Georgiana Darcy watches daily as her brother and his wife fall more deeply in love and dreams of similar love and a home of her own. However, after the disaster years ago with Wickham, she does not believe that any man will have her; thus, the idea of a Season in London holds no appeal for her.Richard Fitzwilliam was tasked with watching over Georgiana and seeing her married to a deserving gentleman. The problem is finding a gentleman he approves of; not even his closest friends are deemed worthy of her hand.When scandal breaks and all Georgiana’s worst fears seem to come true, will Richard realize in time how deep his affections run, or will they lose their chance at happiness?
Mr. Darcy’s Younger Sister Georgiana is at the center of this continuation of the Pemberly saga. Pride and Prejudice continues to be a forever favorite and this book carries the flavor forward with imagined scenarios with Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth’s relatives.
I admit to a fascination with the social structures and courting and marriage customs of historical periods. This book goes into some detail of the London season and debuts for young women into society. Being presented to court, balls, polite society and it’s undercurrents were examined while attempting to introduce Mr Darcy’s sister to potential suitors.
I really enjoyed this and thought it stayed close to the characters written by Austin. Although this is the second, all three are easy and quickly read.
I perk right up when I see a book that tackles the minor characters and gives them a story of their own. Particularly because of who one of the minor characters is. I am a huginormous fan of Colonel Fitzwilliam. In this sequel to Pride and Prejudice, the author pursues the story of Miss Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam after all the dust settles from the previous story.
Not only is this a P&P sequel, but it is a sequel to the author's own book, His Good Opinion, a P&P retelling from Darcy's POV. It works best when read after that story, but isn't absolutely necessary if the reader is already familiar with the original classic (though seriously, you probably don't want to miss her first book because its a good one).
The story opens with young Georgiana Darcy turning eighteen and everyone realizing that she is now grown up and must enter society and establish her own place, possibly forming an attachment and finding a husband. That is everyone realizes this except her Cousin Richard to her profound irritation. He seems almost appalled at the idea and if she weren't so terrified that word would get out about her disgrace with Wickham, she'd show him. But that's just it. She doesn't want a Season or a launch into Society because she is worried that somehow word will get out that she almost eloped and her reputation will be shattered before the eyes of society and she will be forced to hide in disgrace.
Richard has been away doing espionage work in France until recent months and is shocked to discover his lovely little cousin is a woman on the cusp of her societal debut. He is her co-guardian so must join her older brother in launching her into society, chaperoning her Season, and screening any gentlemen who show an interest. The idea of men courting Georgiana revolts him. His close friend speculates that Richard might have a closer interest than even he realized. Richard is confused by his feelings and by Seb's words until he comes to the realization that he loves Georgiana and he doesn't want any man near her, but him. Unfortunately, his protective instincts get him into trouble and her very fears may have come to fruition.
I found both main players in this piece delightful. I loved seeing Georgiana blossoming and come of age, but still full of the insecurity and thinking of untried youth just like it was fun to see a caring Col. Fitz realize what form his care has turned into over the last few years. He is a true protector and hides deep emotions, but like any other man who tumbles into love, he is confused and caught unaware. I would have liked to have seen more evidence of what lay behind their feelings for each other and seen more of them in scenes together, but that is just me being greedy.
Behind this pair, I also had a good time meeting a new and improved Kitty, Colonel Fitzwilliam's friends, and having a little reunion with Darcy and Elizabeth now settled into their marriage and family life. I know some may be disappointed that the pair of them took such a back seat, but since this was Georgie's story, I actually didn't mind.
The intrigue part of the plot was well done and kept me guessing. I am not the most astute so others might figure out who was behind the trouble, but I found the revelation startling.
I enjoyed this author's writing for a second time and look forward to pursuing the third book in this series. I would definitely recommend this one to Austenesque lovers or those who enjoy Sweet Historical Romance.
Jane Austen doesn’t tell us much about the character of Georgiana Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. We know how old she is, that she’s shy, that she’s got a hefty inheritance, and that when she was fifteen she almost eloped with Mr. Wickham. Georgiana doesn’t even have any of her own lines in the original Pride and Prejudice. This kind of interesting back story (and the ability to create a character out of almost whole cloth) is tempting for Austen writers. I’ve read a few Georgiana Darcy stories and I’ve liked most of them. I think there’s a delicate balance that an author has to achieve - a character who is shy enough to be realistically like Georgiana but who is strong enough to be a heroine in her own right. I think Nancy Kelley strikes this balance particularly well in her novel Loving Miss Darcy.
