Mr. Darcy's Proposal

by Susan Mason-Milks

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

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical, Retellings, Fiction

408 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2011

About the author

You might be surprised to learn that when Ms. Mason-Milks read Pride and Prejudice for the first time in the eighth grade, she was not impressed! That changed when she saw the now famous 1995 mini-series version of the story. Deciding to give Austen another chance, she read all the novels and fell in love. She says, “Writing stories inspired by Austen’s books offers a way to spend more time with characters I’ve grown to love. Just because the book ends, it doesn’t have to be the end of the story.” She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their kitty, Bentley, and Lucy the Tibetan terrier aka the Tibetan terror.

Reviews

[Erlynn (BooksHugBack) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love being tortured by Darcy and Elizabeth the way I do as the pair misunderstand each other and you truly enjoy having your heart ripped out every time these two fight, you will love the depression this story creates as much as I did! Be prepared to read 90% of the novel before coming to the happy reconciliation!

Mr. Darcy's Proposal is a what-if version that has Mr. Bennett ailing and Darcy coming to the rescue as he proposes marriage to Elizabeth. Despite her feelings of at best indifference towards Mr. Darcy, she agrees to marry him in order to find protection for herself, her mother, and her sisters. Darcy knows Elizabeth is not in love, but he hopes to win her affection by changing and proving to her his worth and character.

I found it a little similar to Abigail Reynolds what-if version of Mr. Fitzwillam Darcy: The Lat Man in the World, but I loved that book, re-read it often, and pass it on to everyone, so I enjoyed the similarities. If you enjoyed that one, you too will love this one too!

I something wrong with me? I have no idea why I love having my heart wrenched inside-out every time Darcy and Elizabeth misunderstand or verbally abuse one another, but I love it and this novel provided plenty of it! I also loved that Lydia and Wickham were still included and used to progress the plot. So often in what-ifs these two are left out, or they don't end up being married, because they don't fit in the story any longer. I really enjoyed the author's version of this, as it brought Darcy and Elizabeth back together and it was reflective of the Jane Austen original.

Those who struggle with the Regency style and get bogged down or frustrated, may find this to be a good introduction or alternative. So many times people tell me they are hesitant towards Pride and Prejudice because you have to get use to the pace of the language. To be honest, I find the thick language addicting and seeking out difficult diction on purpose, but I understand others' hesitation. I found this writing style more simplistic and although the book is lengthy, it flies by because the dialogue is fast paced and aggressive.

Susan Mason-Milks has just recently posted an excerpt from her new book coming out. You can view it here on http://austenauthors.net/please-mr-darcy. I can't wait for it!
Posted by erlynn at 2:59 PM

[Anna Fitzwilliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot is not new and I confess that sometimes I had the impression I had read the same story several times before. But I liked the pace and the flow of the story. We could see their feelings growing and maturing.
As Sheila well said, the misunderstandings were a little too much and this was utterly frustrating. But I found this obtuse Darcy very cute in his own way and when they [FINALLY] got together, they shared very sweet moments together.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale had angst but not the type I prefer. In this story (and I won't go over the story line as other reviewers handle it well) the frustrations and misunderstandings just got to be a little too much. Even towards the end when Elizabeth knew Darcy still loved her and when he overheard her tell his Aunt, Lady C., how much she loved him, they still couldn't come together and declare or show their love. A marriage of convenience with a man of his age not expecting just a little more physical contact is just tad unreal to me. And some of the misunderstandings: Lizzy has a temper tantrum in her mind but actually does nothing? (She did ask Mrs. Reynolds but didn't confront Darcy.) I would have been rearranging the furniture so quickly! And then thinking he had a love child with a servant? I don't believe she could really think that after all the things he did for her and her family and how he kept his hands off her in waiting for her to learn to love him. Lizzie's reactions sometimes were very sudden and unexpected, almost seemed ungrateful, (not that he wanted her to act out of a sense of obligation). I did read this story twice and it was a page turner but I was disappointed that it took so long for them to come to an understanding.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if, before Darcy had a chance to propose at Hunsford Parsonage, Elizabeth received word that her father was seriously ill? What if Darcy offered Elizabeth assistance in returning home to her father, instead of offering his hand in marriage? What if Elizabeth, caught somewhere between infuriation, gratitude, and necessity, agrees to an unwanted arrangement to save her family?


