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The Darcy Novels #2
Mr. Darcy's Challenge: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
In this humorous Pride and Prejudice Variation, Mr. Darcy is determined to win Elizabeth Bennet's hand in spite of her rejection and he has a strategy worked out. He will rescue Lydia Bennet from Wickham and will return to Longbourn to convince Elizabeth to marry him. But when a chance encounter prompts Darcy to propose once again to Elizabeth before he has rescued Lydia, his plans go horribly wrong.
Broken hearted, disillusioned and bitterly regretting his impulsive action, Darcy sees no point in assisting Miss Bennet. After all, rescuing Lydia might save Elizabeth’s reputation, but why should he care when they have no future together? His code of gentlemanly conduct, however, demands that he fulfill the terms of his promise to her. Once again, Darcy finds himself faced with impossible choices: helping Elizabeth when she is certain to marry someone else, or holding onto his dignity by turning his back on the Bennets once and for all.
Pride and love are at loggerheads as he struggles to choose between his mind … and his heart.
Volume Two of The Darcy Novels continues the story began in Mr. Darcy's Pledge but can be read as an independent book as well.
Broken hearted, disillusioned and bitterly regretting his impulsive action, Darcy sees no point in assisting Miss Bennet. After all, rescuing Lydia might save Elizabeth’s reputation, but why should he care when they have no future together? His code of gentlemanly conduct, however, demands that he fulfill the terms of his promise to her. Once again, Darcy finds himself faced with impossible choices: helping Elizabeth when she is certain to marry someone else, or holding onto his dignity by turning his back on the Bennets once and for all.
Pride and love are at loggerheads as he struggles to choose between his mind … and his heart.
Volume Two of The Darcy Novels continues the story began in Mr. Darcy's Pledge but can be read as an independent book as well.
248 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2014
43 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Monica Fairview
31 books226 followersMonica Fairview writes Jane Austen variations and sequels as well as Fantasy P&P variations. After graduating from the University of Illinois, she worked as a literature professor and then as an acupuncturist in Boston before moving to London.
Monica enjoys reading Jane Austen, historical , fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels , but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
If you'd like to be notified of her latest release, please press the FOLLOW button on Monica Fairview's Amazon page.
If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com
Monica enjoys reading Jane Austen, historical , fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels , but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.
If you'd like to be notified of her latest release, please press the FOLLOW button on Monica Fairview's Amazon page.
If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 3, 2015
I eagerly picked this one up since it was the second half of a book, Mr. Darcy's Pledge, that left off just when things were getting interesting. Because its the second half, it most definitely needs to be read in order.
The first book was a wonderful blend of heartwarming humor as a man's marriage proposal is not only rejected, but accompanied by some unwelcome insight into his character as seen by another person. Darcy spends most of the first book both determined to move on even going so far as to make a list of traits in his future bride that are not a thing like Elizabeth, but also growing introspective and affecting changes to his life now that he is aware of his shortcomings. The end of the book provides him with a second chance and one he does not squander, but circumstances intervene that lead to an early separation before he can put another proposal before Elizabeth.
And that is where this book opens. Darcy learns of Elizabeth's sister's disappearance and the family's decision to discover the whereabouts of Lydia. With heart in hand for his Elizabeth, Darcy is determined to follow and help. He wants to be her white knight and he imagines she thinks the same until she pushes him away once more. And that is that he decides. He will turn his attentions elsewhere once his duty is done in helping find Lydia.
Georgiana doesn't know what to think of her brother's odd behavior, but is determined to get to the bottom of things so she leaves the country and heads for their London townhouse where she is in time to discover all that has been going on. She wants to help locate Wickham and Lydia, but the idea of confronting the man who tried to seduce her for her dowry does not please her. Her brother confronts her with the thought that perhaps she still has feelings for the rake.
In a flurry of adventure, Darcy continues to do his duty in spite of his broken heart still hoping to possibly win another chance even as he helps search for Lydia. The chase takes some interesting twists and turns when he is joined by the Bingleys and the Bennets and a romp to and around Brighton. Will this be the opportunity Darcy is looking for to turn Elizabeth's affections toward him or prove once and for all that she is a lost cause?
So, I sat for a bit after I read this one and pondered how I felt about it. On one level, I had a good time reading it and was truly rooting for Darcy, but on another, I was not as into this half of the story as I was with the first book. The tighter, crisper plot of the first one had more appeal for me and shockingly, I actually preferred Darcy apart from Elizabeth. He gets a bit too broody and moony-eyed when she's around. I honestly wasn't that taken with Elizabeth. I was strongly connected to Georgiana and Darcy and I found Bingley and Mrs. Bennet rather appealing. The time spent jaunting around after Lydia dragged for me too. Though the twist this story took regarding Lydia was a bit of a fun surprise. That ending was engaging with its little twist too. I did wish for a bit more particularly after all the time spent when the two main players were at loggerheads for so long. I did want a bit more of them when they were reconciled. I was curious about maybe a resolution for Georgiana too since she had grown and matured throughout the story.
To sum it up, I found parts of it not as appealing, but other parts rather engaging and fun. I like the Darcy of this story and I really liked the added piece that came with Georgiana's narration. I can easily recommend this duology of books to the Austenesque lovers, but historical romance fans who like a light and sweet romance story might want to give these a try too.
My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
UPDATE: I discovered shortly after I originally reviewed this book that I made a grave error of assumption (gasp, yeah, its rare, but happens LOL Okay it happens a lot). This was not a duology. The author informed me that this series continues on and this wasn't the end. With that knowledge, it changes things a whole lot for me. Things that felt loose, rushed or skimmed over in the plot that disappointed me can now be seen as transition pieces leading to what is to come. With that knowledge, I am adjusting my original rating from a 3 star to a 4 star review. I am very eager for what is to come.
The first book was a wonderful blend of heartwarming humor as a man's marriage proposal is not only rejected, but accompanied by some unwelcome insight into his character as seen by another person. Darcy spends most of the first book both determined to move on even going so far as to make a list of traits in his future bride that are not a thing like Elizabeth, but also growing introspective and affecting changes to his life now that he is aware of his shortcomings. The end of the book provides him with a second chance and one he does not squander, but circumstances intervene that lead to an early separation before he can put another proposal before Elizabeth.
And that is where this book opens. Darcy learns of Elizabeth's sister's disappearance and the family's decision to discover the whereabouts of Lydia. With heart in hand for his Elizabeth, Darcy is determined to follow and help. He wants to be her white knight and he imagines she thinks the same until she pushes him away once more. And that is that he decides. He will turn his attentions elsewhere once his duty is done in helping find Lydia.
Georgiana doesn't know what to think of her brother's odd behavior, but is determined to get to the bottom of things so she leaves the country and heads for their London townhouse where she is in time to discover all that has been going on. She wants to help locate Wickham and Lydia, but the idea of confronting the man who tried to seduce her for her dowry does not please her. Her brother confronts her with the thought that perhaps she still has feelings for the rake.
In a flurry of adventure, Darcy continues to do his duty in spite of his broken heart still hoping to possibly win another chance even as he helps search for Lydia. The chase takes some interesting twists and turns when he is joined by the Bingleys and the Bennets and a romp to and around Brighton. Will this be the opportunity Darcy is looking for to turn Elizabeth's affections toward him or prove once and for all that she is a lost cause?
So, I sat for a bit after I read this one and pondered how I felt about it. On one level, I had a good time reading it and was truly rooting for Darcy, but on another, I was not as into this half of the story as I was with the first book. The tighter, crisper plot of the first one had more appeal for me and shockingly, I actually preferred Darcy apart from Elizabeth. He gets a bit too broody and moony-eyed when she's around. I honestly wasn't that taken with Elizabeth. I was strongly connected to Georgiana and Darcy and I found Bingley and Mrs. Bennet rather appealing. The time spent jaunting around after Lydia dragged for me too. Though the twist this story took regarding Lydia was a bit of a fun surprise. That ending was engaging with its little twist too. I did wish for a bit more particularly after all the time spent when the two main players were at loggerheads for so long. I did want a bit more of them when they were reconciled. I was curious about maybe a resolution for Georgiana too since she had grown and matured throughout the story.
To sum it up, I found parts of it not as appealing, but other parts rather engaging and fun. I like the Darcy of this story and I really liked the added piece that came with Georgiana's narration. I can easily recommend this duology of books to the Austenesque lovers, but historical romance fans who like a light and sweet romance story might want to give these a try too.
My thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
UPDATE: I discovered shortly after I originally reviewed this book that I made a grave error of assumption (gasp, yeah, its rare, but happens LOL Okay it happens a lot). This was not a duology. The author informed me that this series continues on and this wasn't the end. With that knowledge, it changes things a whole lot for me. Things that felt loose, rushed or skimmed over in the plot that disappointed me can now be seen as transition pieces leading to what is to come. With that knowledge, I am adjusting my original rating from a 3 star to a 4 star review. I am very eager for what is to come.