I loved Kelley’s other book, His Good Opinion, which is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s point of view. She was able to portray Darcy as someone who is naturally shy and introverted, yet drawn irresistibly to Elizabeth’s warmth and extroversion. In Loving Miss Darcy, Kelley is able to achieve the same with Georgiana. She realistically paints her as a shy (but not timid) introvert who loves her family and friends with a warm purity. A woman like Elizabeth might burn a little brighter - sparkling with warmth and cheerfulness, but Georgiana is like that candle in the window that burns steadily so you can find your way home.
And that, I think, is what Georgiana is for Richard Fitzwilliam: a homecoming in more ways than one. In His Good Opinion, Kelley expanded on the role and personality of mr. Darcy’s cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and created a swoon-worthy hero deserving of his own novel. I was so glad to see him return in Loving Miss Darcy The romance between Georgiana and Richard was sweet and satisfying and seemed to grow naturally out of their previous relationship.
I liked that Richard’s life in the army came into play in this book and that it affected his relationship with Georgiana. I also love all the supporting characters. Richard’s spy buddies are fabulous and I am so hopeful we get to read more about them! A particularly interesting interaction between Kitty Bennet and Richard’s to-die-for friend Sebastian made me excited for more screen time for them.
I also thought the way Kelley dealt with Georgiana’s past was very realistic. The incident with Wickham was defining for Georgiana and if it ever got out that she’d agreed to an elopement she would be quite literally ruined in the society’s eyes. Too often we look at the situation with our modern sensibilities and think “she didn’t do anything wrong, what’s the big deal?” However, it was a Very. Big. Deal. during that time period and Georgiana’s internal conflict over having to lie to her future husband about it is very well written.
All in all, Loving Miss Darcy was a touching, sweet, Regency read that can be enjoyed by lovers of Pride and Prejudice and first time Regency readers alike. Five out of five stars.
Still another offering in the seemingly endless stream of Jane Austen sequels. However, this one is a little different because I found it better than many of them. Why? The author faithfully sticks close to the authenticity of Miss Austen's characters and her original artistic intent.
Obviously, due to the title, this is Georgiana Darcy's story and the events of her first season in London, as well as her budding romance with Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. Being somewhat shy and retiring, she does not look forward to the social crush of London's elite, for more than one reason. However Miss Catherine Bennet ('Kitty') accompanies her and due to her lively and engaging personality, helps to smooth out some of the bumps along the way.
Neither Georgiana nor Richard are aware of their feelings for each other. Georgiana still thinks the colonel treats her like a school girl or little sister. Colonel Fitzwilliam's prime concern is to continue to be her watchful guardian during Georgiana's season. Perhaps the colonel is doing too good of a job at keeping the rogues and undesirables away from her. He enlists the help of 3 former military comrades and charges them to discretely monitor her activities. Being former operatives in France, they are up to the task.
The other reason Georgiana is distressed is that the ton will discover her disastrous elopement with George Wickham, thus her reluctance and fear of being exposed and her reputation ruined. During the course of her first season, she and Richard sense someone is watching them secretly. But, who would wish to do harm to Miss Darcy? Also making appearances in this mystery/romance are Simon, Richard's older brother, Richard's parents, and of course Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, among others.
The mystery of who is out to expose Georgiana's debacle with Wickham deepens throughout the story along with her confused feelings towards Colonel Fitzwilliam. The colonel feels likewise and cannot understand why Miss Darcy continually rebuffs him. The plot moves rapidly towards a surprise ending.
If you are a lover of Jane Austen "fan-fic," you will probably enjoy this second offering in the author's Brides of Pemberley trilogy.
For young ladies living in the Regency Era, being presented and experiencing one's first Season can be exciting, stressful, and daunting. For Georgiana Darcy it's terrifying and completely undesired. Can she overcome her past mistakes? Will her suitors discover the foolish actions of her youth and remove their suit? Will she be able to trust any of the young men, or will they all be fortune hunters and rakes? Even though it has been years since her youthful indiscretion with George Wickham and she has regained her spirits and some of her confidence, Georgiana still bears some scars from the incident. Will the love and support of Kitty, Elizabeth, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam be enough to see her through her big debut?