In similar style to Abigail Reynolds, Susan Adriani, and Linda Wells, debut author Susan Mason-Milks pens a Pride and Prejudice variation that explores an untraveled road in Jane Austen's classic novel. In this variation, Susan Mason-Milks shows readers what would happen if Elizabeth married Darcy before she fell in love with him, before she understood him, before she realized how prejudiced and misguided are her perceptions of him. As you may guess, this path to true love has a whole lot more more ruts and turns for our hero and heroine...

To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different approach

When Elizabeth accepts Mr. Darcy to secure her family's future, she takes a different path to HEA.
A really interesting way to developed a different story keeping to the characters traits and personalities.

[Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another one to love!

Reread: I took away stars. Mr Darcy is too cold in this for me. At least, today. Obviously, I liked it better at one time.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is HARD WORK- Jane Austen got that. Her characters were given incredible challenges and personal conflicts that they overcame to earn the love they so deserved. Novelist Susan Mason-Milks decides to keep the idea of working at love alive in her debut novel, Mr. Darcy’s Proposal. Mason-Milks asks my favorite question when it comes to Jane Austen fan fiction: what if? This time, we’re treated to the question of what would happen to Lizzy and Darcy if he had not proposed due to circumstances beyond his control?

In Mason-Milks’ retelling, Darcy travels to the Hunsford Parsonage ready to propose to Elizabeth, only to find her devastated by the news that her father is critically ill and most likely close to death. Darcy offers to help take her back to see her father, and in the course of their travels discovers that she does not really care for him. Therefore, he is at a crossroads. Should he just deliver her home and forget it now that he knows her true feelings? Or should he try to convince Elizabeth that he is not the overbearing and prudish man she thinks he is? Will they be able to overcome their obstacles and find love against all odds?

Mason-Milks does a fantastic job at staying true to the Darcy and Elizabeth that we already know and love. Darcy is prideful and arrogant, but desperately trying to change his ways. Elizabeth is impertinent and rash, yet trying to be more open-minded when it comes to judging people. In having Elizabeth and Darcy marry early on in the story, prior to their misunderstandings being 100% out in the open, it created an interesting series of conflicts that kept a good pace for the novel, as well as an interesting story for the reader to follow.

My biggest complaint would be the length of time it takes to get to that happy resolution. It takes more than three-quarters of the book to get to an understanding between the two of them. That is not to say the journey to get to that understanding is boring or overdone, but I would have liked to have been rewarded with a longer interlude of the finally happy couple! Overall, it is a solid choice for anyone who would love another retelling of our favorite story from Ms. Austen. You won’t be disappointed!

Kimberly (Reflections of a Book Addict)
http://wp.me/p18lIL-Nx

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this book gave a very realistic view of this 'what if' marriage of convenience. I can't believe it has taken me this long to finally read it!

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are at Hunsford when Elizabeth receives a distressing letter from Jane indicating that their father is very ill and his chance of recovery very poor. Mr. Darcy had come to the parsonage to propose but finds Elizabeth in tears. He chooses to not go forward with his proposal and offers his assistance in taking Elizabeth to London and then his carriage will take her on to Longbourn.

During their discussions, he is stunned with Elizabeth's feelings towards him. Even in anger he still loves her and wont give up. He decides to show her that her reproofs will be taken to heart. Mr. Darcy continues to confuse Elizabeth but at least they are talking.

There are little twists and turns that change up the story from canon. I quite enjoyed this. I also found Elizabeth's actions and reactions in keeping with the stress she is under and the confusion of Mr. Darcy's feelings toward her. She is not her usual self, and for me at times she has lost her way. This causes many misunderstandings between her and Darcy. But my goodness, Darcy is wonderful.

