her own home in the parsonage at Hunsford in Kent.
Mrs Bennet is outraged at Elizabeth's refusal and berates her ceaselessly. Elizabeth arranges an escape from her mother, by visiting Charlotte, a few months after her marriage.
Hoping for respite, she is shocked to find the Parsonage is a strange and unpleasant place.
Mr Collins is controlling and vindictive.
She finds Charlotte is changed beyond all recognition.
Charlotte has sadly realised that accepting Mr Collins proposal was a huge mistake. Her response to her distress, is to blame Elizabeth. She thinks that, if Elizabeth had done her duty and married Mr Collins, Charlotte would not be in this situation! This makes her progressively more and more unkind.
The only bright spot for Elizabeth, is the one walk she is allowed each day. She is surprised to meet Mr Darcy, a man she had met previously and disliked due to his haughty behaviour.
Darcy is in love with Elizabeth and behaves in a much more amiable manner.
They meet on daily walks and Darcy realises how changed Elizabeth is. When she confesses how awful life at the Parsonage is, he provides friendship and support.
The story follows their developing love for each other, against a backdrop of malice and betrayal.
This is such a stunning book!
Darcy is the embodiment of friendship and kindness. The solace of his support provides Elizabeth with an anchor in a sea of sadness and isolation.
The atmosphere at the parsonage is so well conveyed. A claustrophobic mix of fear, loneliness and enraged helplessness.
While Charlotte is of course in distress, her appalling betrayal of Elizabeth is quite shocking.
Collins is a bitter, vindictive man. His irrational hatred of Elizabeth continues to the end of his life.
Best part of the book - Darcys return to Hertfordshire which was such a perfect scene.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted on my blog
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4550002369
The book follows parallel stories of two characters.
In Victorian London, Dr Borthwick develops his practice as a successful accoucheur. Catering to both the desperately poor and increasingly wealthy clients.
Unfortunately, Dr Preston, a well established, though less capable accoucheur views Dr Borthwick as a threat. He will use dirty tricks to remove that threat.
In Victorian Alnwick, a woman is found on the moor during a thunderstorm. She has no clothes, no money, no name and no memory.
She is taken in by the Elliott family. Mary Elliott nurses the woman back to health, giving her the name Joanna.
Once recovered, Joanna must work on the farm to repay her debt. Unfortunately, it is run down and the house is a hovel. The living conditions are vile, as is the predatory John Elliott. Joanna is dirty, malnourished, ragged and vulnerable.
When Mary goes into labour, Joanna assists. She has midwifery skills and knowledge but no idea where the knowledge came from.
She begins to act as midwife for the local women but any payment is taken by John Elliott.
She finally finds the courage to leave.
In Alnwick she witnesses a butchery accident. Her swift action saves the butcher and leads her to a better life, working for the local doctor.
She tries desperately to remember her past but each memory is fleeting.
The book follows her story of survival in early Victorian England.
This is gritty, gripping and intriguing.
Tiny little breadcrumbs provide clues, which give you pause for thought, then the plot pulls you on again.
A really wonderful debut!
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Philip Thane is a rake.
With connections to illustrious families, he has cut a swathe through the ladies of the Ton. Persuing his lustful progress in Europe, gets him shot by a jealous husband.
Not only is he a rake, he is a scoundrel, a self centered dandy and massively in debt.
A trip to Somerset, to touch an elderly relative for cash meets more resistance than expected. Mrs. Henrietta Penhallow knows exactly what kind of man Philip is.
She offers some financial assistance, if he travels to Whittlesey to deliver a speech, related to a project she sponsored.
On the way to Whittlesey, he is persuaded to give a lift to Miss Margaret Allen and her companions.
Miss Allen is studying folk rituals and is interested in Plough Day at Whittlesey.
On Plough Day, Philip is rude, flippant and gives a dreadful speech. His behaviour for the rest of the day impresses no-one, especially Margaret Allen.
When they leave the coach gets stuck in snow and has to turn back.
Next morning Philip is shocked to find that it is Plough Day again.
Philip lives through the same day so many times that he loses count. At first he is upset, then he gets reckless. He lusts after Margaret and ingratiates himself in order to seduce. Numerous attempts fail.
The endless Plough Days lead to melancholy and despair. After that, the only way is up.
He re-evaluates his life. He comes to appreciate Margaret's mind as well as her body.
With Margaret's help he realises that the curse of Plough Day, is also a gift of time. So he spends weeks in the library studying.
But will he escape Plough Day and will he win Margaret's heart?
It is an enjoyable story of redemption and love. However, it's not really Regency England. Too many Americanisms and total disregard for propriety.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/darcys-affair-in-brighton-steamy-pride.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennet, the woman he loves.
Unfortunately, Darcy's previous haughty, arrogant behaviour had left her with a profound dislike of him.