Colonel Fitzwilliam is not one leave things to chance. He takes is role as guardian to Georgiana seriously and has been busy preparing himself for her big debut. Enlisting the help of his army comrades to act as decoys and spies, Colonel Fitzwilliam plans to have his eyes and ears everywhere. There will be no man whose history, family, vices, and worth is not known to him. But as soon as the Season begins, Colonel Fitzwilliam starts to question the motivation behind his fierce protection and covert manipulation – is it mistrust? Guilt? Fear? Or something more?
Oooh! I just loved Colonel Fitzwilliam in this novel, and I loved that he was the novel's sole hero (not something we get to see very often!) He kind of had a Mr. Knightley thing going on – unconsciously in love with a much younger woman who has been in his life for decades and has all of a sudden grown up. It worked really well and I enjoyed observing him question his intense concern for Georgina, unaccountable jealousy of other men, and the delicious moment when it all started to make sense to him. He most definitely is a swoon-worthy hero in this novel!
I love the story-line of Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, so I kinda knew I was already going to enjoy it. I always want these two together. Darcy and Elizabeth balance out and ground each other, but Georgiana is the character where we want someone to protect her, always. This is just what Fitzwilliam attempts to do in Loving Miss Darcy, and we love him for it! Watching Darcy and Fitzwilliam struggle with her growing-up and coming out is amusing, but at the same time can be understanding of their fear. It takes a while for Fitzwilliam to understand the nature of his feelings, but its fantastic when he does.
I love her writing and the way in which Geogiana was portrayed in it. A great story I will read again. I loved the angsty build-up and desperately wanted them to figure it all out. In some ways I wish there had been more romance or a more descriptive happy ending, but at the same time a chaste story might be more appropriate for Georgiana anyways.
PnP sequel with Georgiana's story. Well written in an austenesque style but it was a bit slow, I have therefore deducted one star. Would have loved a bit more about ODC as well.
Georgiana was nearing her coming out season and her guardians had there hands full preparing for it. Their efforts was put to the test as the whispers went loud and her debacle from Ramsgate, threatened to make itself known. Amidst it all, a budding romance enfold.
Loving Miss Darcy is a sweet story that focuses on Georgiana Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. The Colonel is my favorite secondary character in Pride and Prejudice, and I’m so excited when he gets the spotlight! I was looking forward to reading it, and Kelley did a wonderful job!
It is time for Georgiana Darcy’s first Season. She will be having her court presentation and coming out. What should be an exciting time for a young lady, is a time of anxiety and dread for Georgiana. Although a few years have gone by since her near-elopement with Wickham, Georgiana is still worried the truth will come out. She is also worried that she will not be able to tell the “Wickhams” from the honorable gentlemen. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are there to make sure that doesn’t happen, but can they keep the fortune hunters away and keep her secret from being revealed?
I loved watching Colonel Fitzwilliam as he discovers he loves Georgiana, and not just as a beloved cousin. At first, he doesn't understand his dread of her marrying someone else and his jealousy as he watches her dance with other men. I also loved hearing a bit more about his work during the war and meeting some of his close army buddies. This is the Colonel that I love!
My new favorite character is Sebastian Montgomery! I love his uncanny way of knowing EVERYTHING about someone. He can read a person well! Something else interesting about Sebastian is that he and Kitty seem to fit together well. I would love to see move of them together!
I was getting a bit tired of Georgiana’s anxieties and feelings of unworthiness, but that’s Georgiana. You would think she would have more faith in Darcy and Fitzwilliam! They would never let a rogue near her if they could help it. Although, I’m sure their over-protectiveness did not help Georgiana’s securities -- they seem to reinforce her beliefs that she is a bad judge of character.
I really enjoyed Loving Miss Darcy! It is a beautiful regency romance. This is Nancy Kelley’s second book, her first book, His Good Opinion, is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point-of-view (read my review here).
I was given an ARC e-copy by the author for my honest review.
Y'all know by now that I love Pride and Prejudice. You also know that I love reading books that explore the lives of the characters from that wonderful work, and one of my favorite characters to explore happens to be Georgiana. I always feel bad for her in the P&P fan fiction world, as she is often relegated to being a minor character, and never the heroine. All this changes with Nancy Kelley's second work in the Brides of Pemberley series, Loving Miss Darcy (for my review of the first work, His Good Opinion, click here).