"What is done from love needs no thank you." (quote from the book)

As for quibbles, I did find the last misunderstanding was drawn out. However, Lady Catherine had to have her share in the conversation and for me Elizabeth was brilliant in her set down! It was worth it! So I do recommend this angst-filled story and caring Darcy.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow, I've read a lot of variations of Pride and Prejudice which start with an illness or the death of Mr. Bennet. In Mr. Darcy's Proposal, Darcy arrives at the parsonage, ready to propose marriage to Elizabeth, only to find her reading a letter from Jane reporting on her father's grave illness. Saving his proposal for later, Darcy, along with Colonel Fitzwilliam, offer to take her home the very next morning in Darcy's carriage. On their way to Longbourn, Darcy discovers Elizabeth's true feelings for him and wisely decides to work on helping her and building a friendship before he pursues her romantically. So how does Darcy do? Will Elizabeth indeed think better of him once she sees his kindness and compassion in action?

Another delightful Austen variation by one of the authors frequently featured on the website Austen Variations, Mr. Darcy's Proposal is a terrific read, indeed!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this twist! In this "what if" version of Pride and Prejudice, Darcy instead of proposing to Elizabeth in Kent (for we all know how awfully that went) learns what she truly thinks of him. This occurs as Elizabeth receives a letter from Jane that their father is very ill and not likely to recover. Darcy quickly offers his carriage to bring Elizabeth back to Longbourn. Lizzy accepts because she realizes this is the quickest way to get her home but not without telling Darcy how surprised she is of this occur considering what she thinks he thinks of her. This opens his eyes to her true opinion of him and he decides not to propose but to take her counsel to heart and prove he is a better man. He promises to rectify the wrong he did to her sister by confessing all to Bingley. Darcy soon visits Longbourn and proposes to Lizzy offering his protection to her and her family should her father pass away. She is shocked but does not give him an answer. The next day she asks him about Wickham and he tells her all. What a shock this is to Lizzy! She also sees how kind Darcy is to her family, how quickly he amends his wrong to Jane and agrees to marry him admitting she does not love him now. Darcy is too much in love with her to let her go and hopes she will grow to love him. The death of her father is a blow to Lizzy and the grief is so deep that she becomes lonely in her new home Pemberly. Most of the novel centres around the time of Lizzy's first months of marriage to Darcy. Darcy does not exercise his husbandly rights, waiting for her to love him. So many misunderstandings form between them as we read of their thoughts from both perspectives. I could not put this novel down waiting to see if their misunderstandings and disagreements would be resolved. How I felt for Darcy when I read of his love for Lizzy, how he tried to maintain self-control of his feelings for his wife. How frustrated I was with Lizzy that she would keep quiet instead of talking to Darcy of her feelings however unjustified they may have been. How many times Darcy tried to get her to open up to him! OH what a heart-wrentching good read! Of course everything ends happily but its how they get to that point that is worth reading. The only objection I have if I need to find one thing that is out of character based on what we know of Lizzy and Darcy from Jane Austen's work is that I do not believe Lizzy would ever marry to secure a future for her family.. although in the original Lizzy's father is very much alive so she can rightly decline an offer of marriage. I do not criticize this change if I may call it that as the author addresses Lizzy's views of marriage and her differing opinion. But I would have thought that Lizzy would insead hope that Charles return to Netherfield would lead to marriage with Jane thus solving any financial hardships their family would be in need of should her father die versus feeling she needed to accept Darcy for security. Regardless - Great novel to all those hopeless people who like me keep reading ever version of a story between Darcy and Elizabeth. ENJOY!!

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Insipid. I may not think this quite so vehemently if I had read the book rather than listened to the audiobook. I did my best to stick it out but I just don’t think I can finish. My gd, I can’t believe I paid’$15 for this insipid PollyAnna crap. (I used an Audible monthly credit = $14.95/mo.)
My apologies to the author - this book simply was not for me. I’m sure there are plenty of others who will enjoy it.

[Miriam Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on my kindle app so I know that the first 80% of the book is full of misunderstandings. SOOO many misunderstandings and then there could have been a happy moment but then for some odd reason Elizabeth or Darcy react horrible to the other and then they are not talking to each other again. There would be an angry moment and then it would say "a few weeks later when things were normal again" I am paraphrasing there but 80 % angst and misunderstandings is kind of hard to get through. I can't believe it took Elizabeth so long to be nice to Darcy. She was constantly jumping to the worse conclusion. It looked like the author wanted her to fall in love with Darcy in the same time frame as the original Pride and Prejudice. However that is not logical to me because being married to him and spending so much time with him would have made her fall for him quicker, in the original she is hardly around him and doesn't know of his feelings. So the last 20 percent of the book was finally happy and their misunderstandings were put away but it felt like a LONG time coming. If I reread the book I will probably skip to the last 20% so that I don't have to get so frustrated reading all the silly misunderstandings they were CONSTANTLY having. It does show how important communication is in a relationship. I guess that is what bugged me, I feel like Elizabeth would have voiced her opinions about things rather than keeping them all in and turning into the saddest meanie ever.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a JA addiction and I love it ;)

