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Falling for Mr Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
The simple truth is proven that sometimes a gentleman never knows his heart until a lady comes along to introduce it to him. When Mr. Darcy encounters Elizabeth Bennet injured after a fall, his concern for her welfare cracks the shell of his carefully guarded heart, and a charming man emerges. Elizabeth sees an appealing side of him she never believed possible from the stoic, proud master of Pemberley. They find the simple gentlemanly act of assisting her home will test both Mr. Darcy’s resolve to keep his heart safe and Elizabeth’s conviction that this is the last man on earth she might have ever been prevailed upon to marry. Soon, falling for Mr. Darcy becomes a real possibility.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2012
306 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
KaraLynne Mackrory
15 books225 followersKaraLynne is an amazing mother who never makes mistakes, never gets upset with her children and never ever has a dirty house. Ever. She always has her dishes done and the floors spotless and dinner is always prepared and ready on time. Her kids are always clean, polite, respectful and loving, especially to each other. She never gets irritated with her husband when he doesn’t turn his socks right side out for the laundry and they always agree on everything. She delights in nothing else but to serve her family and never wants or needs time for herself. She takes great care to shower every day and put make up on so that she is always beautiful and presentable. She never wears her pajamas all day or for days in a row and she is the epitome of womanhood. Most of all, she has a great sense of humor and loves to write.
Although, admittedly a Darcy addict, she enjoys many things, such as: Mr. Knightly, Edmund Bertram, Captain Wentworth, Mr. Tilney and John Thornton. She is happily married to her own Mr. Darcy and together they share the insanity inducing responsibility of raising 4 children.
Although, admittedly a Darcy addict, she enjoys many things, such as: Mr. Knightly, Edmund Bertram, Captain Wentworth, Mr. Tilney and John Thornton. She is happily married to her own Mr. Darcy and together they share the insanity inducing responsibility of raising 4 children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 12, 2015
I think it is time for me to make a confession. A very shocking confession.
I am not exactly a Mr. Darcy fan. I don't dislike him, but I'm certainly not in love with him. He doesn't make me swoon, not even when personified by Colin Firth jumping in a lake. Although I like him paired with Elizabeth, he's not my hero, and every time I watch Pride and Prejudice, it strikes me again that I'm glad he wins Lizzy, but disappointed that he doesn't win me. I find that Mr. Darcy lacks personality. He's too starchy, too conventional, too severe, too Master of Pemberley. He's so strict with himself, and so reserved, that I feel like I never get to know him. Elizabeth somehow breaks down his carefully built wall, and although I usually delight in the downfall of the hero by the heroine, whether it be the rake being redeemed or the starchy master being un-starched, it seems that Darcy and Lizzy's story somehow doesn't satisfy me. It's missing something. I know Darcy is like, one of the ultimate romantic swoony heroes, but he just doesn't cut the mark for me.
And now that all my ardent Janeites-I-love-Mr.Darcy-to-death friends are all O.o O_O o_O, !!!,"I never - ", "Anne, how could you-", "I thought we were friends!", properly shocked and ready to murder me, I will admit that Mr. Darcy did make me swoon in this particular book, Falling For Mr. Darcy. That's right, he did. Because the author brilliantly brought forth all those handsome qualities he possesses but rarely shows in P&P, and concocted a delightful, sweet and moving love story between Darcy & Lizzy that is similar to the original, but with more spark, more romance, more warmth.
Mr. Darcy is simply charming in this novel. He smiles, he laughs, he's witty and he's fun. Yet somehow he's still the same. I don't know how KaraLynne Mackrory does it, but in every book by her Darcy is always a better version of himself. She always creates situations in which his true self comes out, and what a darling he is! He doesn't just stare at Elizabeth, he talks to her, saves her, comforts her. And of course he falls desperately in love with her. And to keep things real, he's still obsessed with his so-called "duties of obligation to marry well" and bla, bla, bla, and so refuses to acknowledge his feelings for the longest time, and flees to London where he plans to forget Elizabeth. As if that will work. We all know better.
His stubbornness would have become intolerable and would have made me retract my statement of his swoon-worthiness, had not the author rectified the situation by having Lizzy go to London. She brings her protagonists back together in an interesting and fun way, and the ending left me sighing in contentment.
The secondary characters are all there as well, and all true to themselves. Georgiana is a darling, Lady Catherine an old tyrannical dragon, Wickham truly wicked, Mrs. Bennet crazy, Lydia irritating, and so on. Jane and Mr. Bingley are there too, of course, having their own sweet little love story and walking on cloud nine most of the time. And since I am about making shocking confessions, here is another one: I love Mr. Bingley more than Mr. Darcy, and the Jane & Bing couple more than Lizzy & Darcy.
And now that I am practically a dead woman, I will conclude by simply saying that this novel was truly delightful and lovely and I hope all the JAFF fans out there will read it. :) Mr. Darcy was swoony, finally. ;)
I am not exactly a Mr. Darcy fan. I don't dislike him, but I'm certainly not in love with him. He doesn't make me swoon, not even when personified by Colin Firth jumping in a lake. Although I like him paired with Elizabeth, he's not my hero, and every time I watch Pride and Prejudice, it strikes me again that I'm glad he wins Lizzy, but disappointed that he doesn't win me. I find that Mr. Darcy lacks personality. He's too starchy, too conventional, too severe, too Master of Pemberley. He's so strict with himself, and so reserved, that I feel like I never get to know him. Elizabeth somehow breaks down his carefully built wall, and although I usually delight in the downfall of the hero by the heroine, whether it be the rake being redeemed or the starchy master being un-starched, it seems that Darcy and Lizzy's story somehow doesn't satisfy me. It's missing something. I know Darcy is like, one of the ultimate romantic swoony heroes, but he just doesn't cut the mark for me.
And now that all my ardent Janeites-I-love-Mr.Darcy-to-death friends are all O.o O_O o_O, !!!,"I never - ", "Anne, how could you-", "I thought we were friends!", properly shocked and ready to murder me, I will admit that Mr. Darcy did make me swoon in this particular book, Falling For Mr. Darcy. That's right, he did. Because the author brilliantly brought forth all those handsome qualities he possesses but rarely shows in P&P, and concocted a delightful, sweet and moving love story between Darcy & Lizzy that is similar to the original, but with more spark, more romance, more warmth.
Mr. Darcy is simply charming in this novel. He smiles, he laughs, he's witty and he's fun. Yet somehow he's still the same. I don't know how KaraLynne Mackrory does it, but in every book by her Darcy is always a better version of himself. She always creates situations in which his true self comes out, and what a darling he is! He doesn't just stare at Elizabeth, he talks to her, saves her, comforts her. And of course he falls desperately in love with her. And to keep things real, he's still obsessed with his so-called "duties of obligation to marry well" and bla, bla, bla, and so refuses to acknowledge his feelings for the longest time, and flees to London where he plans to forget Elizabeth. As if that will work. We all know better.
His stubbornness would have become intolerable and would have made me retract my statement of his swoon-worthiness, had not the author rectified the situation by having Lizzy go to London. She brings her protagonists back together in an interesting and fun way, and the ending left me sighing in contentment.
The secondary characters are all there as well, and all true to themselves. Georgiana is a darling, Lady Catherine an old tyrannical dragon, Wickham truly wicked, Mrs. Bennet crazy, Lydia irritating, and so on. Jane and Mr. Bingley are there too, of course, having their own sweet little love story and walking on cloud nine most of the time. And since I am about making shocking confessions, here is another one: I love Mr. Bingley more than Mr. Darcy, and the Jane & Bing couple more than Lizzy & Darcy.