The proposal was ham-fisted at best. In reality, profoundly insulting. Elizabeth's response was volcanic! She let him know exactly what she thought of him.
Darcy handed Elizabeth a letter explaining himself.
Particularly, the reason he despises Elizabeth's friend Wickham (for trying to elope with his 15 year old sister Georgiana).
Elizabeth is forced to re-evaluate her opinion of Darcy and comes to realise, too late, that she loves him.
The book opens several months later. Elizabeth is packed and ready to leave on holiday, when an express from her aunt details a delay in their trip to Derbyshire.
Suddenly at a loose end, she and her sister walk in to town.
They come across a well dressed teenage girl, left stranded on a trip to Brighton by her thieving maid.
This girl turns out to be Georgiana Darcy who has run away from family to go to Brighton. Wickham also happens to be in Brighton.
Elizabeth decides she must protect Georgiana, so accompanies her on the journey, while secretly contacting Darcy and Fitzwilliam relatives.
The story details their journey, meeting Darcy again and what happens next.
The essential story was enjoyable. Georgiana is a fine example of a teenage girl at the worst age.
Darcy is charming and keen to win Elizabeth's heart.
The steamy sections were well done, although why you would take liberties in a carriage, when your enormous bed is less than a mile away mystifies me
Worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/02/a-perfectly-untimely-proposal-by.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man of consequence and riches, is in love with Elizabeth Bennet. He has overcome his many reservations about the match (her vulgar family, lack of fortune and connexions) and is about to propose.
Unfortunately, unbeknownst to him, Elizabeth Bennet is not in love with him. In fact she despises him for his involvement in separating her sister, Jane from his friend, Bingley.
As Darcy attempts to propose, the universe steps in to delay him. An escaped Great Dane puppy interrupts. Darcy has a longstanding aversion to the breed.
Elizabeth is enchanted and christens her Ruby.
Next day, Darcy looks for another opportunity to speak to Elizabeth.
Ruby causes a distraction of a more perilous nature.
The gamekeeper feels Ruby can't be trained, so is planning to destroy her. Elizabeth and Darcy are horrified. Darcy makes a spur of the moment decision to adopt her.
This action impresses Elizabeth and makes her start to re-evaluate her view of Darcy.
There are further meetings in London, where Darcy tries to woo Elizabeth and Ruby does her best to help.
Will Darcy finally get his chance to propose and what will Elizabeth's answer be?
This book is wonderful. Ruby (known to all as Miss Ruby, as a proper young lady should be) is adorable.
She rapidly steals her way into Fitzwilliam's heart, house, bed and pockets!
Fitzwilliam is quick to acknowledge his mistakes and works so hard to make up for them. His relationship with Ruby is a joy to read.
Elizabeth finds his kindness and willingness to improve makes him increasingly appealing.
I heartily recommend that you read this, it is delightful.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on my blog
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/01/back-in-time-for-darcy-pride-prejudice.html
A story of time travel from 2022 to Regency England.
Oxford university history student, Elizabeth Bennet works part time at Netherfield Park Museum.
While working at a costumed Regency event at Netherfield, Elizabeth picks up a book with mysterious powers. She finds herself taken back in time to 1812.
Her arrival is witnessed by the haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy, who is immediately offended by Elizabeth's modern manners.
It takes a while for Elizabeth to accept that she is no longer in 2022.
Fortunately, she is mistaken for a distant relative by Lady Henrietta, a guest at the ball. Thus, she has somewhere to stay, clothes to wear and a position in society. The downside is that Lady Henrietta seeks to marry her off to a lecherous Lord.
Elizabeth is desperate to get back to 2022, at the same time falling for Mr Darcy.
Could he feel the same? Will she make it home?
I have read and enjoyed several of the author's books. However, although the concept for the story is interesting, it felt rushed.
The downside of a novella, I suppose.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.
Review also posted on
https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/2022/01/bitter-mournings-pride-prejudice.html
Fitzwilliam Darcy's life contains little joy, a situation he does not expect to change.
Darcy's society marriage was not happy and ended in tragedy. A house fire killed not only his wife but also his beloved sister, Georgiana.
Her husband, Bingley and her two young children bereft by her loss.
Darcy focuses on supporting the Bingley family in their grief. Eventually in an effort to encourage Bingley back into society, they lease Netherfield in Hertfordshire.
There they meet a spinster, Miss Jane Bennet, her recently widowed mother and Jane's sister Elizabeth Matthews, a widow with two children.
Both men find their company enjoyable and relaxing. As Jane and Elizabeth are in mourning for their father, they cannot be husband hunting. Thus Darcy and Bingley feel no pressure.
The Matthews and Bingley children play happily together. Bingley benefits from Elizabeth's parenting advice.
Slowly friendships develop and gradually become more, as both couples find hope for the future.
This is a very gentle story of the slow recovery from grief.
I enjoyed the relationships between the characters. The children were a delight and changed the usual romantic dynamic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.