Georgiana Darcy is conflicted. On one hand she is elated that her brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and his lovely bride, Elizabeth, are happily married and fully in love. On the other hand, her own personal love life is the complete opposite. After the disastrous events that led her to almost elope with Wickham previously, she hasn't had the drive to face another Season full of potential suitors in London. Enter Richard Fitzwilliam, tasked by Darcy to watch over his little sister and find a suitable match for her. The problem is that Richard feels that no one is deserving of Georgiana, even though they may be a perfectly good match. Even Richard's closest friends are no match for his stony demeanor. Behind this mask, however, a growing attachment is forming, and it seems that Richard is keeping others out in the hopes that he may have a chance, however slight. Will he give in to this growing attachment? Will Georgiana return his feelings?
One major item that I have to commend Kelley on is her ability to portray the angst of the teenage mind via Georgiana. Obviously, Georgiana is a teenager, and with that comes feelings of angst, confusion, and general awkwardness. Kelley is able to tap into that mindset and describe Georgiana's unwillingness to enter the Season due to a variety of factors, chief among them her trepidation at what others will think of the "Wickham scandal". On the opposite end of the spectrum is Richard, whose mindset is an unsettled warzone of nerves. He is confused about his feelings for Georgiana, and cannot separate his duties as her guardian from his desire to want to be with her. He also wonders if he should even voice his innermost feelings for her, as he fears that she will reject him due to the age gap between them, along with several other factors that keep his feelings in check. Again, Kelley shows that she is in tune with her characters in writing Richard, and together with Georgiana, she made this story one that I couldn't put down. I can't wait to read the story of Elizabeth's sister, Kitty, next in the series. If it's as good as these other two works have been, I'm in for a treat!
I sure don’t miss my teenage years. The ever-constant drama of crushes, romantic firsts, rumors, Facebook stalking, and over-analysis of the minutest details can make this a trying period for some teenagers. But the rules in Regency England were different for teenage girls. An elopement could destroy a family’s reputation unlike today’s weekend trip to Las Vegas for a quickie wedding. In Loving Miss Darcy, a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, Georgiana Darcy must have her Season in Town after a near-elopement with Mr. Wickham, a scandal that could destroy her chances at making a good marriage if it became common knowledge. And having rescued her from one fortune hunter, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam must chaperone her as she enters the shark waters of London. Georgiana is now in transition from a child who spends her days playing her pianoforte to being courted for marriage. But Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam will take no chances in executing their duty as Georgiana’s guardians, even enlisting the Colonel’s former coworkers from his days as a spy. But perhaps this excessive protectiveness is a clue in itself of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s true feelings for Georgiana, feelings that he expresses in his actions but perhaps is not ready to admit using words. And will Georgiana, who sees herself as a sullied young woman to be thrust upon an unsuspecting groom, let her pride stop her from marrying the man she truly loves? Can I just say I loved this book? Nancy Kelley took what little we knew of Colonel Fitzwilliam as a human being rather than a companion to Mr. Darcy and formed a great story with intrigue, war, and hints about his past as a spy. Colonel Fitzwilliam was not just a soldier with a title that would set Mrs. Bennet’s heart aflutter when she remembered she still had daughters that needed husbands; he was a crucial to ensuring that England would never have a Corsican Emperor on its land. And Georgiana had problems moving past a mistake that happened when she was very young, it was not an event that could be forgotten simply because it was never to be mentioned. Nancy dealt with these challenges beautifully. Georgiana’s past comes to light with a vengeance in connection to Richard’s actions as a spy in France. This is not a simple love story; the events of that time period played a role in Colonel Fitzwilliam’s life and in his courtship of Georgiana making it a more thrilling and unexpected love story. And to top it off? A Whovian inside joke that made me scream.
eARC provided by author for review. Review originally posted on my blog: AWordsWorth.blogspot.com
Remember the totally awesome Austenesque novel, His Good Opinion, that told us Darcy's side of the story? And remember how throughout that novel, you picked up on threads of something rather interesting as relates to Colonel Fitzwilliam? Well, Nancy Kelley had mercy on us and told his story. Although it's also Georgiana's story. And, curses, it also sets us up for another waiting-interval, until someone else's story is ready for the world. (Don't you hate when an author creates characters you don't want to leave?)