And now that I am practically a dead woman, I will conclude by simply saying that this novel was truly delightful and lovely and I hope all the JAFF fans out there will read it. :) Mr. Darcy was swoony, finally. ;)
February 26, 2020
This is not new. It has a new cover and the copyright is different. It was a 5 star book and still is.
January 19, 2020
I wouldn't change anything in the original P&P by Jane Austen. (I'd be crucified if I even thought about it...LOL) Having said that - I am always happy when I read changes in JAFF that many readers say they could have seen as more logical events, i.e., Mr. Collins marrying Mary and Darcy relating his past with Wickham while in Meryton in order to protect not only the Bennets but also the entire community.
I am a romantic and I like to read what is going on in our players' heads. In the canon we don't read about what Darcy is thinking. So, although we know Elizabeth "hates" Darcy due to his behavior and his words both at the assembly and at Netherfield while she is tending Jane, we only gets hints about what he feels towards Elizabeth and very few at that. So this story picks up after those two scenes and we are all inside his and her thoughts. I found this one first scene delicious: she is on horseback as she can't walk but expresses fears about such (We learn why later). So he climbs up and holds her - the scents, the touches, the closeness, the conversation and the effects on both - oh, sigh! As we continue on: I really liked the back and forth by both as, "he/she loves me, he/she loves me not" goes on and on. We hear much more of this from Elizabeth than in canon but we also hear what we only knew in looking back from Hunsford about what Darcy is struggling with in his attraction to her and concerning the acceptability of such from his family's and the ton's viewpoint. Yes, Col. Fitzwilliam uses his wit and insight to help many times and that struggle is one thing he addresses.
The author was very clever in how she managed to redirect Collins' attentions in her script. I LOVED Mr. Bennet in this adaption (my favorite Mr. B.), loved his relationship with Lizzy, his wisdom in stewardship and his developing relationship with Darcy. His best words of advice to Elizabeth, "Give it time, have patience". What a surprise in his meeting with Jane and Bingley after Bingley proposes!
Yes, this author does as many have in putting words from canon into other players' mouths and under different circumstances - well done. Good imagination used here.
I had no problem visualizing the scenes in my head or using my senses to experience certain "things", i.e., Caroline's perfume, Lady C.'s sick room, the lemon smell of Darcy, etc. I found it quite funny when Darcy is peeking between bonnets and eavesdropping on Georgiana and Lizzy while in the Milliner's shop...."Wife shopping indeed!"
I agree with others who state that Elizabeth never did get her explanation as to why Darcy left Netherfield without so much as a "farewell" when things seemed to be going so well between them. Can't blame her for her doubts here and her regretting that she allowed herself to feel something for him.
I do like what happened to Wickham - Jane Austen let him off too easily and the fact that he compromised the daughters of most, if not all, the shopkeepers in Meryton (and probably elsewhere) plus left debts with shopkeepers and gambling debts with friends and acquaintances plus his dealings with Georgiana and his snookering of Darcy, Sr., Darcy having to pay all those debts off, etc. and Darcy seeing his own father grant to Wickham favors when Darcy knew the real Wickham. No, I find I like the fate he received in this book. Jane Austen's treatment of Wickham worked for her plot as Elizabeth had to learn of how he "saved" Lydia, but in this story this author is justified with her fate for him.
And I had tears in my eyes more than once. I found this book to be a page-turner and will read it again in the future. I like this author and look forward to reading more from her.
I am a romantic and I like to read what is going on in our players' heads. In the canon we don't read about what Darcy is thinking. So, although we know Elizabeth "hates" Darcy due to his behavior and his words both at the assembly and at Netherfield while she is tending Jane, we only gets hints about what he feels towards Elizabeth and very few at that. So this story picks up after those two scenes and we are all inside his and her thoughts. I found this one first scene delicious: she is on horseback as she can't walk but expresses fears about such (We learn why later). So he climbs up and holds her - the scents, the touches, the closeness, the conversation and the effects on both - oh, sigh! As we continue on: I really liked the back and forth by both as, "he/she loves me, he/she loves me not" goes on and on. We hear much more of this from Elizabeth than in canon but we also hear what we only knew in looking back from Hunsford about what Darcy is struggling with in his attraction to her and concerning the acceptability of such from his family's and the ton's viewpoint. Yes, Col. Fitzwilliam uses his wit and insight to help many times and that struggle is one thing he addresses.
The author was very clever in how she managed to redirect Collins' attentions in her script. I LOVED Mr. Bennet in this adaption (my favorite Mr. B.), loved his relationship with Lizzy, his wisdom in stewardship and his developing relationship with Darcy. His best words of advice to Elizabeth, "Give it time, have patience". What a surprise in his meeting with Jane and Bingley after Bingley proposes!
Yes, this author does as many have in putting words from canon into other players' mouths and under different circumstances - well done. Good imagination used here.
I had no problem visualizing the scenes in my head or using my senses to experience certain "things", i.e., Caroline's perfume, Lady C.'s sick room, the lemon smell of Darcy, etc. I found it quite funny when Darcy is peeking between bonnets and eavesdropping on Georgiana and Lizzy while in the Milliner's shop...."Wife shopping indeed!"
I agree with others who state that Elizabeth never did get her explanation as to why Darcy left Netherfield without so much as a "farewell" when things seemed to be going so well between them. Can't blame her for her doubts here and her regretting that she allowed herself to feel something for him.
I do like what happened to Wickham - Jane Austen let him off too easily and the fact that he compromised the daughters of most, if not all, the shopkeepers in Meryton (and probably elsewhere) plus left debts with shopkeepers and gambling debts with friends and acquaintances plus his dealings with Georgiana and his snookering of Darcy, Sr., Darcy having to pay all those debts off, etc. and Darcy seeing his own father grant to Wickham favors when Darcy knew the real Wickham. No, I find I like the fate he received in this book. Jane Austen's treatment of Wickham worked for her plot as Elizabeth had to learn of how he "saved" Lydia, but in this story this author is justified with her fate for him.
And I had tears in my eyes more than once. I found this book to be a page-turner and will read it again in the future. I like this author and look forward to reading more from her.
April 11, 2016
KaraLynne Mackrory's Falling for Mr. Darcy is now one of my favourites. Mr. Darcy is exceedingly charming and playful, Mr. Bennet is more loving, and Jane even has some of Elizabeth's wit. (Being so close, I always thought a little of Elizabeth's sassiness should have rubbed off on her sister). I truly love my beloved characters even more after reading Falling for Mr. Darcy. I caught myself giggling repeatedly and I even cried once, which is a first while reading this genre. The author interpreted these characters as I would and gave me everything I could have asked for and more!
December 31, 2022
Reread: Just as good the second time around. Personally, E should have made D grovel, more than just a little bit, for ditching her after raising her expectations. What a Bingley thing to do!
January 11, 2017
Delightful, funny, charming, suspenseful, amazing, can’t put it down book
What a delightful book I simply could not put down. Mackrory took our beloved P&P love story and characters… shook them up a bit and recreated a story that was simply amazing.
This book will take you by surprise as Mackrory weaves our characters in different ways than canon. The juxtaposition of conversations and situations to what we are accustomed to was so intriguing and yet it worked so well while maintaining the integrity of the story line. It was so strange to see favorite dialog flipped in its delivery from one person to another. It was funny to see characters switch places as circumstances changed. In many cases you will be surprised at who delivers a favorite line, and who winds up where.
The characters we love to dislike: Mackrory created a caricature version of each of the characters that we love to dislike. The sensory descriptions of Caroline Bingley and Mr. Collins were hilarious. Their exaggerated attributes were a scream. At the Netherfield Ball, Darcy plays Collins like a finely tuned violin… so creative. Lady Catherine’s antics were unbelievable in her manipulations and attempts to control Darcy. You simply won’t believe it.