December 28, 2014
This review was first published on Babblings of a Bookworm: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot....
Earlier this year I read ‘Mr Darcy’s Pledge’ by Monica Fairview, which is book 1 of this story. If you haven’t read that book, then don’t start ‘Mr Darcy’s Challenge’, as it follows on directly from book 1, and don’t read on, as there are spoilers for ‘Mr Darcy’s Pledge’!
This book picks right up from where book 1 finished. Darcy had given up writing lists of what he wanted from a wife and was reaching the point where he was ready to propose again to Elizabeth Bennet, when unfortunately all his plans are derailed by tiresome Lydia eloping. Mr Darcy’s Pledge was to locate Lydia for the sake of her sister and then do some wooing. He tears up his list of suitable qualities in a wife and romantically tosses them to the wind as he rides away, and then.... he realises that strewing the rare commodity of fine paper across the countryside his lady love is in the habit of walking through is by no means a good idea. He turns back, but it’s too late, Elizabeth is already in possession of some interesting bits of paper:
“I am afraid I am guilty of being wickedly inquisitive. However, I cannot repent because I am too excessively diverted,” she said. “This person has itemized his requirements for a wife. Can you conceive of such a thing? Quite as if he meant to prepare a plum pudding or a blancmange!” She laughed. “I cannot conceive what kind of person would do such a thing!”
Any moment now, she would put two and two together and produce Fitzwilliam Darcy. If she did, all would be lost.
Things then go from bad to worse, and I could happily have given Darcy a good shake to hopefully get some sense into him! He sets off for London, having insulted Elizabeth again, discarding his pledge and potentially getting into an entanglement with a young widow. Mr Darcy’s Challenge will be to overcome his despair, act the part of an honourable gentleman and fulfil his pledge.
In the first book, one of the things I particularly enjoyed was the development of the character of Georgiana, who was struggling to overcome the damage to her self-esteem that the mistakes in judgement she made at Ramsgate had inflicted. Georgiana was really blossoming into adulthood and this continues here in book 2. We are privy to some of her thoughts, which I particularly enjoyed, as she is just as amusing as Darcy was in the first book:
‘If she did not hold herself in check, she mused, she would soon be in danger of becoming very much like her aunt Catherine.
It was a sobering thought.’
Darcy wasn't quite what I expected. In ‘Mr Darcy’s Pledge’ I was very fond of him. Although to me he didn’t quite seem like Austen’s Darcy he was very amusing, sometimes bordering on the eccentric, but here I liked him less, he was often overly despondent and sometimes petulant. He was also so impatient, and he would decide one thing and then immediately change his mind. We didn’t see much of Elizabeth in book 1 but I think she would have learned caution with her knowledge that she was so misled in her initial judgements of both Darcy and Wickham, however she doesn’t seem to have learned anything, and I was a little surprised at her family’s behaviour when they to look for Lydia in Brighton, as you would have expected them to be extremely worried and keep a low profile but instead it seemed like they were just looking for her while on holiday.
There were other characters I particularly enjoyed; Mrs Bennet showed some depth of character in her search for her daughter. Mr Bennet refused to take things seriously, which I found very tiresome. I felt the dynamic between the Bingleys and the Darcys was slightly different to ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Here, the families have been close for many years and seem on a familiar footing so you see Bingley and Darcy as more equal friends than in some variations. I very much enjoyed Mr Bingley’s character, he’s often very amusing:
“Did anyone ever tell you that your jovial pig-headedness is really quite annoying?”
“Yes,” said Bingley, cheerfully. “Many times. I take it you want to go home and sulk.”
“Something like that,” said Darcy.
“Then you will not mind if I join you. A good long sulk will do me a world of good. You do not have a monopoly on sulking, you know. I have plenty to sulk about as well.”
Although I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as ‘Mr Darcy’s Pledge’, it was still very satisfying to see the story come to its conclusion and find out what happened with Lydia. I enjoyed the development of Georgiana’s character too. All in all, this is a fun, light-hearted read and I’d rate it as 3½ stars. I understand that there is another book in this series currently being written which is planned for release in the middle of next year, which I'll definitely plan to read. Although the story that began in 'Mr Darcy's Pledge' concluded in 'Mr Darcy's Challenge' I'd like to see what happens next.
* I received an e-ARC from the author for my honest review.
Earlier this year I read ‘Mr Darcy’s Pledge’ by Monica Fairview, which is book 1 of this story. If you haven’t read that book, then don’t start ‘Mr Darcy’s Challenge’, as it follows on directly from book 1, and don’t read on, as there are spoilers for ‘Mr Darcy’s Pledge’!
This book picks right up from where book 1 finished. Darcy had given up writing lists of what he wanted from a wife and was reaching the point where he was ready to propose again to Elizabeth Bennet, when unfortunately all his plans are derailed by tiresome Lydia eloping. Mr Darcy’s Pledge was to locate Lydia for the sake of her sister and then do some wooing. He tears up his list of suitable qualities in a wife and romantically tosses them to the wind as he rides away, and then.... he realises that strewing the rare commodity of fine paper across the countryside his lady love is in the habit of walking through is by no means a good idea. He turns back, but it’s too late, Elizabeth is already in possession of some interesting bits of paper:
“I am afraid I am guilty of being wickedly inquisitive. However, I cannot repent because I am too excessively diverted,” she said. “This person has itemized his requirements for a wife. Can you conceive of such a thing? Quite as if he meant to prepare a plum pudding or a blancmange!” She laughed. “I cannot conceive what kind of person would do such a thing!”
Any moment now, she would put two and two together and produce Fitzwilliam Darcy. If she did, all would be lost.
Things then go from bad to worse, and I could happily have given Darcy a good shake to hopefully get some sense into him! He sets off for London, having insulted Elizabeth again, discarding his pledge and potentially getting into an entanglement with a young widow. Mr Darcy’s Challenge will be to overcome his despair, act the part of an honourable gentleman and fulfil his pledge.
In the first book, one of the things I particularly enjoyed was the development of the character of Georgiana, who was struggling to overcome the damage to her self-esteem that the mistakes in judgement she made at Ramsgate had inflicted. Georgiana was really blossoming into adulthood and this continues here in book 2. We are privy to some of her thoughts, which I particularly enjoyed, as she is just as amusing as Darcy was in the first book:
‘If she did not hold herself in check, she mused, she would soon be in danger of becoming very much like her aunt Catherine.
It was a sobering thought.’
Darcy wasn't quite what I expected. In ‘Mr Darcy’s Pledge’ I was very fond of him. Although to me he didn’t quite seem like Austen’s Darcy he was very amusing, sometimes bordering on the eccentric, but here I liked him less, he was often overly despondent and sometimes petulant. He was also so impatient, and he would decide one thing and then immediately change his mind. We didn’t see much of Elizabeth in book 1 but I think she would have learned caution with her knowledge that she was so misled in her initial judgements of both Darcy and Wickham, however she doesn’t seem to have learned anything, and I was a little surprised at her family’s behaviour when they to look for Lydia in Brighton, as you would have expected them to be extremely worried and keep a low profile but instead it seemed like they were just looking for her while on holiday.
There were other characters I particularly enjoyed; Mrs Bennet showed some depth of character in her search for her daughter. Mr Bennet refused to take things seriously, which I found very tiresome. I felt the dynamic between the Bingleys and the Darcys was slightly different to ‘Pride & Prejudice’. Here, the families have been close for many years and seem on a familiar footing so you see Bingley and Darcy as more equal friends than in some variations. I very much enjoyed Mr Bingley’s character, he’s often very amusing:
“Did anyone ever tell you that your jovial pig-headedness is really quite annoying?”
“Yes,” said Bingley, cheerfully. “Many times. I take it you want to go home and sulk.”
“Something like that,” said Darcy.
“Then you will not mind if I join you. A good long sulk will do me a world of good. You do not have a monopoly on sulking, you know. I have plenty to sulk about as well.”
Although I didn’t enjoy this quite as much as ‘Mr Darcy’s Pledge’, it was still very satisfying to see the story come to its conclusion and find out what happened with Lydia. I enjoyed the development of Georgiana’s character too. All in all, this is a fun, light-hearted read and I’d rate it as 3½ stars. I understand that there is another book in this series currently being written which is planned for release in the middle of next year, which I'll definitely plan to read. Although the story that began in 'Mr Darcy's Pledge' concluded in 'Mr Darcy's Challenge' I'd like to see what happens next.
* I received an e-ARC from the author for my honest review.
November 20, 2014
First let me say that I highly recommend reading the first book, Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, before reading this one. There are things in the first that will make more sense while reading the second, though it can be a stand alone book.