Loving Miss Darcy picks up a bit after His Good Opinion ends -- the Darcys are happily ensconced in married life at Pemberley, and Georgiana has blossomed into a glowing young lady ready for her Season. Col. Fitzwilliam - Richard - and Darcy are uncertain about their personal preparedness for said Season, but enter into the planning with all the good interfering intentions of proper guardians. Georgiana herself is nervous and anxious about the Season, but having Kitty Bennett along for the adventure helps. Things seem to be settling into a happy - and successful - pattern, especially once Georgiana realizes she doesn't have to marry any of the young men she meets: her brother will allow her to follow her heart in this case. Meanwhile, as the parties and gaiety continue, both Richard and Georgiana start to uncover the hidden truths behind their reluctance and resistance to the changes wrought by the Season. And then the real intrigue starts, and all is placed in great risk by a circulating rumor. But who has such a malicious intent to ruin not only Georgiana Darcy, but also to injure her guardians? Who indeed ... Did not expect that little plot twist!
A quick, delightful read that feels "true to Jane" in continuing the story of some of literature's most beloved characters, Loving Miss Darcy was thoroughly satisfying. Minus the whole "now I have to wait to find out about [female character] and [male character]"-bit. I have it on good authority however, that Nancy is working on the next installment, and it promises to be worth the wait. (If you really want to know, you can check out her website. But it's more fun if you read the existing books first and then indulge your curiosity)
It's time. Georgiana Darcy needs to be presented during the Season, much to the chagrin of her very overprotective brother and cousin. Will Georgiana be able to forgive herself for teenage foolishness, and will her Richard be able to accept that she can take care of herself?
Loving Miss Darcy is the story of transformations. Richard Fitzwilliam has helped his cousin, Darcy as guardian to Georgiana since her parents death. After returning from France, he finds his young cousin has turned into a beautiful woman...and isn't really happy about it. Is it because he's protective of her, or are there new feelings that he just can't recognize? Georgiana's lifelong crush on her cousin seems fruitless if he keeps treating her like a piece of glass that needs to be protected. Thank goodness Elizabeth is there to set both parties straight.
Author Nancy Kelley excels at walking a line between what could have been an uncomfortable story about a guardian falling in love with his ward. Richard returns from war in France and a special duty that he really can't discuss with his family. Both parties are the last to know that love has bloomed between them. I enjoyed reading the antics of a clueless Richard and what manipulations he arranges to protect Georgiana from unscrupulous suitors, including his brother.
The secondary characters in the novel almost stole the show. I hope the author considers writing more about Colin and Sebastian and their antics with Richard. My only concern with the novel is that it really needed an epilogue. Here's hoping there is a sequel in the works!
I love the Colonel Fitzwilliam/Georgiana Darcy pairing. I wish there were more books out there for them, which is why I was so ecstatic to find another. The story was well done. The twist was good, I almost wish the reveal would have been worse, just so we could see that conversation between our leads, but then we wouldn't have the same book.
Georgiana is a treasure, with plenty of strength, but still insecure from her past folly. Which is where the story centered for her, she felt she wasn't trusted because of it. While Richard Fitzwilliam's action could be misunderstood with the same reasoning, we know that is not the case.
Richard with his friends was delightful. And when Darcy meets Richard toward the end, I laughed out loud at his actions.
My main issue comes with the editing. There were words missing throughout, that sometimes took me momentarily out of the story, as I had to reread the sentence to make sure. One thing that always gets me in Regency romance is when terms like pregnant are used, which it was here only once, thankfully, but it should have been confinement. It may be priggish, but there ya go.
I love Jane Austen and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE is my favorite book. Nancy Kelley wrote this sequel to P&P and it is awesome! It tells the story of Georgiana Darcy (Mr. Darcy's sister) after Darcy and Elizabeth have been married for two years. It's an alternating POV with Mr. Darcy's cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, being the other narrator.
I really enjoyed the dual perspective of the novel. Nancy Kelley is able to fill in those gaps that Jane Austen left about Georgiana and Richard while still keeping the Austen feel to the book. I, for one, appreciate it when an "Austen sequel" actually writes like Jane Austen! Keeping the sort of word choice, situations, etc. is very important. Nancy Kelley does this so well.