Mr. Wickham was simply evil and earthier than in canon. At least in P&P he was portrayed as a gentleman. In this version, the veneer has chipped away and he was simply disgusting, his language and demeanor coarse and crude. His hatred of Darcy and all that he held dear became an obsession as he gave force to his hatred. It was scary watching his maniacal mind work as he reached out to taint and destroy Darcy’s peace of mind. However, he forgot one important aspect in Darcy’s life… his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. NO ONE is better at maneuvers and strategy and Wickham soon found that out.
I see this version as a redo on those points in P&P where things went wrong and we now have a chance to change them. Example: What if Bingley doesn’t abandon Jane? What if it is Darcy that leaves Netherfield without notice? What if it is Elizabeth that is left feeling confused and disappointed? What if it is she that goes to London instead? What if Mr. Bennet had been able to manage his affairs? What if Darcy warns Meryton and Colonel Forster regarding Wickham? What would life be like then?
The drama and storyline was so amazing and creative that you are left with your mouth open in astonishment. A few of the situations have been tried before and still worked. However, many scenarios I have never seen in JAFF. They were so exciting and I loved watching them evolve on the page.
I simply adored Colonel Fitzwilliam. Once again he and his men were ready for the rescue. Love that guy. We were given a brief glimpse of his family, his father and mother, the Earl and Lady Matlock. Georgiana was cute and played a minor role.
When ODC were together it was so well written. Their budding romance was like a slow dance, a romantic interlude that was full of sensory expressions that left the reader sighing and wanting more. I especially enjoyed their dancing. There was a romantic nod to the movie, where they danced in an empty room that will make you swoon. In fact, there were many nods to the different movie versions via dialogue, expressions, gestures, and mannerisms. It was fun running into them in the content of the text. They were always such a surprise.
The scenes with Elizabeth and her father were so touching; their relationship was so special. Your heart simply melts then they are together. I will admit that I teared up. Loved…loved…loved this book.
What a delightful book I simply could not put down. Mackrory took our beloved P&P love story and characters… shook them up a bit and recreated a story that was simply amazing.
This book will take you by surprise as Mackrory weaves our characters in different ways than canon. The juxtaposition of conversations and situations to what we are accustomed to was so intriguing and yet it worked so well while maintaining the integrity of the story line. It was so strange to see favorite dialog flipped in its delivery from one person to another. It was funny to see characters switch places as circumstances changed. In many cases you will be surprised at who delivers a favorite line, and who winds up where.
The characters we love to dislike: Mackrory created a caricature version of each of the characters that we love to dislike. The sensory descriptions of Caroline Bingley and Mr. Collins were hilarious. Their exaggerated attributes were a scream. At the Netherfield Ball, Darcy plays Collins like a finely tuned violin… so creative. Lady Catherine’s antics were unbelievable in her manipulations and attempts to control Darcy. You simply won’t believe it.
Mr. Wickham was simply evil and earthier than in canon. At least in P&P he was portrayed as a gentleman. In this version, the veneer has chipped away and he was simply disgusting, his language and demeanor coarse and crude. His hatred of Darcy and all that he held dear became an obsession as he gave force to his hatred. It was scary watching his maniacal mind work as he reached out to taint and destroy Darcy’s peace of mind. However, he forgot one important aspect in Darcy’s life… his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam. NO ONE is better at maneuvers and strategy and Wickham soon found that out.
I see this version as a redo on those points in P&P where things went wrong and we now have a chance to change them. Example: What if Bingley doesn’t abandon Jane? What if it is Darcy that leaves Netherfield without notice? What if it is Elizabeth that is left feeling confused and disappointed? What if it is she that goes to London instead? What if Mr. Bennet had been able to manage his affairs? What if Darcy warns Meryton and Colonel Forster regarding Wickham? What would life be like then?
The drama and storyline was so amazing and creative that you are left with your mouth open in astonishment. A few of the situations have been tried before and still worked. However, many scenarios I have never seen in JAFF. They were so exciting and I loved watching them evolve on the page.
I simply adored Colonel Fitzwilliam. Once again he and his men were ready for the rescue. Love that guy. We were given a brief glimpse of his family, his father and mother, the Earl and Lady Matlock. Georgiana was cute and played a minor role.
When ODC were together it was so well written. Their budding romance was like a slow dance, a romantic interlude that was full of sensory expressions that left the reader sighing and wanting more. I especially enjoyed their dancing. There was a romantic nod to the movie, where they danced in an empty room that will make you swoon. In fact, there were many nods to the different movie versions via dialogue, expressions, gestures, and mannerisms. It was fun running into them in the content of the text. They were always such a surprise.
The scenes with Elizabeth and her father were so touching; their relationship was so special. Your heart simply melts then they are together. I will admit that I teared up. Loved…loved…loved this book.
January 13, 2013
I had to stay up last night (until one in the morning!) to finish this book! I absolutely loved it! I have always been nervous about reading a sequel/'what if' story to my favourite novel Pride and Prejudice, but I am so glad that I did!
The story was amazing! It was so clever how it all linked in different ways to the original story! I kept thinking 'Oh this is like what happened to Jane, but its happeneing to Lizzy!' or such like. How the different quotes from the novel, film and series were incorporated was very clever! Seeing the use of 'it is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me' in a completely different sense was great (and many other similar examples!)
One of my favourite scenes was how the classic verbal sword fight between Lady Catherine and Lizzy changed to between Lady Catherine and Darcy! That was fun to read!
But, my favourite thing of all had to be Darcy! It was great to see the charming, playful and caring side to him so much quicker than you do in the original novel. The conversations between Darcy and Lizzy were great to read - so funny and playful, and quite flirtatious at times! It made me smile every time they were with each other!
I really have fallen for Mr Darcy all over again!
The story was amazing! It was so clever how it all linked in different ways to the original story! I kept thinking 'Oh this is like what happened to Jane, but its happeneing to Lizzy!' or such like. How the different quotes from the novel, film and series were incorporated was very clever! Seeing the use of 'it is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me' in a completely different sense was great (and many other similar examples!)
One of my favourite scenes was how the classic verbal sword fight between Lady Catherine and Lizzy changed to between Lady Catherine and Darcy! That was fun to read!
But, my favourite thing of all had to be Darcy! It was great to see the charming, playful and caring side to him so much quicker than you do in the original novel. The conversations between Darcy and Lizzy were great to read - so funny and playful, and quite flirtatious at times! It made me smile every time they were with each other!
I really have fallen for Mr Darcy all over again!
October 29, 2017
This is just a glorious book. This is a fun, lighthearted, P & P variation.
After over four years from my initial reading the details of this story had escaped me. This is a low angst, time compressed, P&P variation that has Darcy recognizing how much he loves Lizzy before the Netherfield Ball and she definitely doesn't hate him by the end of their dance. Mr. Collins married Mary, at Darcy's suggestion. Mr Bennet has a secret about his perceived indolence. Jane and Bingley are quickly engaged. And Lizzy and Darcy are quick behind them. Lady Catherine reaches a new low in sneakiness and Caroline gets a handful of comeuppance.
After over four years from my initial reading the details of this story had escaped me. This is a low angst, time compressed, P&P variation that has Darcy recognizing how much he loves Lizzy before the Netherfield Ball and she definitely doesn't hate him by the end of their dance. Mr. Collins married Mary, at Darcy's suggestion. Mr Bennet has a secret about his perceived indolence. Jane and Bingley are quickly engaged. And Lizzy and Darcy are quick behind them. Lady Catherine reaches a new low in sneakiness and Caroline gets a handful of comeuppance.