Being a continuation of the first book, I was anxious to get started! We left Darcy in a precarious place and I just had to know what happened next! Well, I was floored! This book is an emotional roller coaster that you will want to ride again and again!
Monica Fairview has a way with our favorite characters! She brings out the best and worst in them and makes me love them all over again! And hate some them too! LOL Some of our old friends are here, and some new friends are met with. All to what end you ask? Well, if I told you, that would spoil the entire thing! And I don’t like spoilers at all!
Elizabeth is adamant she will not marry Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy is adamant he will not bother her again. but the “gentleman’s code” takes over and he has no choice but to help when it is needed. He tries so hard to fight his feelings for Elizabeth. I felt for Mr. Darcy in this re-imagining. I really wanted him to have his cake and eat it too, so to speak.
Georgiana is growing up and her brother sees that she needs a friend and sister and if he took a wife, she would have that. He still sees her as his little sister, but she is becoming a woman and needs the influence of another woman in her life other than her companion. Mrs. Anesley is all that is proper for her at this time, but she is not a friend. Georgiana sees her as her brothers employee, not a true friend. And then there is Georgian’s come out to be dealt with. A wife would alleviate all this stress.
And then there is the whole situation with Lydia running off with Mr. Wickham. She is absolutely in the running for one of the silliest girls in England, as her father is known to say. Her mother is in a tizzy, and there really isn’t much they can do, Mr. Darcy knows Wickham too well to expect him to do the right thing, but he isn’t sure he should interfere. To what end? Elizabeth has made it clear she will not have him, so why should he even bother? Because he can’t help himself, and that teeny little glimmer of hope he carries, that she will change her mind.
Ms. Fairview made me feel for these characters again, bringing out their foibles and triumphs in a wonderful way. Her writing is superb in that I felt as though I was reading Miss Austen’s words. The scenes she sets for each part are very well done, so much so that I feel as though I have seen them for myself.
I highly recommend this set of books to any Jane Austen lover!
I know I will read them again and again!
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review*
Being a continuation of the first book, I was anxious to get started! We left Darcy in a precarious place and I just had to know what happened next! Well, I was floored! This book is an emotional roller coaster that you will want to ride again and again!
Monica Fairview has a way with our favorite characters! She brings out the best and worst in them and makes me love them all over again! And hate some them too! LOL Some of our old friends are here, and some new friends are met with. All to what end you ask? Well, if I told you, that would spoil the entire thing! And I don’t like spoilers at all!
Elizabeth is adamant she will not marry Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy is adamant he will not bother her again. but the “gentleman’s code” takes over and he has no choice but to help when it is needed. He tries so hard to fight his feelings for Elizabeth. I felt for Mr. Darcy in this re-imagining. I really wanted him to have his cake and eat it too, so to speak.
Georgiana is growing up and her brother sees that she needs a friend and sister and if he took a wife, she would have that. He still sees her as his little sister, but she is becoming a woman and needs the influence of another woman in her life other than her companion. Mrs. Anesley is all that is proper for her at this time, but she is not a friend. Georgiana sees her as her brothers employee, not a true friend. And then there is Georgian’s come out to be dealt with. A wife would alleviate all this stress.
And then there is the whole situation with Lydia running off with Mr. Wickham. She is absolutely in the running for one of the silliest girls in England, as her father is known to say. Her mother is in a tizzy, and there really isn’t much they can do, Mr. Darcy knows Wickham too well to expect him to do the right thing, but he isn’t sure he should interfere. To what end? Elizabeth has made it clear she will not have him, so why should he even bother? Because he can’t help himself, and that teeny little glimmer of hope he carries, that she will change her mind.
Ms. Fairview made me feel for these characters again, bringing out their foibles and triumphs in a wonderful way. Her writing is superb in that I felt as though I was reading Miss Austen’s words. The scenes she sets for each part are very well done, so much so that I feel as though I have seen them for myself.
I highly recommend this set of books to any Jane Austen lover!
I know I will read them again and again!
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review*
October 5, 2016
Volume II of the Darcy Novels keeps the tension high for Darcy after Elizabeth and the Gardiners suddenly depart from Pemberley at the end of Volume I. No definitive reason was given but Darcy does find out through his Aunt Catherine and also receives a letter from the obsequious Mr. Collins! Lydia has eloped and Darcy heads off to Hertfordshire to offer his support. However, his visit there does not begin well and ends even worse. Not only does he impulsively propose again and bungles it, but soon after he has a chance encounter with a widow he knows little about that worsens his chances of ever gaining his heart's desire.
Though we hear little of some of the new characters that we met in Volume I, some mention is made of Miss Hamilton by Georgiana. She is bound and determined that Darcy does not marry her! Bingley and his sister, Caroline, have more of a role in this volume especially after Bingley rings a peal over Darcy's head for not allowing him to be a part of Lydia's rescue. I quiet liked this side of him! I found Bingley's sense of humour just the thing to lighten Darcy's mood. There was one scene that had me laughing after they were fencing so Darcy could relieve some of his frustration with Wickham...
"You know very well I am not defending him," said Bingley. "I do hope you realize, though, that you are standing at the window without your shirt, displaying yourself to all and sundry." What a visual that was!
Though Darcy feels his chances with Elizabeth are over, they are thrown together alot in the search for Lydia in Brighton. The action picks up and treachery is abound. I found this continuation more action packed and at times very emotive.
Now on to the final volume in the trilogy!
Though we hear little of some of the new characters that we met in Volume I, some mention is made of Miss Hamilton by Georgiana. She is bound and determined that Darcy does not marry her! Bingley and his sister, Caroline, have more of a role in this volume especially after Bingley rings a peal over Darcy's head for not allowing him to be a part of Lydia's rescue. I quiet liked this side of him! I found Bingley's sense of humour just the thing to lighten Darcy's mood. There was one scene that had me laughing after they were fencing so Darcy could relieve some of his frustration with Wickham...
"You know very well I am not defending him," said Bingley. "I do hope you realize, though, that you are standing at the window without your shirt, displaying yourself to all and sundry." What a visual that was!
Though Darcy feels his chances with Elizabeth are over, they are thrown together alot in the search for Lydia in Brighton. The action picks up and treachery is abound. I found this continuation more action packed and at times very emotive.
Now on to the final volume in the trilogy!
March 8, 2015
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
TIME FRAME: Book 2 begins just after Elizabeth and the Gardiners hastily depart for Longbourn
RECOMMENDATION: Read Mr. Darcy’s Pledge before reading Mr. Darcy’s Challenge
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham, Mrs. Fortin
SYNOPSIS: Just when Darcy feels Elizabeth’s opinion of him is about to change for the better, she unexpectedly departs from Pemberley with the Gardiners. And when he finds out why they left, Darcy leaves for Longbourn straight away, determined to save the Bennet family and deliver the carefully planned proposal he has been practicing to his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth. But what Darcy doesn’t anticipate, is another refusal! What will he do now?!?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Pride and Prejudice On Its Ear: Ohhh! I love how nothing is going according to plan in this variation! Darcy almost immediately proposes again (ack! too soon Darcy!), Elizabeth refuses him again, and everyone goes on a wild-goose chase to find Lydia, who isn’t where she is suppose to be! With everything being backwards and off-course this variation was an enthralling adventure. I loved the premise and found myself riveted to this mad-cap and unpredictable journey.
- Darcy’s Point-of-View: I always love getting inside Darcy’s head and Monica Fairview does a marvelous job of portraying a very intensely emotive and reflective Darcy. Poor, poor Darcy! He is challenged, dejected, and paying a high price for his past mistakes. I greatly enjoyed seeing Darcy’s development and personal growth in this variation, he learns a lot about himself, Elizabeth, and marriage. And I especially loved seeing his emotional turmoil over his feelings for Elizabeth. *swoon*
- Georgiana, Caroline, and Bingley: I loved seeing these characters developed more in this series. Georgiana is her brother’s confidant and often helps him sort his feelings and ideas out. I love that she comes to his rescue and didn’t always listen to Mrs. Annesley. I also liked witnessing Caroline’s friendship with Georgiana, and seeing her portrayed in a kinder light, (I think Ms. Fairview has a soft spot for dear Caro). And I greatly enjoyed seeing Bingley claim his piece of the action, and get frustrated with Darcy for not letting him share in the heroic deeds! (Attaboy, Bingley!)
- Miss Marshall, Mrs. Fortin, and Briggs: Monica Fairview created a fabulous crew of original characters with this series! I enjoyed seeing two new females introduced as possible candidates for Mr. Darcy’s hand in marriage. Both characters were well-drawn, fresh, and effectively stirred up some drama. In addition, I adored Briggs, Mr. Darcy’s valet, for his impertinence and atypical easy-rapport and ribbing with Mr. Darcy. :)
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- What is Elizabeth Thinking?: While seeing everything from Darcy’s perspective is wonderful, it does leave us wondering how and when Elizabeth’s change of heart occurs. I would have loved to learn more about what Elizabeth felt and thought…but I’m thinking this might be coming in The Darcy Novels #3 though. :)
- Connecting Links: In some ways I sort of felt Mr. Darcy’s Pledge and Mr. Darcy’s Challenge were a little disjointed from each other. There were some story-lines from Mr. Darcy’s Pledge that I would have liked to see more of in Mr. Darcy’s Challenge, like the Matlocks and Miss Marshall. But again, perhaps we will see more of these characters in The Darcy Novels #3!