If you like Austen, Austen sequels, romantic books without smuttiness, read LOVING MISS DARCY!
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the reminder of Richard Fitzwilliam being Georgiana's guardian. It made the relationship feel a little awkward. Aside from that, it was great. Their relationship (aside from what I've mentioned) did feel organic. The issue surrounding Georgiana's past coming to light was done well, but as someone else said I would have liked to have seen it made a little worse if only to make things a little more devastating.
Delightful read from Nancy Kelley ~ Tears, tissues and triumphant romance with forays into intrigue, espionage, and duplicity! All perfectly resolved with a delicious ending.
THANK YOU, Nancy, for extending our passion for Pride and Prejudice to include Georgiana and Col Richard Fitzwilliam's stories..
6th read for the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon this May 13-19.13
I tend to be a bit hesitant in reading Austen fan fictions but I really wanted to see if there was any continuations on Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam where this one actually peaked my interested as it didn't try to turn the characters into some OC madness at the expense of the plot (unlike Death Comes To Pemberley).
Set three years after the events of Pride and Prejudice, Georgiana along with Kitty are beginning to start their debut in London. Due to what had happened with Wickham, Georgiana is nervous as to how she will be treated until she told the Colonel will be her guide throughout her time there resulting in some unexpected flirting and foolish attempts at Fitzwilliam setting up his friends to date Georgiana in order to deny his own feelings for his cousin/ward. I liked seeing how Georgiana still has some trauma over her time in Ramsgate where it does place her to be human instead of the perfect princess she tends to be set up as in many continuations and Fitzwilliam probably appeared to be much more interesting than I think Austen had ever intended. We find out the full extent of his family, his time in the war which bordered into some James Bond territory. The friendship between Georgiana and Kitty was a delight and the author made a lot of effort into showing Kitty as her own person rather than as Lydia's pointless sidekick.
If you are a fan of these two characters, I highly recommend this one. Some slight language issues aside but a fun weekend read.
I enjoyed this second book in the Brides of Pemberley series. It was fun to get a story focused on Georgiana.
*Fun to see favorite characters from the original P&P come into the story. I loved seeing Elizabeth and Darcy as a married couple and the fun story lines and clever asides between them. Also really fun to have Kitty as a more prominent character in the story without Lydia. And I loved Colonel Fitzwilliam as well. *Clever to move the story to London so it was easier to introduce new characters. I would have liked more development of many of the characters but as this was more of a novella, I guess it made sense. *Crazy twist with Georgiana's past brought back to the ton but I think it could have been more developed. It felt a bit disjointed to suddenly have someone who was supposed to be Fitzwilliam's friend to then be a villain. It just felt sudden. A longer novel would have had time to develop that plot line better. *I enjoyed the dual perspectives (of course) and the slow burning love story. But they seemed destined to not be together for so long and had so many obstacles that just kept coming up. I would have liked an epilogue or something afterwards that gives us some closure on their story.
A fun fan fiction story. I enjoyed the escape into a P&P inspired story.
Over years of reading Jane Austen fan fiction, I've noticed that JAFF writers usually pair Darcy's cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, with: a. Georgiana Darcy; b. Anne de Bourgh; c. Kitty Bennet; or d. Someone else, not mentioned in Pride and Prejudice.
From the title, you can probably guess who is the Colonel's romantic interest in this book. Still, there are unexpected twists and turns before the Colonel and the lady reach their Happily Ever After, including a "frenemy" who seeks to ruin Georgiana's good name by spreading gossip about the Wickham scandal some years earlier.
Quick, fun, and by the end entertaining. The second book of a 3 part series continues Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice story. Primarily about Georgiana Darcy. In the language of Jane, I felt the premise bathetic. Still, I liked the rendering of the characters, and the slight plot twists in Richard Fitzwilliam's history. The ending was abrupt, but I was happy to then read the third book in the series, Against His Will, by the same author, which answered some of my questions. The author does an excellent job using language and visuals from the era. The characters are likeable and believable.