September 2, 2013
This is a Pride and Prejudice variation, which deviates from the original book after the Bennet sisters have returned from Netherfield. Mr Darcy has been struggling with his feelings towards Lizzy and goes for a ride on his horse. While he's out, he happens to catch up with Lizzy, who is out walking, and witnesses her having a bit of a mishap which leads to a sprained ankle. At first Darcy fears her accident is worse than it is, and Lizzy first realises that perhaps doesn't feel disdain for her. He helps her home and while doing so, they begin to know each other a bit better. Lizzy sees that perhaps her view of Darcy's character has been distorted by the first impression he made on her.
Deviating at such an early part of the story means that many things that happen in Pride and Prejudice don't happen here - this is before Lizzy even meets Wickham and before Bingley is persuaded to move away so there is much less for Lizzy to overcome before she begins to have warmer feelings towards Mr Darcy. Having said that, Darcy still has the same things to overcome, the fact that her status is below his, and that her family doesn't behave as it ought.
This book is humorous and light-hearted. Some variations you'll read you'll see Mr Collins or Caroline Bingley portrayed as evil scheming villains but in this they are more pantomime baddies, with flatulence, overwhelming perfume and bits in their teeth; some parts were a bit too comic for me, but amongst this there were some gems of moments, such as: "_____ is the right one for me; now that I speak of it, I can see it most clearly. In fact, I believe myself to be falling quite violently in love with her already."
I'd read, and really enjoyed, another book by this author, 'Bluebells in the Mourning' but I had put off reading this book for a while, despite the good reviews it has, because of the title. While 'falling in love' is an old term, 'Falling for...' is a more modern term of speech than the period of the book, and I was afraid that if the title was too modern, this could also be the case in the body of the book, and I am afraid this is the case. There were many instances of words that were too modern, American or just incorrect usage. The reason I have a problem with this, is that every time I'm mid way through a sentence and I think to myself "Surely x wasn't a word back then?" it takes me away from the world of the story.
There were also instances of behaviour that I thought may be incorrect, such as a marriage occurring within a week of the engagement without a special licence - I have a feeling that it took about 3 weeks from the banns first being read. There were also more minor instances, such as people taking a spoonful of sugar for tea when I think it should have been tongs, unmarried women sitting on the same side of the carriage as an unrelated man, quite a lot of informal behaviour such as winking (and not at Kitty, as Mrs Bennet did, but at virtual strangers) etc. I appreciate that I am fussy in this regard though, and this may not be as distracting for others as it was for me. I wasn't sure about some of the psychology either, for example, the characters were very easy to forgive some behaviour that I thought they might have been more cautious about pardoning. Also, at one point a character is threatened and told that they are being watched and they immediately seem to forget this and do something that would put put somebody else in danger and there were other instances but I can't say anything more as we'd be getting into spoiler territory.
In summary though, this is an enjoyable read, but I'd have enjoyed it a bit more if it had felt truer to period for me.
Deviating at such an early part of the story means that many things that happen in Pride and Prejudice don't happen here - this is before Lizzy even meets Wickham and before Bingley is persuaded to move away so there is much less for Lizzy to overcome before she begins to have warmer feelings towards Mr Darcy. Having said that, Darcy still has the same things to overcome, the fact that her status is below his, and that her family doesn't behave as it ought.
This book is humorous and light-hearted. Some variations you'll read you'll see Mr Collins or Caroline Bingley portrayed as evil scheming villains but in this they are more pantomime baddies, with flatulence, overwhelming perfume and bits in their teeth; some parts were a bit too comic for me, but amongst this there were some gems of moments, such as: "_____ is the right one for me; now that I speak of it, I can see it most clearly. In fact, I believe myself to be falling quite violently in love with her already."
I'd read, and really enjoyed, another book by this author, 'Bluebells in the Mourning' but I had put off reading this book for a while, despite the good reviews it has, because of the title. While 'falling in love' is an old term, 'Falling for...' is a more modern term of speech than the period of the book, and I was afraid that if the title was too modern, this could also be the case in the body of the book, and I am afraid this is the case. There were many instances of words that were too modern, American or just incorrect usage. The reason I have a problem with this, is that every time I'm mid way through a sentence and I think to myself "Surely x wasn't a word back then?" it takes me away from the world of the story.
There were also instances of behaviour that I thought may be incorrect, such as a marriage occurring within a week of the engagement without a special licence - I have a feeling that it took about 3 weeks from the banns first being read. There were also more minor instances, such as people taking a spoonful of sugar for tea when I think it should have been tongs, unmarried women sitting on the same side of the carriage as an unrelated man, quite a lot of informal behaviour such as winking (and not at Kitty, as Mrs Bennet did, but at virtual strangers) etc. I appreciate that I am fussy in this regard though, and this may not be as distracting for others as it was for me. I wasn't sure about some of the psychology either, for example, the characters were very easy to forgive some behaviour that I thought they might have been more cautious about pardoning. Also, at one point a character is threatened and told that they are being watched and they immediately seem to forget this and do something that would put put somebody else in danger and there were other instances but I can't say anything more as we'd be getting into spoiler territory.
In summary though, this is an enjoyable read, but I'd have enjoyed it a bit more if it had felt truer to period for me.
May 19, 2014
After a bad fall, Elizabeth sprains her ankle and cannot walk back home alone. Luckily for her, Mr. Darcy is there to help her. This unexpected encounter will give them both the opportunity to see new sides of their nature, and perhaps their love will blossom with neither pride nor prejudice.
This was my first book by KaraLynne Mackrory and I was not at all displeased. Ms. Mackrory really knows how to intrigue her readers by using the right words at the right time. We are given the chance to see a new, charming version of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, and a lively, very similar to the original, Elizabeth Bennet.
One of the things I appreciated most was the affection that the two protagonists have towards some of the minor characters. I loved the relationship between Elizabeth and her father, and her chats with her aunt Gardiner, who is like a mother to Lizzy. But, most of all, I loved the relationship between Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He is so jovial and fun I had a great time reading his conversations with Darcy. I am looking forward to reading a variation, sequel, prequel (anything will work for me) where I can see him as a main character. He is great! Really. One of my favourite among Austen characters, and when I come across a book with him I am very happy, especially when he is described so well!
I liked a lot the characters descriptions. Miss Bingley and Mr. Collins’ features are beautifully written and it was like being there, right in front of them when they arrive on the scene. I loved seeing the expressions of the other people’s faces while they were trying not to laugh out loud before Mr. Collins and his particular behaviour, and I definitely loved Darcy’s contempt every time Caroline Bingley came next to him with her disgusting perfume! I can tell I smelt that, too!
As for the villains (yes, we have two villains here), I am not sure about them. I liked the tension they brought into the story, but some of Wickham’s actions and Lady Catherine’s plan to make Darcy do what she wanted were a tad extreme. Particularly, I did not like that much Wickham’s behaviour in one scene which involves Elizabeth, too.
The only thing I missed was a little more pride in Darcy’s nature. We are used to see him very proud, brooding, almost sulky sometimes. In this story he is more agreeable and smiling. Not that I am complaining, because I loved this Darcy (he is quite dashing!), but pride is his distinctive feature so I would have loved to see more of it. Perhaps the reason why he is so pleasing is connected to the fact that he almost immediately falls in love with Elizabeth. However, I missed his icy look of disapproval when he happened to be in the same room with the Bennet family.
Despite my quibbles, I had a lovely time reading this book and I highly recommend it, especially to those of you who would love to see Darcy’s smile more than once! (Believe me, it is very easy to imagine it through Ms. Mackrory’s beautiful words!).
This was my first book by KaraLynne Mackrory and I was not at all displeased. Ms. Mackrory really knows how to intrigue her readers by using the right words at the right time. We are given the chance to see a new, charming version of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, and a lively, very similar to the original, Elizabeth Bennet.