CONCLUSION:
Full of chaos, turbulent emotions, and drama Mr. Darcy’s Challenge by Monica Fairview is a most diverting read! Like all of Monica Fairview’s stories, this tale was written with a lot of originality, heart, and wit – I can’t wait to read the next installment of The Darcy Novels!
Austenesque Reviews
TIME FRAME: Book 2 begins just after Elizabeth and the Gardiners hastily depart for Longbourn
RECOMMENDATION: Read Mr. Darcy’s Pledge before reading Mr. Darcy’s Challenge
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Charles Bingley, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham, Mrs. Fortin
SYNOPSIS: Just when Darcy feels Elizabeth’s opinion of him is about to change for the better, she unexpectedly departs from Pemberley with the Gardiners. And when he finds out why they left, Darcy leaves for Longbourn straight away, determined to save the Bennet family and deliver the carefully planned proposal he has been practicing to his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth. But what Darcy doesn’t anticipate, is another refusal! What will he do now?!?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Pride and Prejudice On Its Ear: Ohhh! I love how nothing is going according to plan in this variation! Darcy almost immediately proposes again (ack! too soon Darcy!), Elizabeth refuses him again, and everyone goes on a wild-goose chase to find Lydia, who isn’t where she is suppose to be! With everything being backwards and off-course this variation was an enthralling adventure. I loved the premise and found myself riveted to this mad-cap and unpredictable journey.
- Darcy’s Point-of-View: I always love getting inside Darcy’s head and Monica Fairview does a marvelous job of portraying a very intensely emotive and reflective Darcy. Poor, poor Darcy! He is challenged, dejected, and paying a high price for his past mistakes. I greatly enjoyed seeing Darcy’s development and personal growth in this variation, he learns a lot about himself, Elizabeth, and marriage. And I especially loved seeing his emotional turmoil over his feelings for Elizabeth. *swoon*
- Georgiana, Caroline, and Bingley: I loved seeing these characters developed more in this series. Georgiana is her brother’s confidant and often helps him sort his feelings and ideas out. I love that she comes to his rescue and didn’t always listen to Mrs. Annesley. I also liked witnessing Caroline’s friendship with Georgiana, and seeing her portrayed in a kinder light, (I think Ms. Fairview has a soft spot for dear Caro). And I greatly enjoyed seeing Bingley claim his piece of the action, and get frustrated with Darcy for not letting him share in the heroic deeds! (Attaboy, Bingley!)
- Miss Marshall, Mrs. Fortin, and Briggs: Monica Fairview created a fabulous crew of original characters with this series! I enjoyed seeing two new females introduced as possible candidates for Mr. Darcy’s hand in marriage. Both characters were well-drawn, fresh, and effectively stirred up some drama. In addition, I adored Briggs, Mr. Darcy’s valet, for his impertinence and atypical easy-rapport and ribbing with Mr. Darcy. :)
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- What is Elizabeth Thinking?: While seeing everything from Darcy’s perspective is wonderful, it does leave us wondering how and when Elizabeth’s change of heart occurs. I would have loved to learn more about what Elizabeth felt and thought…but I’m thinking this might be coming in The Darcy Novels #3 though. :)
- Connecting Links: In some ways I sort of felt Mr. Darcy’s Pledge and Mr. Darcy’s Challenge were a little disjointed from each other. There were some story-lines from Mr. Darcy’s Pledge that I would have liked to see more of in Mr. Darcy’s Challenge, like the Matlocks and Miss Marshall. But again, perhaps we will see more of these characters in The Darcy Novels #3!
CONCLUSION:
Full of chaos, turbulent emotions, and drama Mr. Darcy’s Challenge by Monica Fairview is a most diverting read! Like all of Monica Fairview’s stories, this tale was written with a lot of originality, heart, and wit – I can’t wait to read the next installment of The Darcy Novels!
Austenesque Reviews
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November 3, 2017Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric
Quick summary: Mr. Darcy’s Challenge is Volume 2 of The Darcy Novels, a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and the sequel to Mr. Darcy’s Pledge. In this installment, Mr. Darcy, after his and Elizabeth Bennet’s paths cross again after an accident near Pemberley, is confident that her opinion of him has changed, and he sets off toward Longbourn like a knight on a white horse after Lydia goes missing from Brighton, sure that she will accept him this time. But Mr. Darcy still has much to learn and much soul-searching ahead of him. Monica Fairview’s imaginative retelling, told from the points of view of Mr. Darcy and his sister, Georgiana, takes readers on a journey with Mr. Darcy, from a night he is sure to regret at an inn on his way back to London to the seaside in search of answers in Lydia’s disappearance.
Why I wanted to read it: I really enjoyed Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, and I couldn’t wait to continue the series.
What I liked: Mr. Darcy’s Challenge introduces some intriguing original characters, particularly the widow Mrs. Fortin and the young street sweeper David, brings back Darcy’s delightful valet, Briggs, and puts an interesting twist on the Lydia/Mr. Wickham affair. Fairview sets a good portion of the novel in Brighton, and I loved getting to see the characters in a new environment. But I especially enjoyed seeing Darcy evolve even further, reflecting on his impulsive, disastrous, and shockingly mean second proposal and putting Elizabeth first without having any hope of ever receiving her love.
What I disliked: Fairview does a great job wrapping things up in each book while also making readers eager to find out what happens next. As with Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, there was nothing to dislike except having to wait for the next installment.
Final thoughts: Mr. Darcy’s Challenge is both a reflective and an exciting take on Pride and Prejudice, and I loved not knowing how things would play out. Fairview’s decision to tell the story through the eyes of Darcy and Georgiana works, allowing readers to see a different take on Darcy from the point of view of the younger sister he is determined to protect. Elizabeth makes numerous appearances throughout the novel, and Fairview skillfully allows readers to see her evolve even when Darcy cannot. I can’t wait to see where Fairview takes her version of these characters next!
Quick summary: Mr. Darcy’s Challenge is Volume 2 of The Darcy Novels, a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and the sequel to Mr. Darcy’s Pledge. In this installment, Mr. Darcy, after his and Elizabeth Bennet’s paths cross again after an accident near Pemberley, is confident that her opinion of him has changed, and he sets off toward Longbourn like a knight on a white horse after Lydia goes missing from Brighton, sure that she will accept him this time. But Mr. Darcy still has much to learn and much soul-searching ahead of him. Monica Fairview’s imaginative retelling, told from the points of view of Mr. Darcy and his sister, Georgiana, takes readers on a journey with Mr. Darcy, from a night he is sure to regret at an inn on his way back to London to the seaside in search of answers in Lydia’s disappearance.
Why I wanted to read it: I really enjoyed Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, and I couldn’t wait to continue the series.
What I liked: Mr. Darcy’s Challenge introduces some intriguing original characters, particularly the widow Mrs. Fortin and the young street sweeper David, brings back Darcy’s delightful valet, Briggs, and puts an interesting twist on the Lydia/Mr. Wickham affair. Fairview sets a good portion of the novel in Brighton, and I loved getting to see the characters in a new environment. But I especially enjoyed seeing Darcy evolve even further, reflecting on his impulsive, disastrous, and shockingly mean second proposal and putting Elizabeth first without having any hope of ever receiving her love.
What I disliked: Fairview does a great job wrapping things up in each book while also making readers eager to find out what happens next. As with Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, there was nothing to dislike except having to wait for the next installment.
Final thoughts: Mr. Darcy’s Challenge is both a reflective and an exciting take on Pride and Prejudice, and I loved not knowing how things would play out. Fairview’s decision to tell the story through the eyes of Darcy and Georgiana works, allowing readers to see a different take on Darcy from the point of view of the younger sister he is determined to protect. Elizabeth makes numerous appearances throughout the novel, and Fairview skillfully allows readers to see her evolve even when Darcy cannot. I can’t wait to see where Fairview takes her version of these characters next!
December 19, 2017
I was disappointed with the ending. I wanted Darcy's and Elizabeth's family to react to their joy. I wanted to hear if Wickham was caught up with and if the family heirloom was ever recovered. I wanted a wedding and some joy after all the angst of these two volumes. I also wanted to hear what happened with the street urchin: was he hired? How did he fit in? How did he clean up? I now heard from another author that there is a third volume planned so maybe my issues will be answered.