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

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

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

I will end this with a I love JA variations :)

[Marte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a modern day feminist, and seriously never thought I'd be reading Jane Austen. I had the idea that
her stories were about bored, rich women looking for men. But - low and behold, I thoroughly enjoyed
Susan Mason-Milks' 'What If' version! Of course, I've done this completely backwards, since NOW
(at last) I want to go back and read the original.
I just hope I'm not disappointed when I do, because I've grown attached to the characters just the way
they've been written here - so much detail into their thoughts, their misunderstandings, and their fears.
It's been pointed out to me that, as it just so happens, Jane Austen and the women she writes about
actually WERE quite the feminists in their day. I loved discovering that, and am on my way to being
hooked, thanks to Mr. Darcy's Proposal.
This 'what if' version of Pride and Prejudice is a must read, even for beginners!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this "what-if" version of P&P! I agree with some reviewers that it seemed to take forever to have Darcy and Lizzy finally stop misunderstanding each other. I was so drawn in that it was even more frustrating because you are emotionally involved in the story and can see how silly they are being.

I loved loved loved the fact that their relationship wasn't all kisses and poetry. I'm always disappointed when I read what-ifs or sequels where everything is blissfully perfect. I loved the fact that it was told from both sides, and the fact that both had faults, very human faults. I found it to be self-reflective in a way, which brought a deeper connection to the story.

I would rate this 4.5 stars if I could!

[Katja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those stories in which her father is dying. I had a hard time getting into the story and it took me a few months to finish but it gets better as it goes along. In the beginning, Lizzy comes off as a bit of a shrew, attacking Darcy unprovoked. Darcy convinces her to marry him regardless, for financial security. Then she has a hard time adjusting to life at Pemberley. She's very lonely and the relationship with Darcy is difficult to build.

Steam level: we know when but fewer details about how

Whatever happened to Mrs. Annesley? Her name was mentioned a few times in the book as she accompanies Georgiana to Pemberley as her companion but then she just disappears and is never heard of again. Did Darcy fire her or did the author just forget that she existed?

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This alternative start at Hunsford, but instead of Darcy proposing he realises that she has an ill opinion of him and he statizes on how to marry Elizabeth and win her love. As usual there are lots of misunderstanding and Darcy uses her father's illness to his advantage. Though it is a different premise I really don't feel that Darcy would be taking advantage of Elizabeth this way. That was really the only thing I was not comfortable with. Having said this I still enjoyed the journey. And as always love wins in the end.

[Lit Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have been titled moody Lizzy & dull Darcy co-inhabit for months without becoming a couple at. all. !!
Supposedly he takes advantage of her family's difficulties to save her & to get her, she accepts, it seems for a second they will get to know eachother and fall inlove, but no. They develop a relationship out of gratefulness + duty, no sparks, seldomly a gesture of affection which she dismesses and he takes into account to throw it to her face later. Also, this Pemberley is a gloomy, sad, depressing place better fit to Manderlay...

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a unique retelling, picking up in Hunsford before Darcy's disastrous proposal. When Mr. Bennet is taken ill Darcy comes to Lizzy's aid and gets her home.

When he proposes at Longbourn, with the Bennets facing life in the Hedgerows should Mr. Bennet succumb to his illness Lizzy accepts.

Darcy knows she is not in love with him and their marriage is tested by her father's illness and their strained relationship.

[Jeanah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am sure I have read this plot or similar to it before. Too long for Elizabeth to realize she loves Darcy. Way too many misunderstandings between Elizabeth and Darcy. It was soooo frustrating and sucked the desire and romance right out. I have read so many what if P&P fiction that are soooo much better. I can seriously do without this one.

[PigiSi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many words and not enough action. I probably won't remember this book in a day or two.