One of the things I appreciated most was the affection that the two protagonists have towards some of the minor characters. I loved the relationship between Elizabeth and her father, and her chats with her aunt Gardiner, who is like a mother to Lizzy. But, most of all, I loved the relationship between Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He is so jovial and fun I had a great time reading his conversations with Darcy. I am looking forward to reading a variation, sequel, prequel (anything will work for me) where I can see him as a main character. He is great! Really. One of my favourite among Austen characters, and when I come across a book with him I am very happy, especially when he is described so well!
I liked a lot the characters descriptions. Miss Bingley and Mr. Collins’ features are beautifully written and it was like being there, right in front of them when they arrive on the scene. I loved seeing the expressions of the other people’s faces while they were trying not to laugh out loud before Mr. Collins and his particular behaviour, and I definitely loved Darcy’s contempt every time Caroline Bingley came next to him with her disgusting perfume! I can tell I smelt that, too!
As for the villains (yes, we have two villains here), I am not sure about them. I liked the tension they brought into the story, but some of Wickham’s actions and Lady Catherine’s plan to make Darcy do what she wanted were a tad extreme. Particularly, I did not like that much Wickham’s behaviour in one scene which involves Elizabeth, too.
The only thing I missed was a little more pride in Darcy’s nature. We are used to see him very proud, brooding, almost sulky sometimes. In this story he is more agreeable and smiling. Not that I am complaining, because I loved this Darcy (he is quite dashing!), but pride is his distinctive feature so I would have loved to see more of it. Perhaps the reason why he is so pleasing is connected to the fact that he almost immediately falls in love with Elizabeth. However, I missed his icy look of disapproval when he happened to be in the same room with the Bennet family.
Despite my quibbles, I had a lovely time reading this book and I highly recommend it, especially to those of you who would love to see Darcy’s smile more than once! (Believe me, it is very easy to imagine it through Ms. Mackrory’s beautiful words!).
July 2, 2020
Fitzwilliam Darcy – Elizabeth’s Preserver!
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation – What if Elizabeth experiences a bad fall while out for a ramble in the woods and Mr. Darcy is there to help her home?
TIME FRAME: A day or two after Elizabeth’s and Jane’s return from Netherfield Hall
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
- Variations are my #1 favorite type of Austenesque novel!
- I loved the idea of Darcy coming to Elizabeth’s rescue so early in the novel and wanted to see how this interaction effected the course of their relationship.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Mr. Darcy: I greatly enjoyed KaraLynne Mackrory’s Darcy – at war between his heart and his head, extremely tender and devoted in his care towards and protection of Elizabeth, and just utterly adorable when he engages in some flirting! Readers, be warned, he will steal your heart!
- There’s More to Mr. Bennet than Meets the Eye: In many Austenesque novels Mr. Bennet is portrayed as neglectful, indolent, and irresponsible. But in Falling for Mr. Darcy, readers learn that all this time Mr. Bennet was purposefully trying to give the appearance of mismanaging his estate and being a indifferent parent. I loved the idea of there being more to Mr. Bennet and I LOVED how Ms. Mackrory inventively developed and added more depth to his character. I especially enjoyed the strong father-daughter relationship she manifested between Mr. Bennet and Lizzy. Seeing him act as her confidante and comforter was just so terribly sweet!
- Budding Relationships: Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship isn’t the only one that is developing in this novel! I loved Georgiana’s first encounter with Elizabeth in Falling for Mr. Darcy, meeting as strangers in a shop. Their pleasant and friendly exchanges were so endearing to witness! In addition, it was wonderful to see Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet starting to establish a relationship with each other. I loved how Mr. Bennet was able to find in Mr. Darcy the son he wanted but never had, and how Mr. Darcy could look to Mr. Bennet to somewhat fill the role of parent in his life.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Mr. Wickham and Lady Catherine: As in many Austenesque novels, Mr. Wickham is hell-bent on extracting pain and retribution from Darcy, and Lady Catherine is determined he should marry her daughter Anne. When they both catch wind of where Darcy’s affections truly do lie, they both make drastic attempts to ruin his future with Elizabeth. I am, of course, all for Mr. Wickham and Lady C being the villainous foils (they excel at it!), but in this case I found their methods just a teensy bit too extreme and heinous…(even for them).
CONCLUSION:
What a splendidly romantic variation of Pride and Prejudice! Eloquent, tender, and beautifully composed, this is a novel I highly recommend! Congratulations, KaraLynne Mackrory, on a marvelous debut!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Variation – What if Elizabeth experiences a bad fall while out for a ramble in the woods and Mr. Darcy is there to help her home?
TIME FRAME: A day or two after Elizabeth’s and Jane’s return from Netherfield Hall
MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth, Darcy, Jane, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Collins, Mr. Wickham
WHY I WANTED TO READ THIS NOVEL:
- Variations are my #1 favorite type of Austenesque novel!
- I loved the idea of Darcy coming to Elizabeth’s rescue so early in the novel and wanted to see how this interaction effected the course of their relationship.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Mr. Darcy: I greatly enjoyed KaraLynne Mackrory’s Darcy – at war between his heart and his head, extremely tender and devoted in his care towards and protection of Elizabeth, and just utterly adorable when he engages in some flirting! Readers, be warned, he will steal your heart!
- There’s More to Mr. Bennet than Meets the Eye: In many Austenesque novels Mr. Bennet is portrayed as neglectful, indolent, and irresponsible. But in Falling for Mr. Darcy, readers learn that all this time Mr. Bennet was purposefully trying to give the appearance of mismanaging his estate and being a indifferent parent. I loved the idea of there being more to Mr. Bennet and I LOVED how Ms. Mackrory inventively developed and added more depth to his character. I especially enjoyed the strong father-daughter relationship she manifested between Mr. Bennet and Lizzy. Seeing him act as her confidante and comforter was just so terribly sweet!
- Budding Relationships: Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship isn’t the only one that is developing in this novel! I loved Georgiana’s first encounter with Elizabeth in Falling for Mr. Darcy, meeting as strangers in a shop. Their pleasant and friendly exchanges were so endearing to witness! In addition, it was wonderful to see Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet starting to establish a relationship with each other. I loved how Mr. Bennet was able to find in Mr. Darcy the son he wanted but never had, and how Mr. Darcy could look to Mr. Bennet to somewhat fill the role of parent in his life.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Mr. Wickham and Lady Catherine: As in many Austenesque novels, Mr. Wickham is hell-bent on extracting pain and retribution from Darcy, and Lady Catherine is determined he should marry her daughter Anne. When they both catch wind of where Darcy’s affections truly do lie, they both make drastic attempts to ruin his future with Elizabeth. I am, of course, all for Mr. Wickham and Lady C being the villainous foils (they excel at it!), but in this case I found their methods just a teensy bit too extreme and heinous…(even for them).
CONCLUSION:
What a splendidly romantic variation of Pride and Prejudice! Eloquent, tender, and beautifully composed, this is a novel I highly recommend! Congratulations, KaraLynne Mackrory, on a marvelous debut!
Austenesque Reviews
April 21, 2020
Swoonworthy Romance
KaraLynne Mackrory is the queen of romance.
Masterfully written book with clever banter that made me laugh and deliciously emotional moments that made my eyes go mysteriously moist...
The aftermath of a fall made Darcy aware of his feelings while Elizabeth realised her error of judgement, much sooner than canon. It did not make their journey to love run smooth though...
Twists to Mr Collins and Mr Wickham stories added suspense and very satisfying resolutions.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste
KaraLynne Mackrory is the queen of romance.
Masterfully written book with clever banter that made me laugh and deliciously emotional moments that made my eyes go mysteriously moist...