Darcy keeps fighting with himself, wanting to be a white knight but then saying what does it matter as I am never going to see her again. There is the cliche in modern days, "Two strikes and you're out!" So Darcy keeps trying to accept that fate but events keep occurring which put him into Elizabeth's presence again...and again.
There are some surprising differences from canon in the variation: Lydia's story, Brighton, Mrs. Bennet's reaction to and handling of the disgrace of her daughter and Bingley's thoughts on Darcy's "hero" act. Georgiana, also, is a big part of this story and shows some maturing in her thoughts about her attachment to Wickham, about his character and about what is going on with Darcy and Elizabeth. We hear little of Jane as most of this story takes place in either London or Brighton.
When Darcy is in Elizabeth's presence his mind seems very muddled...he can only think of how he wants to go up to her and take her in his arms and express his ardor for her. And, again, he fails to ask her to dance at an assembly. He really seems to be more twisted up in this second volume and after his second attempt to gain Elizabeth's hand. Then his honor is put on the line when another woman encounters him while he is drinking away his sorrow at an inn. Can he be happy marrying because of a compromising event, which he can't even remember?
The author did come up with some creative writing but I would have liked to have seen some of the situations come to a more detailed and happy conclusion. I do recommend this book. It did keep my attention as a page turner.
Darcy keeps fighting with himself, wanting to be a white knight but then saying what does it matter as I am never going to see her again. There is the cliche in modern days, "Two strikes and you're out!" So Darcy keeps trying to accept that fate but events keep occurring which put him into Elizabeth's presence again...and again.
There are some surprising differences from canon in the variation: Lydia's story, Brighton, Mrs. Bennet's reaction to and handling of the disgrace of her daughter and Bingley's thoughts on Darcy's "hero" act. Georgiana, also, is a big part of this story and shows some maturing in her thoughts about her attachment to Wickham, about his character and about what is going on with Darcy and Elizabeth. We hear little of Jane as most of this story takes place in either London or Brighton.
When Darcy is in Elizabeth's presence his mind seems very muddled...he can only think of how he wants to go up to her and take her in his arms and express his ardor for her. And, again, he fails to ask her to dance at an assembly. He really seems to be more twisted up in this second volume and after his second attempt to gain Elizabeth's hand. Then his honor is put on the line when another woman encounters him while he is drinking away his sorrow at an inn. Can he be happy marrying because of a compromising event, which he can't even remember?
The author did come up with some creative writing but I would have liked to have seen some of the situations come to a more detailed and happy conclusion. I do recommend this book. It did keep my attention as a page turner.
December 6, 2014
Where do I begin? This book takes drama and angst and turns it silly and ridiculous.
This story begins where Mr. Darcy's Pledge ends and quickly accelerates to anger and drama. Darcy discovers that Elizabeth's pride is the sticking point to their relationship. . He ends up at an inn and fears he has compromised a young widow. Based upon little solid evidence and truly demonstrating how unstable and crazy this Darcy is.
Darcy behaves dangerously, petulantly and irrationally. He is impulsive, illogical and mostly clueless. Everything he does is a means to an end and that end is Elizabeth. His stalker behavior goes to 11. Based upon a rumor he convinces the Gardiners and Bennets to go to Brighton to search for Wickham dragging poor Georgiana & Caroline Bingley along.
Once in Brighton they treat the experience as vacation rather than a manhunt. Both Darcy and Lizzy behave stupidly; Darcy more than anyone. He is jealous, petty and angry. His ego and inability to consider any other opinion costs him a fortune in diamonds. At this point if Lizzy was my daughter I would be packing her off to another continent to keep her away from this loon.
When Lydia is finally discovered Darcy again falls into a deep depression over his loss of Miss Bennet; learns he won't be marry the young widow and refuses to attend Bingley's wedding to Jane Bennet.
At this point the book does something I couldn't believe was possible; it gets sillier. And of course there is the obligatory Happy Ending.
On a Personal note: I agonized over whether or not to buy this book. I really didn't enjoy the sample and as my review of the first part states I couldn't recall it and rereading was an unpleasant experience. But I wanted to know how it turned out. In hindsight I chose poorly.
This story begins where Mr. Darcy's Pledge ends and quickly accelerates to anger and drama. Darcy discovers that Elizabeth's pride is the sticking point to their relationship. . He ends up at an inn and fears he has compromised a young widow. Based upon little solid evidence and truly demonstrating how unstable and crazy this Darcy is.
Darcy behaves dangerously, petulantly and irrationally. He is impulsive, illogical and mostly clueless. Everything he does is a means to an end and that end is Elizabeth. His stalker behavior goes to 11. Based upon a rumor he convinces the Gardiners and Bennets to go to Brighton to search for Wickham dragging poor Georgiana & Caroline Bingley along.
Once in Brighton they treat the experience as vacation rather than a manhunt. Both Darcy and Lizzy behave stupidly; Darcy more than anyone. He is jealous, petty and angry. His ego and inability to consider any other opinion costs him a fortune in diamonds. At this point if Lizzy was my daughter I would be packing her off to another continent to keep her away from this loon.
When Lydia is finally discovered Darcy again falls into a deep depression over his loss of Miss Bennet; learns he won't be marry the young widow and refuses to attend Bingley's wedding to Jane Bennet.
At this point the book does something I couldn't believe was possible; it gets sillier. And of course there is the obligatory Happy Ending.
On a Personal note: I agonized over whether or not to buy this book. I really didn't enjoy the sample and as my review of the first part states I couldn't recall it and rereading was an unpleasant experience. But I wanted to know how it turned out. In hindsight I chose poorly.
December 2, 2014
Another amazing book by Monica Fairview! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Darcy is still making rash, impulsive decisions to his detriment.
In the first book, Mr. Darcy's Pledge, Darcy writes a list of the qualities he wants to find in the Mistress of Pemberley. In this book, Mr. Darcy's Challenge, he finally has given in to his attraction to Elizabeth, torn up the list, and impulsively thrown it away. Elizabeth finds some of the torn scraps and tries to piece it together. When Darcy realizes Elizabeth may find the scraps, he returns to her and, during a heated argument, angrily says things he cannot take back. What rash, impulsive decisions will a heart-broken Darcy make now that Elizabeth has caused him to give up hope?
This is a book I recommend for any lover of JAFF. It can be read as alone or as part of the set.
Darcy is still making rash, impulsive decisions to his detriment.
In the first book, Mr. Darcy's Pledge, Darcy writes a list of the qualities he wants to find in the Mistress of Pemberley. In this book, Mr. Darcy's Challenge, he finally has given in to his attraction to Elizabeth, torn up the list, and impulsively thrown it away. Elizabeth finds some of the torn scraps and tries to piece it together. When Darcy realizes Elizabeth may find the scraps, he returns to her and, during a heated argument, angrily says things he cannot take back. What rash, impulsive decisions will a heart-broken Darcy make now that Elizabeth has caused him to give up hope?
This is a book I recommend for any lover of JAFF. It can be read as alone or as part of the set.
January 23, 2018
This continuation of the author's series features the primary characters searching for the lost Bennet sister. The story is from Darcy's point of view and continues is education regarding his pride in order to win his darling Elizabeth.
May 11, 2023
Enjoyable, but there was a lot more obstacles and angst than I was expecting! It said it was comedic! I might have to wait a bit to read the last one because I need something a bit less dramatic in my life 🤣
April 2, 2019
A real challenge
Or should I say challenges? A worthy read full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me wondering all the time.
Or should I say challenges? A worthy read full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me wondering all the time.
February 8, 2015
"Mr. Darcy’s Challenge earns four stars as the second of a two-book variation to Pride and Prejudice. It picks up exactly where the first volume left off. Mr. Darcy’s plan to win Elizabeth by rescuing her sister from Wickham immediately falls apart when he rushes into a second proposal — and is once again rejected."
Read the rest of the review at Inspired by Austen: http://inspiredbyausten.com/book-revi...
Read the rest of the review at Inspired by Austen: http://inspiredbyausten.com/book-revi...
March 19, 2015
Continuation of Darcy's Pledge.