Ms Kelley's Pride & Prejudice sequel expands on the character Georgiana, Darcy's younger sister and his ward. It avoids some of the pitfalls of her debut novel "His Good Opinion," but falls face forward into others. While the plot is more original and begins well enough, it becomes painfully repetitious, something that could have been improved with better content editing. Also the technical editing is so poor that it is a major distraction with many words omitted, typos and misspellings. There is a good story here, but it is not really ready for public consumption.
Another great novel about our favorite characters Georgie and her captain! I loved this one too. Very charming, nicely paced and totally Victorian! Loved it!
Story/Plot: 5 - I am not sure where to put this title. I considered this story original, similar to a regency romance you might read. The exception here, is it concerns Georgiana Darcy and Col. Richard Fitwilliam. In a way, you might consider this a sequel to P&P, and in truth, it is the sequel to His Good Opinion: A Mr. Darcy Novel, which is P&P through the eyes of Mr. Darcy. Wherein His Good Opinion is told exclusively from the male POV (i.e. Mr. Darcy), this story is told through both Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana's eyes - a kind of he/she thinks as is found in most romances. I should also like to note there is some intrigue is this story - not much, but a little - and it also lays more groundwork for the next book, where I believe it will be a major part of the story.
Re-read Value: 4 - I did consider putting this as a 3 for a 50/50 point, but when I think about it, I liked this story a lot. I like P&P, Georgette Heyer regency romances and Betty Neels. I like the clean sweet romance and with a certain knowledge the two principle characters are only "meant" for each other even if they don't know it themselves right from the start. I also like the idea of a romance between Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy, so why wouldn't I want to re-read this book again?
Continue Series: 5 - Already got Against His Will on the Nook to read as soon as I finish this review, lol. This as far as I know is the final book in the series, but I cannot lie, I am hoping Nancy Kelley releases other titles in the P&P universe. As mentioned in the review previously, I would like to see a romance for Anne de Bourgh - maybe Colin - oops SPOILERS?
Characters: 5 - I should begin by saying previously I put this down because although the story was told from Mr. Darcy's POV, it was all the same characters I love and adore from P&P. The same characters appear, but there are a whole lot of new ones which are quite interesting themselves. In this story, which as mentioned up above, it's a romance between Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. I warn you, I might be dropping a few SPOILERS so if you're like me and want to read this book cold, please skip don't and don't read what I am about to write. Normally I hate dropping spoilers, but I'd like to explain some stuff and that means ruining it a little. If you read the first book in the series, His Good Opinion, you will have guessed what Col. Fitzwilliam did during the war with France. In this book, his past is expanded upon and we meet 3 of his friends who helped in his espionage escapades. As mentioned above, one of these friends, Mr. Sebastian Montgomery, is involved in the next book Against His Will, where he is the main protagonist and the love interest in Kitty/Catherine Bennet. There are a few other interesting characters in here, but I don't want to spoil all the fun for you, so check it out for yourself.
Cover: 2 - It's the only thing that bothered me about the book. Blue. Lace. I GUESS it is possible if you look at it you will say "OOOO a Regency Novel!" But I have to be honest, if I didn't know it was the sequel to His Good Opinion, I might not have picked it up.
Personal Involvement: 5 - As you already guessed, lol. Anyone who has ready any of my reviews/notes/comments in regards to P&P fan fiction, know I am stickler for P&P. My point of reference regarding this is I DID consider this worthy of being a GOOD P&P sequel/variation. BUT, I also could have read this story separate, knew NOTHING about P&P and just want a light sweet regency romance, and I would have been thrilled. I feel oddly enough that I got 2 books in one.
Two years after Elizabeth married Mr. Darcy, it's time for Darcy's younger sister to make her debut in society. But Georgiana still hasn't emotionally recovered from her colossal mistake in nearly eloping with Mr. Wickham and doesn't trust her own judgment when it comes to men. In an effort to boost her confidence and protect her from unsavory types, her guardians--Darcy and Col. Richard Fitzwilliam--ask the colonel's friends to dance with her at her first balls. Despite their best efforts and intentions, somehow rumors still leak out, and Richard is forced to more fully examine his own feelings toward Georgie as he races to uncover the plot to damage her reputation.
This is a light, fun read for Jane Austen fans. Nancy Kelley again remains consistent with Austen's original characters and tone. The one exception is that she develops Kitty Bennet into a much more mature and intelligent girl than in the original Pride and Prejudice, but I can live with that, since Kitty's been away from Lydia for two years, and all of us would like to think we improve with age. Plus I'm hoping Nancy's next book will focus on Kitty and Sebastian.