[Rusty Bullerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Bit Long

This is a good story, but I thought it could have been shortened by about a third. After the first two dozen or so misunderstandings, it became tedious. However, her story line is not one that I've seen and I enjoyed it.

[Lauren Strawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow, but satisfying.

[Rae]

I got 40% through this book and nothing had happened...

[Zhora · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5

[IndieJane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Darcy’s Proposal is a “what-if” variation of Pride and Prejudice by Susan Mason-Milks. What if before Darcy had a chance to make that first disastrous proposal Elizabeth had received news that her father was gravely ill? And what if Mr. Darcy had the chance to know what Elizabeth thought of him before he proposed and made strides to demonstrate different behavior to her? These two alterations in the story drive Austen’s classic in an entirely new direction as Elizabeth accepts a proposal of marriage and help for her family from Mr. Darcy right after returning home from her visit with Charlotte. They marry quickly before Mr. Bennet passes away. They both take risks in marrying – Mr. Darcy marries Elizabeth not knowing if she will ever come to love him, and Elizabeth marries a man she isn’t entirely sure she can come to love. They navigate the murky waters of their early marriage – neither entirely sure where the other stands or how to make the best out of their situation.

Mr. Darcy’s Proposal is very well written and I think will be a favorite with many Austenesque readers for its sensitive and touching treatment of Mr. Darcy. I think his was the character that shined the strongest in this book. He remains suspended in the sort of half-heaven/ half-hell of having Lizzy as his bride without having her love and affection, which he so desperately desires. Also, because of the different track that the novel takes, Lizzy goes through more emotional upheaval in her life and this serves to distract her from the business at hand (falling in love with her husband). She takes the death of her father very hard and often retreats emotionally as she copes with that.

As a reader, I had one or two minor issues with characters. Although Elizabeth was suffering after her father’s death, I had to suspend my disbelief that she would not immediately confront Darcy on several issues that bothered her. She obviously had no problem doing it in the first chapter where she let Darcy know what she thought of him even without the provocation of the insulting first proposal. There is one point when Darcy doesn’t believe something that Lizzy tells him (I won’t say what it is and be a spoiler), and I realize this is because he has been hurt by many months of her emotional withdrawal, but it felt a bit off to me just because we know that Darcy admires Lizzy’s honesty.

Those minor issues aside, I felt this was a strong and fully realized alternate path for Pride and Prejudice. The story was well-paced and followed Austen’s original timeline closely in spite of the differences in story which I thought was a really nice touch. I liked getting glimpses into the running of Pemberley and the people that inhabit it. The scenes with Georgiana were also a nice touch as we could see how both Darcy and Elizabeth interacted with her, and how they lived together as a family at Pemberley. I sincerely hope that we see more from Susan Mason-Milks in the future.

Four Stars.

[Jakki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if Mr. Darcy didn’t get a chance to make his dreadful proposal at Hunsford? What if Elizabeth’s father fell ill before any of his daughters were married? What if Mr. Darcy proposed a plan to save Elizabeth and her family? Susan Mason-Milks explores these questions in her debut novel, Mr. Darcy’s Proposal.

Throughout the book, Mason-Milks does a great job of showing rather than telling. Whether it’s tea stains on the carpet, horse riding or fun games splashing in the water and telling secrets, the scenes are real, vivid, and memorable.

Watching Elizabeth slowly fall in love with Mr. Darcy was both entertaining and enjoyable. She may not have wanted her marriage to Darcy; however, Elizabeth realizes it is up to her to make the most of it. With each proffered handkerchief (as she is always finds herself without her own- and one of my favorite parts throughout the book), Elizabeth slowly begins to see a new side to Mr. Darcy, realizing he may not be as arrogant and dour as she first thought. Darcy, who still believes Elizabeth is a woman worth being pleased, is persistent in setting out to prove this. As their relationship progresses, each look, each smile, and each touch help build the passion and tension. For those who do not enjoy explicit amorous scenes, this novel will be one of interest as Mason-Milks allows the reader to sense the passion between the couple without the details.