When he offers marriage again, she tells him with has happened to her family, she says no again. Irritated, angry, heartbroken, and ever miserable feeling of a lost love, Darcy heads to London. On the way, he decides to go aback to Pemberley, he owes nothing to the Bennets. Being a gentleman, he cannot do that to Elizabeth or the Bennets. Weather causes him to stop at an inn for the night and while sharing a private eating room with a young widow and her companions, Darcy wakes up remembering nothing. His room is a disaster, and the maid makes it sound that he did wild things with widow. After giving him something vile for his hung over state, Darcy continues to Darcy House. Back and forth his mind fluctuates with helping and not helping. His love for Elizabeth tells him must look for Wickham. Georgiana shows up at the London home. Asking if she remembers where Mrs. Younge lives, Georgiana tells him she show him, but doesn't know the address. Finding the boarding house, Darcy knocks and asks for Mrs. Younge. With money offered, she tells him Wickham is upstairs. When he confronts Wickham, Wickham tells him has nothing to with Lydia and no, she did not leave Brighton with him. Confused about this detailed information, Darcy goes to the Gardiner house to see Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet. He tells him that he's seen Wickham, but Lydia was not with him. Upon leaving the Gardiner's home, he runs into Elizabeth. She tells him she came with her mother, because her mother was sure Wickham would shoot her father. No wanting to go home,he stops at Bingley's townhouse. Bingley pulls him into the study and tells him that he owes him an explanation why he wasn't asked to help. After offering no substantial reason, Bingley is invited to help. When his street sweeper, David, comes to tell him Wickham is traveling back to Brighton, Darcy goes back to the Gardiners. While they are talking, Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet enter. Our Lizzy is so tongue tied that she can barely get a phrase out of her mouth. Well our little excursion of one, no two, but now everybody will go including Caroline. Darcy is upset because he wanted time alone with Elizabeth. He's aggravated that Bingley can never say no to his sister. The carriages set out for Brighton. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet in one with room for Darcy and Bingley is the weather changed, and the three girls in the other. Elizabeth and Caroline in the same small space. Oh, to be a fly on th wall! Eventually got to Brighton even though Darcy, Georgiana, and Lizzy had to push the carriage up the hill. Where was Caroline you ask? Sitting safely in side the carriage, until Darcy told her to get out and at least walk. Goodness, Caroline with her dress and petticoats six inches deep in mud! Finally they got to the top of Clayton Hill and then traveled to the Old Ship Inn. Talking with Colonel Forster and other officers, they were not even close to finding Lydia. Mrs. Sandra Hutchins, the wife of Major-General Hutchins tells them that they are way off base in their thinking, because Lydia didn't like Wickham. Jealous of Mr. Drabble because he took her driving and met at the dance, Darcy is in high dungeon. The night of the ball, Darcy cannot get a dance in with Elizabeth as he watches one man after another claim her hand, he remembers his proposals ill stated words "that he did not give consequences to young ladies ignored by other men. Boy was he sorry for these words, because now he was eating them. Unable to see anymore what he's lost in front of him, he and Georgiana leave. The next day, Lizzy receives a letter. She could hide the letter, but she could not hide her face from Georgiana. She tells Georgiana she needs to go out. When Georgiana offers to go with her, Lizzy answers with sounding, No! Georgiana is suspicious and sends Darcy's valet,Briggs, to follow her. Hours go by, and Lizzy has not returned. Darcy gets a note from Wickham, stating he now has what Darcy wants, and he doesn't get the Darcy diamonds, he'll make it so no one else would want her. Sick with worry, Georgiana tells him to take them for Lizzy. At the meeting place, the necklace is exchanged for Lizzy. However, when Darcy unites and unwraps the bundle, it is not Elizabeth. Words cannot describe what he was feeling. He could not live without her. Not the Bennets have two missing daughters. He and the girl finally rode in a donkey cart to an inn to get a horse to race back to town. When Darcy arrives at Old Ship, when he opens the door, stunned there sat, Miss Elizabeth, his Elizabeth. After questioning Mrs. Sandra Hutchins one more time, she mentions another Lieutenant that was friends with Wickham. Checking again with the Colonel Forster they find out where Denny's aunt lives and travel their on the way back to London. The Gardiners ask everyone for dinner. Darcy goes because he must say goodbye to Elizabeth, and he must go do his duty to Mrs. Fortin, the widow he had the wild night with. When he leaves, Lizzy says she hopes to see him at Netherfield. He tells her that he will not be coming back to Netherfield. If he'd look, he would have seen Lizzy's profound reaction shown in her eyes. When Georgiana asks him when he was going to propose to Elizabeth, he tells her he's promised elsewhere. Visiting Mrs. Fortin proves his suspicious wild night never happened. She tells Darcy that he spent most of the time telling her about his Elizabeth. Happy there will be no marriage, Darcy feels he's back to square one. When Bingley comes and asks him to stand up for his wedding, Darcy refuses and tells him he's sorry he cannot go back to Netherfield, probably forever. Darcy's heart was breaking, but he told Bingley why he couldn't go, and Bingley didn't push. Bingley's wedding came and went, but Darcy was dejected as ever. No one needed him, Bingley, Elizabeth, and eventually Georgiana. He had nothing. Georgiana asks him to take her to a Venetian breakfast. He finally agrees, only to find out it was Bingley's rearranged wedding so that he could be there. Humbled that they would do this for him, he came in. When the wedding was over, Bingley says Lizzy's waiting in the library for him, and this time get what the practiced at Pemberley right. Georgiana tells him she has faith in him, but sees the wild frantic look in his eyes, when he runs out the door. Georgiana breaks down crying hurting for both her brother and Lizzy. Darcy rushed out to buy flowers all her could find was lavender. He rushes back to Bingley's townhouse hoping that Lizzy hasn't left. Running through the door, he almost knocks her over. Mrs. Gardiner tells her to find a place in the library. Both trying to talk at the same time, finally listen to each other without pride or prejudice, and this time he gets the proposal correct. Happy, he could toss all the dreams away. He now had the real thing. The hurt feelings and unspoken dreams were almost debilitating for Darcy in this story. Loved it, but glad it had a happy ending.
When he offers marriage again, she tells him with has happened to her family, she says no again. Irritated, angry, heartbroken, and ever miserable feeling of a lost love, Darcy heads to London. On the way, he decides to go aback to Pemberley, he owes nothing to the Bennets. Being a gentleman, he cannot do that to Elizabeth or the Bennets. Weather causes him to stop at an inn for the night and while sharing a private eating room with a young widow and her companions, Darcy wakes up remembering nothing. His room is a disaster, and the maid makes it sound that he did wild things with widow. After giving him something vile for his hung over state, Darcy continues to Darcy House. Back and forth his mind fluctuates with helping and not helping. His love for Elizabeth tells him must look for Wickham. Georgiana shows up at the London home. Asking if she remembers where Mrs. Younge lives, Georgiana tells him she show him, but doesn't know the address. Finding the boarding house, Darcy knocks and asks for Mrs. Younge. With money offered, she tells him Wickham is upstairs. When he confronts Wickham, Wickham tells him has nothing to with Lydia and no, she did not leave Brighton with him. Confused about this detailed information, Darcy goes to the Gardiner house to see Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet. He tells him that he's seen Wickham, but Lydia was not with him. Upon leaving the Gardiner's home, he runs into Elizabeth. She tells him she came with her mother, because her mother was sure Wickham would shoot her father. No wanting to go home,he stops at Bingley's townhouse. Bingley pulls him into the study and tells him that he owes him an explanation why he wasn't asked to help. After offering no substantial reason, Bingley is invited to help. When his street sweeper, David, comes to tell him Wickham is traveling back to Brighton, Darcy goes back to the Gardiners. While they are talking, Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet enter. Our Lizzy is so tongue tied that she can barely get a phrase out of her mouth. Well our little excursion of one, no two, but now everybody will go including Caroline. Darcy is upset because he wanted time alone with Elizabeth. He's aggravated that Bingley can never say no to his sister. The carriages set out for Brighton. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet in one with room for Darcy and Bingley is the weather changed, and the three girls in the other. Elizabeth and Caroline in the same small space. Oh, to be a fly on th wall! Eventually got to Brighton even though Darcy, Georgiana, and Lizzy had to push the carriage up the hill. Where was Caroline you ask? Sitting safely in side the carriage, until Darcy told her to get out and at least walk. Goodness, Caroline with her dress and petticoats six inches deep in mud! Finally they got to the top of Clayton Hill and then traveled to the Old Ship Inn. Talking with Colonel Forster and other officers, they were not even close to finding Lydia. Mrs. Sandra Hutchins, the wife of Major-General Hutchins tells them that they are way off base in their thinking, because Lydia didn't like Wickham. Jealous of Mr. Drabble because he took her driving and met at the dance, Darcy is in high dungeon. The night of the ball, Darcy cannot get a dance in with Elizabeth as he watches one man after another claim her hand, he remembers his proposals ill stated words "that he did not give consequences to young ladies ignored by other men. Boy was he sorry for these words, because now he was eating them. Unable to see anymore what he's lost in front of him, he and Georgiana leave. The next day, Lizzy receives a letter. She could hide the letter, but she could not hide her face from Georgiana. She tells Georgiana she needs to go out. When Georgiana offers to go with her, Lizzy answers with sounding, No! Georgiana is suspicious and sends Darcy's valet,Briggs, to follow her. Hours go by, and Lizzy has not returned. Darcy gets a note from Wickham, stating he now has what Darcy wants, and he doesn't get the Darcy diamonds, he'll make it so no one else would want her. Sick with worry, Georgiana tells him to take them for Lizzy. At the meeting place, the necklace is exchanged for Lizzy. However, when Darcy unites and unwraps the bundle, it is not Elizabeth. Words cannot describe what he was feeling. He could not live without her. Not the Bennets have two missing daughters. He and the girl finally rode in a donkey cart to an inn to get a horse to race back to town. When Darcy arrives at Old Ship, when he opens the door, stunned there sat, Miss Elizabeth, his Elizabeth. After questioning Mrs. Sandra Hutchins one more time, she mentions another Lieutenant that was friends with Wickham. Checking again with the Colonel Forster they find out where Denny's aunt lives and travel their on the way back to London. The Gardiners ask everyone for dinner. Darcy goes because he must say goodbye to Elizabeth, and he must go do his duty to Mrs. Fortin, the widow he had the wild night with. When he leaves, Lizzy says she hopes to see him at Netherfield. He tells her that he will not be coming back to Netherfield. If he'd look, he would have seen Lizzy's profound reaction shown in her eyes. When Georgiana asks him when he was going to propose to Elizabeth, he tells her he's promised elsewhere. Visiting Mrs. Fortin proves his suspicious wild night never happened. She tells Darcy that he spent most of the time telling her about his Elizabeth. Happy there will be no marriage, Darcy feels he's back to square one. When Bingley comes and asks him to stand up for his wedding, Darcy refuses and tells him he's sorry he cannot go back to Netherfield, probably forever. Darcy's heart was breaking, but he told Bingley why he couldn't go, and Bingley didn't push. Bingley's wedding came and went, but Darcy was dejected as ever. No one needed him, Bingley, Elizabeth, and eventually Georgiana. He had nothing. Georgiana asks him to take her to a Venetian breakfast. He finally agrees, only to find out it was Bingley's rearranged wedding so that he could be there. Humbled that they would do this for him, he came in. When the wedding was over, Bingley says Lizzy's waiting in the library for him, and this time get what the practiced at Pemberley right. Georgiana tells him she has faith in him, but sees the wild frantic look in his eyes, when he runs out the door. Georgiana breaks down crying hurting for both her brother and Lizzy. Darcy rushed out to buy flowers all her could find was lavender. He rushes back to Bingley's townhouse hoping that Lizzy hasn't left. Running through the door, he almost knocks her over. Mrs. Gardiner tells her to find a place in the library. Both trying to talk at the same time, finally listen to each other without pride or prejudice, and this time he gets the proposal correct. Happy, he could toss all the dreams away. He now had the real thing. The hurt feelings and unspoken dreams were almost debilitating for Darcy in this story. Loved it, but glad it had a happy ending.