A couple of things brought my rating down a bit. First, there is a scene at Pemberley fairly early on in the book at the start of the Christmas gathering when Simon starts talking, and I hadn't even realized he was invited, much less had arrived. I flipped back several pages to see if I'd missed something, but there was no mention of him until he spoke. When Elizabeth's parents started speaking soon afterward, it was only slightly less jarring, and for the same reason.
Second, I thought the ending was a bit too...easy? I can't think of the precise word I mean. It just felt slightly rushed, maybe, or the villain was caught and too-gently dispensed with...I don't know. And when they were confronting him, one of his physical reactions was exactly the opposite of what would have made sense to me: he sat back instead of lunging up in protest/denial. I won't say any more than that because I want to avoid spoilers.
And third, there were a couple of painful (to me) grammar errors that jumped out at me, particularly toward the end of the book. There were occasional missing words or letters throughout, but they didn't bother me as much as the later incorrect sentence structures. (Nancy, please let me know if you'd ever like me to proofread your manuscripts for you. I'd be delighted to do so!)
Overall, though, I very much enjoyed reading book two in the series.
For readers' advisors: setting, story, and character doorways. No sex or swearing.
I have found another set of Pride and Prejudice sequels. This set is called The Brides of Pemberley. I did not start on the first one, it was a retelling of Pride and Prejudice told from Mr. Darcy’s point of view. I have read several of those already and this one seemed short, so I decided to skip it. I jumped in with the second book that focuses on Georgiana.
One thing that threw me off when I started was the names the characters used. Fitzwilliam Darcy was addressed simply as William, and Colonel Fitzwilliam, whom in every other sequel I have read is named Edward or Edmund, was called Richard. It took me a few chapters to straighten everyone out.
The story follows the coming out of Georgiana in her first season in the ton. As expected Darcy and Fitzwilliam go overboard in their protection of her and this leads to a few difficulties. You meet several Colonel Fitzwilliam’s friends, who are very interesting characters. The season is filled with the typical social niceties and the mixing of people that we saw in the Jane Austen novels. You follow Georgiana through the highs, lows, stresses, and delights of her season. Like in the majority of other sequels, she is in love with Colonel Fitzwilliam, so her thoughts of the men are entertaining. What I particularly loved about this book was the inclusion of Kitty. In order to reduce Georgiana’s fear and revulsion of the idea of having a season, Darcy sponsors Kitty to a coming out season as well. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of her character. Her interactions, conversations, and ability to help Georgiana through her trials kept the story very interesting to me.
I wanted to love this book, however, I found the story somewhat forgettable. I left my review for a few days, as is my normal habit, giving myself time to think it over and decide what I would like to write. However in that short time, I had completely forgotten the story and had to flip back through it to remind myself. That is unusual for me. I read the third book directly after, but I have not trouble remembering it (it will be the next review, Against His Will). So therefore, even though I do feel it is a simple story meant for an easy afternoon, it is not one I will be likely to pick up again. Any Pride and Prejudice sequel fans will enjoy the book, as I think young adults will be enthralled with the work. I personally, however, would have liked a more developed story line and a greater depth to the characters.
This is a Pride and Prejudice continuation story. The story starts out a couple of years after Darcy and Elizabeth's marriage. It is about time for Georgiana to be launched into society and Col Fitzwilliam and Darcy agree. Georgiana has turned into a gentile young lady, but still very shy and not at all happy with her come out. So Kitty is to accompany them to London and be part of Georgianna's come out.
I liked this book because we see a different side of Georgianna and also Col Fitzwilliam. The story is written from there perpective. We get to see all the dynamics of the family. We know that the Col is a second son, but he is only second by a few min. Yes he's a twin. Anyway like any good story there is a mystery afoot and it affects Georgianna. How will the good Col handle it and how does he deal with Gorgianna? In all this we see all the emotions that plague Georgianna and her concern about her misstep with Wickham. She know that the season is for her to find a husband but what if that is not what she wants? Who could love her? Loved the journey and the dawning in the characters when they realise their feelings and where to go from there.
This story has it all, angst, betrayal and most especially misguided romance. I recomend this to all the P&P fans. A definite must read!!!