Even though there are some intimacies, it takes quite awhile getting them there as they have to work through a myriad of misunderstandings. The roles of Master of Pemberley and Georgiana’s guardian have heightened Darcy’s authoritative demeanor. For a man used to giving commands and having his orders carried out without question, Darcy does not realize his motives could be viewed as anything but proper. However, suffering from trust issues, Elizabeth misunderstands Darcy’s reasons behind his actions. At times, Elizabeth feels she cannot approach Darcy with her problems, causing her to bottled-up her frustration until it cannot be contained any longer and explodes.

About the time I was tiring of all the misunderstandings, Darcy and Elizabeth finally get everything out in the open. Whew! With those problems behind them, they now must figure out how to make their relationship work. It was worth the wait.

FTC Disclaimer: Review copy provided by author.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book, however, not one of my favorite Darcy and Elizabeth marriage of convenience fanfics. When Darcy goes to propose to Elizabeth at Hunsford he soon understands that Elizabeth had just read a letter from Jane asking for her immediate return home due to a serious illness of their father (who is not expected to recover). Darcy realizes that he cannot propose to Elizabeth now, but instead offers his assistance and his carriage. Elizabeth agrees and then tells him what she really thinks of him. Of course, like in the original P&P, he is taken completely by surprise.

Darcy returns to Longbourn shortly after he takes her home and offers further assistance to Elizabeth with the protection he can give her and her family if they are married. He also at this time confesses his love to Elizabeth and tells her he still hopes to win her heart. After thinking it over for a day or two Elizabeth reluctantly agrees as her father’s health keeps declining.

The story that follows is fun and entertaining, albeit it filled with several misunderstandings. Given all the misunderstandings it doesn’t have as much angst as other marriage of convenience Darcy and Elizabeth stories (An Arranged Marriage by Jan Hahn or Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World by Abigail Reynolds). Even though this book had less angst what the real is how anticlimactic the end of the book is. Elizabeth wakes up one morning near the end of the book and realizes that she loves Darcy and she had for awhile but just didn’t know it. Now if that’s not anticlimactic I don’t know what is! So because of this I had to deduct a star. So, even though this book had less angst if you are looking for a Darcy and Elizabeth marriage of convenience/forced marriage I would suggest the two books I mentioned above.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy spending time with Darcy and Elizabeth. I especially like reading variations. This Pride and Prejudice variation begins in Hunsford, right before Darcy proposes to Elizabeth. Before he gets to the parsonage to propose, she receives a letter from Jane explaining that her father is seriously ill. He is not expected to live much longer and Jane pleads for her to come home quickly. In her distress, Elizabeth tells Darcy, who then offers her the use of his carriage. She questions why he would want to help since he doesn’t like her. She goes on to tell him she knows how he interfered with Jane and Bingley. This surprises him, he doesn’t propose and decides to try to change her opinion of him.

Darcy follows her to Hertfordshire bringing Bingley with him. He proposes to her there, stating that he can help her and her family in the event of her fathers death. After thinking about his offer she decided to take him up on it. It is understandably, an unhappy time for Elizabeth.

After Mr. Bennet’s death, Darcy and Elizabeth go to Pemberley, where many misunderstandings begin. I must say, I was getting a little frustrated with how long it was taking for them to begin understanding one another. When they finally resolve their differences it is very good!

Overall I really enjoyed reading this story.

Reviewed by "So little time..." in September 2011 http://candy-m.blogspot.com/

[Warmisunqu Austen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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3.5 Austen.

Es cómodo y agradable seguir la historia, los diálogos de Darcy y Elizabeth son cautivadores, tienen ese aura de contradicción o mala interpretación del uno por el otro, que te mantiene en vilo.
La autora mantiene una constante sensación de misterio existente alrededor de los sentimientos de Elizabeth por Darcy (me agrada, no lo entiendo, lo mal interpreto, quiero que se acerque, quiero que se aleje, me asusta, lo lastimo etc., son momentos que siente amarlo y otros está perdida en los silencios de su marido).
Hábilmente Mason te introduce en la historia y sin tener situaciones de mucha angustia, es como disfrutar de un cálido y suave sueño, hasta, casi antes del final, de golpe, su desenlace te llena de sensaciones intensas, sin tener descripciones explícitas de sexo, solo lo deja entrever, dejando al lector que vuele su imaginación.
La historia que narra Mason es un cálido y tentador romance que no debe perderse.