The aftermath of a fall made Darcy aware of his feelings while Elizabeth realised her error of judgement, much sooner than canon. It did not make their journey to love run smooth though...
Twists to Mr Collins and Mr Wickham stories added suspense and very satisfying resolutions.
Heartily recommend this book!
Rated: Chaste
May 2, 2021
I’ve read this book 3 times now, it’s definitely a favorite. It’s just such a sweet story and there are so many good relationships developed in this book. We get to see Lizzy with her father, Darcy and Georgiana, Darcy and Mr. Bennet, and of course our Darcy and Elizabeth. Colonel Fitzwilliam is as helpful as always and Wickham is dealt with quite handily. Lady Catherine is at her worst. Darcy and Elizabeth realize their feelings much sooner in this delightful read, but are still kept apart for some time by Darcy’s perceived duty. It makes their reunion in the grove and his proposal that much sweeter.
Read: April 8-9, 2014
Read: Jan. 27-28, 2015
Read: May 1-2, 2021
Read: April 8-9, 2014
Read: Jan. 27-28, 2015
Read: May 1-2, 2021
November 12, 2021
Good
Reviewed in Canada on January 15, 2019
Appreciated not much Lydia in this story, and liked the the manner in which Wickham got his just reward. I always felt canon was way too good for him. The slight twist with Lady Catherine was a welcome change after reading many similar accounts of her part in different variations. I think Mr. Bennet’s portrayal in this book is one of my favourites.
November 11, 2021 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by David Pickering.
Reviewed in Canada on January 15, 2019
Appreciated not much Lydia in this story, and liked the the manner in which Wickham got his just reward. I always felt canon was way too good for him. The slight twist with Lady Catherine was a welcome change after reading many similar accounts of her part in different variations. I think Mr. Bennet’s portrayal in this book is one of my favourites.
November 11, 2021 - Audiobook
Excellent narration by David Pickering.
December 19, 2017
I wouldn't change anything in the original P&P by Jane Austen. (I'd be crucified if I even thought about it...LOL) Having said that - I am always happy when I read changes in JAFF that many readers say they could have seen as more logical events, i.e., Mr. Collins marrying Mary and Darcy relating his past with Wickham while in Meryton in order to protect not only the Bennets but also the entire community.
I am a romantic and I like to read what is going on in our players' heads. In the canon we don't read about what Darcy is thinking. So, although we know Elizabeth "hates" Darcy due to his behavior and his words both at the assembly and at Netherfield while she is tending Jane, we only gets hints about what he feels towards Elizabeth and very few at that. So this story picks up after those two scenes and we are all inside his and her thoughts. I found this one first scene delicious: she is on horseback as she can't walk but expresses fears about such (We learn why later). So he climbs up and holds her - the scents, the touches, the closeness, the conversation and the effects on both - oh, sigh! As we continue on: I really liked the back and forth by both as, "he/she loves me, he/she loves me not" goes on and on. We hear much more of this from Elizabeth than in canon but we also hear what we only knew in looking back from Hunsford about what Darcy is struggling with in his attraction to her and concerning the acceptability of such from his family's and the ton's viewpoint. Yes, Col. Fitzwilliam uses his wit and insight to help many times and that struggle is one thing he addresses.
The author was very clever in how she managed to redirect Collins' attentions in her script. I LOVED Mr. Bennet in this adaption (my favorite Mr. B.), loved his relationship with Lizzy, his wisdom in stewardship and his developing relationship with Darcy. His best words of advice to Elizabeth, "Give it time, have patience". What a surprise in his meeting with Jane and Bingley after Bingley proposes!
Yes, this author does as many have in putting words from canon into other players' mouths and under different circumstances - well done. Good imagination used here.
I had no problem visualizing the scenes in my head or using my senses to experience certain "things", i.e., Caroline's perfume, Lady C.'s sick room, the lemon smell of Darcy, etc. I found it quite funny when Darcy is peeking between bonnets and eavesdropping on Georgiana and Lizzy while in the Milliner's shop...."Wife shopping indeed!"
I agree with others who state that Elizabeth never did get her explanation as to why Darcy left Netherfield without so much as a "farewell" when things seemed to be going so well between them. Can't blame her for her doubts here and her regretting that she allowed herself to feel something for him.
I do like what happened to Wickham - Jane Austen let him off too easily and the fact that he compromised the daughters of most, if not all, the shopkeepers in Meryton (and probably elsewhere) plus left debts with shopkeepers and gambling debts with friends and acquaintances plus his dealings with Georgiana and his snookering of Darcy, Sr., Darcy having to pay all those debts off, etc. and Darcy seeing his own father grant to Wickham favors when Darcy knew the real Wickham. No, I find I like the fate he received in this book. Jane Austen's treatment of Wickham worked for her plot as Elizabeth had to learn of how he "saved" Lydia, but in this story this author is justified with her fate for him.
And I had tears in my eyes more than once. I found this book to be a page-turner and will read it again in the future. I like this author and look forward to reading more from her.
I am a romantic and I like to read what is going on in our players' heads. In the canon we don't read about what Darcy is thinking. So, although we know Elizabeth "hates" Darcy due to his behavior and his words both at the assembly and at Netherfield while she is tending Jane, we only gets hints about what he feels towards Elizabeth and very few at that. So this story picks up after those two scenes and we are all inside his and her thoughts. I found this one first scene delicious: she is on horseback as she can't walk but expresses fears about such (We learn why later). So he climbs up and holds her - the scents, the touches, the closeness, the conversation and the effects on both - oh, sigh! As we continue on: I really liked the back and forth by both as, "he/she loves me, he/she loves me not" goes on and on. We hear much more of this from Elizabeth than in canon but we also hear what we only knew in looking back from Hunsford about what Darcy is struggling with in his attraction to her and concerning the acceptability of such from his family's and the ton's viewpoint. Yes, Col. Fitzwilliam uses his wit and insight to help many times and that struggle is one thing he addresses.
The author was very clever in how she managed to redirect Collins' attentions in her script. I LOVED Mr. Bennet in this adaption (my favorite Mr. B.), loved his relationship with Lizzy, his wisdom in stewardship and his developing relationship with Darcy. His best words of advice to Elizabeth, "Give it time, have patience". What a surprise in his meeting with Jane and Bingley after Bingley proposes!
Yes, this author does as many have in putting words from canon into other players' mouths and under different circumstances - well done. Good imagination used here.
I had no problem visualizing the scenes in my head or using my senses to experience certain "things", i.e., Caroline's perfume, Lady C.'s sick room, the lemon smell of Darcy, etc. I found it quite funny when Darcy is peeking between bonnets and eavesdropping on Georgiana and Lizzy while in the Milliner's shop...."Wife shopping indeed!"
I agree with others who state that Elizabeth never did get her explanation as to why Darcy left Netherfield without so much as a "farewell" when things seemed to be going so well between them. Can't blame her for her doubts here and her regretting that she allowed herself to feel something for him.
I do like what happened to Wickham - Jane Austen let him off too easily and the fact that he compromised the daughters of most, if not all, the shopkeepers in Meryton (and probably elsewhere) plus left debts with shopkeepers and gambling debts with friends and acquaintances plus his dealings with Georgiana and his snookering of Darcy, Sr., Darcy having to pay all those debts off, etc. and Darcy seeing his own father grant to Wickham favors when Darcy knew the real Wickham. No, I find I like the fate he received in this book. Jane Austen's treatment of Wickham worked for her plot as Elizabeth had to learn of how he "saved" Lydia, but in this story this author is justified with her fate for him.
And I had tears in my eyes more than once. I found this book to be a page-turner and will read it again in the future. I like this author and look forward to reading more from her.
January 28, 2021
Started off pleasantly, but went downhill for me.