January 7, 2018
I did not care for obsessive Darcy. There did not seem to be a reason for his countless hounding of Lizzy, as she expressed no kindness or compassion for him. She was not particularly nice, and at best was indifferent to him for the entire 2 books. Then surprise, at the end she declares she loves him. I get that it is from Darcy's perspective, but there is no understanding of WHY he loves her. The story (after 2 novels) seems incomplete; Wickham never comes to justice, his accomplices disappear, there is no resolution with Darcy's family.
March 1, 2019
Increasingly silly and unrealistic. Very OOC. Where book 1 was too drawn out and got a bit boring, book 2 had so much drama it became ridiculous. Nobody’s behaviour made much sense to be honest & it lacked depth. However, I did want to know what happened and so read on. It’s a shame the author tried to draw out into 2 books when 1 book leaving out the more unrealistic plot lines would actually have been much more enjoyable.
April 9, 2023
This is the second book in a trilogy. Unlike most trilogies, I thought this second part was better than the third, and the ending of this book felt like a fine place to end the story to me.
Things That Worked:
- It was interesting to see the Bennets, Darcys and Bingleys all at Brighton trying to figure out what happened with Lydia and Wickham.
- I appreciated the twist of Lydia's running away.
Things That Didn't Work:
- There was too much time spent looking around for Lydia without anything really happening.
Things Were Mixed:
- After Darcy's second terribly insulting proposal to Elizabeth at the beginning of this story, he aimlessly travels and gets drunk not remembering what happened rather than taking on the responsibility of finding Mr. Wickham and Lydia. This was not a super great look on him, but I guess maybe more realistic to see him not be able to control his inner turmoil.
Things That Worked:
- It was interesting to see the Bennets, Darcys and Bingleys all at Brighton trying to figure out what happened with Lydia and Wickham.
- I appreciated the twist of Lydia's running away.
Things That Didn't Work:
- There was too much time spent looking around for Lydia without anything really happening.
Things Were Mixed:
- After Darcy's second terribly insulting proposal to Elizabeth at the beginning of this story, he aimlessly travels and gets drunk not remembering what happened rather than taking on the responsibility of finding Mr. Wickham and Lydia. This was not a super great look on him, but I guess maybe more realistic to see him not be able to control his inner turmoil.
June 21, 2023
Interesting read
Entertaining variation in the continuing saga. Well written with only minor typos. The whole Brighton trip was strange with Wickham escaping. I wasn't satisfied with the Lydia farce of a wedding and all the trouble she caused with repercussions. Mr Bennet was shallow and unreliable with changing his mind and agreeing with his wife who was as stupid and careless.
Entertaining variation in the continuing saga. Well written with only minor typos. The whole Brighton trip was strange with Wickham escaping. I wasn't satisfied with the Lydia farce of a wedding and all the trouble she caused with repercussions. Mr Bennet was shallow and unreliable with changing his mind and agreeing with his wife who was as stupid and careless.
June 21, 2023
Wonderful story
This was very good and I hate that I can't give it 5 stars because of all the errors. Please have someone with language skills edit this as it's crying for help! I'd do it for a mere pittance because the story is well worth it.
This was very good and I hate that I can't give it 5 stars because of all the errors. Please have someone with language skills edit this as it's crying for help! I'd do it for a mere pittance because the story is well worth it.
March 24, 2025
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first, I think, because it deviates quite a lot from the original story. But it was still a fun read, and I will read the third one.
April 12, 2015
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3.5 Austen
El segundo volumen llegó y se mantuvo en la línea de inverosimilitud e ironía, pero con muchos toques de aventura e intriga que rompía ese perfecto engranaje caricaturesco, y era una dicotomía, entre si lo inverosímil solo se queda en eso perdiendo lo irónico. Aún así son muchos momentos sorprendentes y divertidos.
Un encuentro fortuito cambia las cosas y crea expectación para el transcurrir de este segundo volumen, un personaje que creará cierto matiz de intriga y curiosidad que te hará especular hacia cierta inclinación de la historia, pero no, y eso si da mucha viveza a la trama.
Georgiana y Fitzwilliam siguen en sus caminos de aprendizaje, con cambios locos de comportamiento, muchas veces sin sentido, pero divertidos, sobre todo hay nuevos personajes creados que da a la fuga de Wickham y Lydia un giro radical, con más matices oscuros cambiando el rumbo de la historia.
En este segundo volumen hay una verdadera ruta alternativa, Brighton toma el protagonismo, cuando todos se juntan ahí para encontrar a ciertos personajes, todo se complica con intrigas, celos, mentiras, palabras dichas y las no dichas, malentendidos, secuestro...
El final viene con sorpresa, sin dejar ese lado lúdico y cómico aunque un poco más serio que el primero.
Portada:
Mr. Darcy's Challenge, va en la misma idea, aunque la modelo y el lugar cambian. Me hace imaginar que puede ser Brighton que es donde se dan los hechos más interesantes, aún así es difícil saberlo. Creo que se juega con un montaje un tanto abstracto y visualmente vistoso.
February 16, 2015
Monica Fairview is one of my favorite Austen authors. She is able to write Austen novels so well; it seems as if we have gained a few new novels by Jane Austen. Mr. Darcy’s Challenge is book two of Fairview’s The Darcy Books which are Pride and Prejudice Variations. It is a great continuation of the first book in the series, Mr. Darcy’s Pledge, but I believe that you can read this book as its own stand-alone novel.
Mr. Darcy cannot stop thinking about Elizabeth Bennet. With Elizabeth’s sister Lydia on the run with Wickham, he realizes that he needs to help the Bennet family out even if Elizabeth has rejected him. With a journey to Longbourn, Brighton, and various parts of London, things do not go according to plan. Especially when Mr. Darcy finds himself in a compromising position with a woman who is not Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Will Darcy be able to find true love and happiness and will it be with Elizabeth Bennet?
I loved Darcy’s journey in this novel. I especially loved how it really told Darcy’s story and his inner turmoil. I also really enjoyed the slight twists to the original story that has our cast of characters go on a completely different journey. I don’t want to say anymore and ruin the journey for someone else.
Overall, if you have always wondered about Darcy’s journey, this is the novel for you. Or if you are looking for a sweet regency romance, this is also the story for you. This novel has wonderful characters. Austen’s original characters are true to their nature and there are a few new characters that are interesting as well. This novel is a wonderful journey and a great variation of Pride and Prejudice.
Book Source: Review Copy from Monica Fairview – Thanks!
This review was originally posted on my blog at: http://www.lauragerold.blogspot.com/2...
Mr. Darcy cannot stop thinking about Elizabeth Bennet. With Elizabeth’s sister Lydia on the run with Wickham, he realizes that he needs to help the Bennet family out even if Elizabeth has rejected him. With a journey to Longbourn, Brighton, and various parts of London, things do not go according to plan. Especially when Mr. Darcy finds himself in a compromising position with a woman who is not Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Will Darcy be able to find true love and happiness and will it be with Elizabeth Bennet?
I loved Darcy’s journey in this novel. I especially loved how it really told Darcy’s story and his inner turmoil. I also really enjoyed the slight twists to the original story that has our cast of characters go on a completely different journey. I don’t want to say anymore and ruin the journey for someone else.
Overall, if you have always wondered about Darcy’s journey, this is the novel for you. Or if you are looking for a sweet regency romance, this is also the story for you. This novel has wonderful characters. Austen’s original characters are true to their nature and there are a few new characters that are interesting as well. This novel is a wonderful journey and a great variation of Pride and Prejudice.
Book Source: Review Copy from Monica Fairview – Thanks!
This review was originally posted on my blog at: http://www.lauragerold.blogspot.com/2...
December 27, 2014
Mr. Darcy's Challenge is the second installment of The Darcy Novels. While you could possibly read this as a standalone, I believe you would get more enjoyment out of it if you read Mr. Darcy's Pledge first.
Monica Fairview takes us back into the world of Darcy and Lizzy. Just when things between the two start to smooth out, Darcy goes and ruins it all. He's a complete and utter jerk and well, as you can imagine Lizzy isn't having it. So the two go their separate ways. Darcy knows he must marry someone, even if it's not Elizabeth.
Things happen and roadblocks are put in both of their paths, but Darcy can't forget Lizzy. Fortune is on his side and their paths cross again. But can they finally find their way to each other? Monica Fairview certainly knows how to shake things up for her characters.
This next installment in The Darcy Novels is quite exciting. So much happens, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Needless to say, it's an exciting, emotional roller coaster ride. Darcy if full on inner turmoil as he tries to act as a gentleman should. The rocky road of love is paved with good intentions, but will Lizzy recognize it? The ending left me wanting to know what happens next, and I eagerly wait the next installment.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014...
Monica Fairview takes us back into the world of Darcy and Lizzy. Just when things between the two start to smooth out, Darcy goes and ruins it all. He's a complete and utter jerk and well, as you can imagine Lizzy isn't having it. So the two go their separate ways. Darcy knows he must marry someone, even if it's not Elizabeth.
Things happen and roadblocks are put in both of their paths, but Darcy can't forget Lizzy. Fortune is on his side and their paths cross again. But can they finally find their way to each other? Monica Fairview certainly knows how to shake things up for her characters.
This next installment in The Darcy Novels is quite exciting. So much happens, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Needless to say, it's an exciting, emotional roller coaster ride. Darcy if full on inner turmoil as he tries to act as a gentleman should. The rocky road of love is paved with good intentions, but will Lizzy recognize it? The ending left me wanting to know what happens next, and I eagerly wait the next installment.
Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2014...
December 20, 2014
Oh Darcy you are such a fool *smacks Darcy over the head*. At least you got over the woman you thought about in book 1...not Lizzy. Yes he aches for her but he wants to marry and is such a fool, a gentleman fool. Sighs. But do NOT worry, of course it will end happily. He is just too nice.
This book sure takes its share of twists and turns and turns the real book on its head. Darcy tries to find Lydia. He gets to show how nice he really is to Lizzy. Lydia's ending was great for once. It fit. Even if she is a silly silly girl.
We saw nothing of Mary and Kitty, or Jane either in a way. This is Darcy's book after all. It's all about his longing and fight to make her his.
And he succeeds! Huzzah! And then they live happily ever after. Well except for everyone matched up, but they will be ok ;)
A nice little series :) Darcy being Darcy and simply wonderful.
This book sure takes its share of twists and turns and turns the real book on its head. Darcy tries to find Lydia. He gets to show how nice he really is to Lizzy. Lydia's ending was great for once. It fit. Even if she is a silly silly girl.
We saw nothing of Mary and Kitty, or Jane either in a way. This is Darcy's book after all. It's all about his longing and fight to make her his.
And he succeeds! Huzzah! And then they live happily ever after. Well except for everyone matched up, but they will be ok ;)
A nice little series :) Darcy being Darcy and simply wonderful.
December 8, 2014
I enjoyed the first book better than this continuation. Poor Darcy to get rejected twice by Elizabeth is heartbreaking especially since he will spend most of the novel with Elizabeth's entire family to try to help them locate Lydia. Georgiana is a spirited character in this novel which didn't seem to fit and I didn't love Elizabeth as much in this novel. It was great getting to know Darcy's feelings more as the book is written from his perspective and I was happy that Lydia got a happier end that we all anticipated although I still wanted to throttle her for what she put her family through. I'm not sure how I feel about Darcy's successfully proposal...it seemed more of a trap initially but at least it had a positive outcome though unrealistic.
January 12, 2015
Let me start by saying how much I like this author. Her Darcy's cousin books were excellent. But I have to say that this book was a disappointment. The first in the duology was much more engaging and had a tighter plot. This book was too convoluted for me. We had the dastardly Wickham who appears to have gotten away with kidnapping and extortion, a missing Lydia who no one seems to be too concerned about, a mysterious widow who may have been seduced, two diabolical women vying for Darcy's affection who apparently give up in the first few chapters of the book and fall off the radar completely. It was difficult to figure out where this author was headed. Still, I will continue to read Monica Fairview.
November 23, 2018
Mostly a good read
There are some situations that are very unlikely but on the whole it was a good read. This story is not as well edited as the first and has some passages that don't make sense, at least one word that is incorrectly used ( picaresque instead of picturesque) but even so, this author writes better than many so called JA fans do, you wonder if some have jumped on the bandwagon after watching a film rather than reading the book. Monica here has done something well that Jane herself would never have done, she writes from Darcy's perspective and tries to keep true to character. I will read more of her books but will likely still "edit" as I go along.
There are some situations that are very unlikely but on the whole it was a good read. This story is not as well edited as the first and has some passages that don't make sense, at least one word that is incorrectly used ( picaresque instead of picturesque) but even so, this author writes better than many so called JA fans do, you wonder if some have jumped on the bandwagon after watching a film rather than reading the book. Monica here has done something well that Jane herself would never have done, she writes from Darcy's perspective and tries to keep true to character. I will read more of her books but will likely still "edit" as I go along.
June 22, 2015
Compared to the first of the series, Mr. Darcy's pledge, this was much better since Darcy and Elizabeth spent more time together and even had quite an epic event together which occurred while searching for Wickham and Lydia which really showed Elizabeth how much she meant to Darcy. Lydia's story ended differently from the original and I liked this version's ending. I did wish there was more after Darcy and Elizabeth finally ended up together. I was very touched at the last moment when he could propose again and it was just so sweet! :)
January 19, 2017
Great read!
This second part of Monica's three part series is wonderful and just as enjoyable as Book 1 Mr Darcy's Pledge. There is lots of drama. Georgiana shows her maturity in dealing with her brother and circumstances in their lives. Poor Darcy is pining for his love Elizabeth. He has very passionate emotions and it is nice to see his series from his perspective. Wickham remains a fiend!
Happy news for Lydia. Darcy finally earns Elizabeth's favour and she accepts his hand in marriage. On to the third novel which I look forward too!
This second part of Monica's three part series is wonderful and just as enjoyable as Book 1 Mr Darcy's Pledge. There is lots of drama. Georgiana shows her maturity in dealing with her brother and circumstances in their lives. Poor Darcy is pining for his love Elizabeth. He has very passionate emotions and it is nice to see his series from his perspective. Wickham remains a fiend!
Happy news for Lydia. Darcy finally earns Elizabeth's favour and she accepts his hand in marriage. On to the third novel which I look forward too!
November 7, 2015
This Book 2 is not a stand-a-lone book but must be read after Book 1.
This Pride and Prejudice variation begins as Elizabeth and the Gardiners leave Pemberley in response to Lydia's letter saying she is leaving Brighton with Wickham.
Can Elizabeth and Darcy ever solve their differences and what becomes of Lydia.
This Pride and Prejudice variation begins as Elizabeth and the Gardiners leave Pemberley in response to Lydia's letter saying she is leaving Brighton with Wickham.
Can Elizabeth and Darcy ever solve their differences and what becomes of Lydia.
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