My numerous issues included:
Darcy and Elizabeth love each other for most of the book, yet it takes a ridiculously long time for Darcy to actually propose. He even leaves to forget her, after openly flirting and making comments about his feelings, which is not gentlemanly behaviour and he would be considered honour bound to marry Elizabeth long before he actually makes the decision to ask her.
Darcy deciding he couldn't marry her because of duty to his family is absurd. Austen's Darcy casts all that aside and proposes without even a hint of encouragement from Elizabeth, so when they've both been mooning over each other and he has had ample encouragement, why would he decide he can't act now?
Wickham's actions make no sense.
The last half of the book all felt too contrived... Darcy just happens to meet Elizabeth again in a shop in London, but first she just happens to meet a strange girl and instantly want to be friends with her, only for it to turn out to be his sister. Whenever there is any talk of Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam just happens to be in the house at the right time to talk it over and witness Darcy having his unnecessary meltdowns...
I don't know, maybe I'm just being crabby, but I really wasn't feeling this one and listened to the last third of the audiobook on double-speed, just to get through it.
If you want to read a really good Karalynne Mackrory story, try Haunting Mr Darcy or Beswitched or Yours Forevermore, Darcy, not this one.
My numerous issues included:
Darcy and Elizabeth love each other for most of the book, yet it takes a ridiculously long time for Darcy to actually propose. He even leaves to forget her, after openly flirting and making comments about his feelings, which is not gentlemanly behaviour and he would be considered honour bound to marry Elizabeth long before he actually makes the decision to ask her.
Darcy deciding he couldn't marry her because of duty to his family is absurd. Austen's Darcy casts all that aside and proposes without even a hint of encouragement from Elizabeth, so when they've both been mooning over each other and he has had ample encouragement, why would he decide he can't act now?
Wickham's actions make no sense.
The last half of the book all felt too contrived... Darcy just happens to meet Elizabeth again in a shop in London, but first she just happens to meet a strange girl and instantly want to be friends with her, only for it to turn out to be his sister. Whenever there is any talk of Wickham, Colonel Fitzwilliam just happens to be in the house at the right time to talk it over and witness Darcy having his unnecessary meltdowns...
I don't know, maybe I'm just being crabby, but I really wasn't feeling this one and listened to the last third of the audiobook on double-speed, just to get through it.
If you want to read a really good Karalynne Mackrory story, try Haunting Mr Darcy or Beswitched or Yours Forevermore, Darcy, not this one.
June 5, 2012
OH if only I could give this 6 stars I would. For those of you who are helpless romantics when it comes to Darcy and Elizabeth - this is the novel for you! Its a beautiful love story of Darcy fighting his love for "his" Elizabeth as he often refers to her. After her stay at Netherfield nursing Jane back to health, Elizabeth twists her ankle badly on one of her walks and Darcy rescues her from a fallen tree. He is overcome with emotion at the thought of Elizabeth hurt that he holds her tight and kisses the top of her hair not aware that she is conscious. So starts Elizabeths turmoil of emotions as she comes to see the softer side of Darcy. I laughed everytime a familiar expression from P&P was written in this novel but spoken by a different characters (don't let it disturb you - be amused!). One of my favorite scenes is when Richard causes Darcy to admit he loves Elizabeth so spoilers alert here as I intend to quote it so you can get a feel for the way this novel is written:
"Do you love her, Darcy?"
Mr. Darcy snapped the lid of watch shit and lifted his head to look at his cousin in alarm. He could not speak anymore of Elizabeth...Speaking the words out loud would brand their truth into his heart, and he could not do that... "I do not wish to speak of this Richard."
His cousin put his hands together and stared at him in mocking challenge.. "Are you in love with her Darcy?"
Mr Darcy glared at his cousin and fumed in anger at his blatant disrespect for his privacy on the matter.. Holding his arms rigidly behind his back, he looked angrily out the window, trying to ignore his cousins challenging gaze.
Richard watched him for a moment before asking yet again, this time in a softer, more brotherly tone, "Are you in love with her Darcy?"
He watched his cousins anger slowly melt away.. Mr Darcy spoke barely above that of a whisper, "Yes. Yes, I am in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennett; irrevocably, incadescently and thoroughly in love with her."
"Do you love her, Darcy?"
Mr. Darcy snapped the lid of watch shit and lifted his head to look at his cousin in alarm. He could not speak anymore of Elizabeth...Speaking the words out loud would brand their truth into his heart, and he could not do that... "I do not wish to speak of this Richard."
His cousin put his hands together and stared at him in mocking challenge.. "Are you in love with her Darcy?"
Mr Darcy glared at his cousin and fumed in anger at his blatant disrespect for his privacy on the matter.. Holding his arms rigidly behind his back, he looked angrily out the window, trying to ignore his cousins challenging gaze.
Richard watched him for a moment before asking yet again, this time in a softer, more brotherly tone, "Are you in love with her Darcy?"
He watched his cousins anger slowly melt away.. Mr Darcy spoke barely above that of a whisper, "Yes. Yes, I am in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennett; irrevocably, incadescently and thoroughly in love with her."
March 29, 2020
I read this before but thought I'd give it another go since its been re published. It's just as good the second time around!! In this variation, after returning home from Netherfield when she was caring for Jane, Elizabeth has an accident and Mr Darcy comes to the rescue. As he cares for her and takes her home, Elizabeth realises this man is far more complex than she thought and likes him. Alot. And it seems the feeling is mutual. Knowing he can't have her, Darcy takes off but he can't forget her and their paths cross again when he needs to come to the rescue for a second time.
This book is great fun. It's funny, romantic and there is a lot of flirty banter between Darcy and Elizabeth. You can see how, when they talk instead if arguing, they are so similar and just perfect for each other. We get an unusual explanation for Mr Bennet's apparent negligence. Lady Catherine tries to throw a spanner in the works in a unique and devious way!! There is some angst in this book, but it's not too serious and doesn't last long. Right from the start we know this is going to be a very happy ever after!
This book is great fun. It's funny, romantic and there is a lot of flirty banter between Darcy and Elizabeth. You can see how, when they talk instead if arguing, they are so similar and just perfect for each other. We get an unusual explanation for Mr Bennet's apparent negligence. Lady Catherine tries to throw a spanner in the works in a unique and devious way!! There is some angst in this book, but it's not too serious and doesn't last long. Right from the start we know this is going to be a very happy ever after!
June 2, 2022
Sweet
Our dear couple realizes they're falling for each other early on in Hertfordshire and engage in a bit of flowery introspection. Darcy gives her expectations by lover-like speeches and two sets at the ball, yet he decamps to London, trying to resist her charms. (Not cool, dude.) However, his fears turn out to be baseless and he makes a great suitor once he gets his head around to the matter. The usual suspects attempt to make some trouble.
I liked Mr Bennet in this story.
Overall very enjoyable, gets better towards the end.
Our dear couple realizes they're falling for each other early on in Hertfordshire and engage in a bit of flowery introspection. Darcy gives her expectations by lover-like speeches and two sets at the ball, yet he decamps to London, trying to resist her charms. (Not cool, dude.) However, his fears turn out to be baseless and he makes a great suitor once he gets his head around to the matter. The usual suspects attempt to make some trouble.
I liked Mr Bennet in this story.
Overall very enjoyable, gets better towards the end.
April 12, 2020
A fave! Another wonderful one.
Reread: I have read this one multiple times. A clean funny romance.
Reread: I have read this one multiple times. A clean funny romance.
August 9, 2021
What this charming book had: Austen's atmosphere. And like Anne tagged it it was "cotton-candy-fluff", but in a good meaning. I haven't felt cheated (like often when picking P&P fan-fiction). I felt I was meeting P&P characters.
Moreover, it was great how KaraLynne Mackrory twisted/used some original scenes in a different way (e.g. a different character was telling sentences). The author built the tension and misunderstandings but on a small scale. And some moments were simply precious.
Yet, there were pages, paragraphs when I had enough of some repetitions (about what Elizabeth thought of (felt for) Darcy and Darcy of Elizabeth). I am not sure what I would have put instead of them into the book. Perhaps simply it should have been shorter.
The novel was a wonderful glimpse back into P&P world. I recommend to each fan, at least to try it. And if you longed for more conversations between E&D - here you have your chance.
Moreover, it was great how KaraLynne Mackrory twisted/used some original scenes in a different way (e.g. a different character was telling sentences). The author built the tension and misunderstandings but on a small scale. And some moments were simply precious.
Yet, there were pages, paragraphs when I had enough of some repetitions (about what Elizabeth thought of (felt for) Darcy and Darcy of Elizabeth). I am not sure what I would have put instead of them into the book. Perhaps simply it should have been shorter.
The novel was a wonderful glimpse back into P&P world. I recommend to each fan, at least to try it. And if you longed for more conversations between E&D - here you have your chance.
May 29, 2012
This is an alternate path telling of Pride & Prejudice. Meaning it takes the classic story & it's characters and says "What if..." this had happened how would it change the events of the story or the characters. (Kind of the same idea in the movie "Sliding Doors" with Gwynth Paltrow)
I liked this version of Elizabeth. I know it can be really hard to capture Austen's original sparkling Elizabeth, her sharp wit with gentle playfulness, her mixture of impertinence and propriety.
Mr. Darcy behaved as he should, nothing improper, but sometimes still cool & distant and madly in love with Elizabeth.
The new insight to Mr. Bennett was great and so plausible.
Mr Collins was excessively vile. Anytime he entered the story, I thought "Ewww."
I was a little surprised at Wickham's fate, I'm used to him getting away with the things he does.
Fave line in the whole book is when Georgiana is asked her opinion on a bonnet in a shop and she replies "It is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me." Isn't that great?! :)
Good, clean fun for Pride & Prejudice fans.
I liked this version of Elizabeth. I know it can be really hard to capture Austen's original sparkling Elizabeth, her sharp wit with gentle playfulness, her mixture of impertinence and propriety.
Mr. Darcy behaved as he should, nothing improper, but sometimes still cool & distant and madly in love with Elizabeth.
The new insight to Mr. Bennett was great and so plausible.
Mr Collins was excessively vile. Anytime he entered the story, I thought "Ewww."
I was a little surprised at Wickham's fate, I'm used to him getting away with the things he does.
Fave line in the whole book is when Georgiana is asked her opinion on a bonnet in a shop and she replies "It is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me." Isn't that great?! :)
Good, clean fun for Pride & Prejudice fans.
February 26, 2018
I didn’t enjoy this at all. The writing was awful, the characters had no space to develop, and the ideas were so out of sync with Jane Austen’s novel, that I couldn’t feel a connection, much less see the point of it. I liked the cover, but that was as far as it went with this book.
August 2, 2021
Just loved this book! Perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday!
February 26, 2020
Ooooh... I really enjoyed the banter between ODC in this tale. Mr Darcy is so endearingly sweet, funny and so flirtatious.
May 18, 2021
This was more of a "fix-it" variation, which in certain respects, I really enjoyed. Darcy comes to his senses a lot earlier than in the original story, which means that Lydia is spared a doubtlessly depressing and restrictive life by not marrying Wickham, Mary and Mr Collins get together as is generally considered to be the logical choice, and Jane and Bingley aren't separated. All of that is very gratifying, especially if you've read the same terrible events again and again and just want to shake some damn sense into the characters.
Georgiana and Mr Bennet's characterizations were enjoyable in this, but I do take issue with the idea of Mr Bennet actually being well-off and only bestowing a generous dowry on the daughters who married for love. It was somewhat offensive in my opinion, though Elizabeth and Jane both treated the behavior as virtuous and right. When you think about it, though, Mr B spends his whole life convincing his daughters that they're too poor to make a great match AND letting them know that they'll be left totally unprotected, without a home, if he dies and the estate passes to an incompetent cousin, then -- *checks notes* -- punishes the ones who make marriages based on practicality rather than love? Like, why does that make sense? You're giving the most money to the couples who need it the absolute least, too.
Also, the transition from dislike to friendship to love happened too quickly; it made Darcy and Elizabeth seem slightly OOC. I wasn't a huge fan of the depictions of Miss Bingley or Mr Collins, either, as they weren't at all nuanced and were written to inspire simplistic feelings of revulsion in the reader.
Definitely not one of my favorite variations, but not terrible.
Georgiana and Mr Bennet's characterizations were enjoyable in this, but I do take issue with the idea of Mr Bennet actually being well-off and only bestowing a generous dowry on the daughters who married for love. It was somewhat offensive in my opinion, though Elizabeth and Jane both treated the behavior as virtuous and right. When you think about it, though, Mr B spends his whole life convincing his daughters that they're too poor to make a great match AND letting them know that they'll be left totally unprotected, without a home, if he dies and the estate passes to an incompetent cousin, then -- *checks notes* -- punishes the ones who make marriages based on practicality rather than love? Like, why does that make sense? You're giving the most money to the couples who need it the absolute least, too.
Also, the transition from dislike to friendship to love happened too quickly; it made Darcy and Elizabeth seem slightly OOC. I wasn't a huge fan of the depictions of Miss Bingley or Mr Collins, either, as they weren't at all nuanced and were written to inspire simplistic feelings of revulsion in the reader.
Definitely not one of my favorite variations, but not terrible.
January 14, 2023
A delightful retelling.
May 12, 2020
Another good story in the Pride and Prejudice variation category. My wife suggest that I read a KaraLynne novel and I wasn't disappointed. The characters are developed well, the story line is intriguing and I got a lot of enjoyment out of reading the book.
During this time of quarantine because of COVID-19 this was a delightful diversion.
Enjoy
During this time of quarantine because of COVID-19 this was a delightful diversion.
Enjoy
May 30, 2013
Elizabeth Bennet sprains her ankle in the woods. Of course, the last man in the world she would ever marry, Fitzwilliam Darcy, rescues her and returns her safely to Longbourn. But now, she finds her heart is in danger of falling in love. And we, the readers, are falling for Darcy right along with her.
What I enjoyed most about the book was the way the author flips the personalities of some of the main characters in Austen's original novel. Bingley is more Darcy-like in his courting of Jane. Elizabeth is heartbroken when Darcy leaves Netherfield without any word to why or if he will return. Will visiting her relatives in London give her a chance to see him? Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine are much smarter and craftier. Georgianna taking Darcy 'wife shopping' is the highlight of the book.
The author's pedantic characterization of Wickham slows the story near the end. I wish she would have given him as many new layers as she did the Austen's other icons.
This book is all about romance, romance and romance - I would definitely recommend it to Austen fans!
What I enjoyed most about the book was the way the author flips the personalities of some of the main characters in Austen's original novel. Bingley is more Darcy-like in his courting of Jane. Elizabeth is heartbroken when Darcy leaves Netherfield without any word to why or if he will return. Will visiting her relatives in London give her a chance to see him? Mr. Bennet and Lady Catherine are much smarter and craftier. Georgianna taking Darcy 'wife shopping' is the highlight of the book.
The author's pedantic characterization of Wickham slows the story near the end. I wish she would have given him as many new layers as she did the Austen's other icons.
This book is all about romance, romance and romance - I would definitely recommend it to Austen fans!
April 22, 2020
I reviewed the previous edition. It was just as much fun the 4th time
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