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Tempt Me #1
Tempt Me: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
"He raged inwardly at fate’s gift of the one female he could never, ever have..."
IT IS A TRUTH UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED that a single vampyre must be in want of a wife. Someone biddable, her memories easily expunged to allow for strange, inexplicable deeds and baffling circumstances. A tractable creature, of average intelligence, willing to attend to the business of producing heirs and keep out of all else. A girl easily moulded, incurious, indifferent, and demanding nothing beyond access to his fortune.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY knows exactly who he needs. He can fix on the hour, the spot, the look, and the words which laid the foundation for an obsession he rejected. But ten years later, at an assembly in an obscure village in Hertfordshire, he finds himself in the middle once more.
His needs are unalterable. But can he resist the one woman he truly wants?
IT IS A TRUTH UNIVERSALLY ACKNOWLEDGED that a single vampyre must be in want of a wife. Someone biddable, her memories easily expunged to allow for strange, inexplicable deeds and baffling circumstances. A tractable creature, of average intelligence, willing to attend to the business of producing heirs and keep out of all else. A girl easily moulded, incurious, indifferent, and demanding nothing beyond access to his fortune.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY knows exactly who he needs. He can fix on the hour, the spot, the look, and the words which laid the foundation for an obsession he rejected. But ten years later, at an assembly in an obscure village in Hertfordshire, he finds himself in the middle once more.
His needs are unalterable. But can he resist the one woman he truly wants?
543 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2020
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October 31, 2024
“Do you know what it means to be loved by Death? ... Do you know what it means to have Death know your name?” ― Anne Rice, “Interview with the Vampire”
I have written several reviews lately where I begin with “this isn’t really my kind of story but …”
And here is another one.
I did watch “Interview with the Vampire” but never made it through any of the “Twilight” series. The romance just didn’t hit me. And, frankly, the romance here, while very strong, isn’t something I felt deeply. But the mystery! The danger! The betrayal! Don’t miss it!
“And what constitutes evil, real evil, is the taking of a single human life. ― Anne Rice, “Interview with the Vampire”
We never see Darcy, the Colonel, or anyone from their houses taking human life. Not so for our favorite villains: Catherine de Bourgh and Wickham. The prologue recounts the first meeting of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master Vampyre, and Elizabeth Bennet, child. Darcy pursues Wickham and finds him in the act of draining the last blood from an adolescent female. Darcy must make a choice: save the girl or capture the killer. We know what his decision will be.
Ten years later, Netherfield Park is let at last.
Quote from the book: He had shoved the memory of the girl into the furthest recesses of his mind. Forgotten her, he thought.
Except he had not. Ten years was a goodly period of time, but not so much as a blink when measured against his vast life span, and though he marvelled at seeing her again, he felt no astonishment, no surprise. It felt like returning to Pemberley after a fifty-year absence. Like home, as nowhere else could ever be.
A pity, then, that he could only walk away.
Relationships between canon characters are altered. Richard Fitzwilliam is Darcy’s uncle (Anne Darcy’s brother) instead of his cousin. Wickham is the illegitimate son of George Darcy. The Earl of Matlock was George Darcy’s closest friend. Catherine de Bourgh heads the powerful House of de Bourgh. Anne de Bourgh is not her natural daughter. The Bingleys are in a supporting role. In the absence of Wickham, Lydia marries a different soldier.
Canon P&P events are included: an insult at the Assembly, Collins’ arrival with instructions from his patroness, the Netherfield party’s departure, a heartbroken Jane, and eventually, even a Hunsford moment although it is not at Hunsford.
Quote from the book: Darcy had to flee. His vaunted self-control was suddenly a flimsy, insubstantial thing, hardly worthy of his race. He was a Master, even one whom other Master vampyres feared, the head of a great House; yet when her blush plumped her skin with rosy heat, his attention was immediate and fiercely insistent. Worse still, only one word echoed in his thoughts, demanding utterance despite his fervent rejection of its meaning: Mine.
Darcy returns to Meryton to save Elizabeth from Collins (and de Bourgh). Elizabeth marries without knowing her husband’s secret.
“Evil is always possible. And goodness is eternally difficult.” ― Anne Rice, “Interview with the Vampire”
Quote from the book: Mine, Mine, Mine. Her proclamation was a chant inside Darcy’s head, battling in his brain. Would she allow it? But it did not matter; the beast had been given its freedom, and it was hers.
Villainy is obvious in the Vampyre world. One by one, villains are eliminated. Does betrayal still exist?
“Tempt Me” is a long, complex story that drew me in deeper and deeper as the book progressed. As with all stories from Quills and Quartos, it is edited and proofread. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF, especially the Vampyre lovers!
I received an ARC of this book, with no promise of a review.
“A starving child is a frightful sight. A starving vampire, even worse.” ― Anne Rice, “Interview with the Vampire”
I have written several reviews lately where I begin with “this isn’t really my kind of story but …”
And here is another one.
I did watch “Interview with the Vampire” but never made it through any of the “Twilight” series. The romance just didn’t hit me. And, frankly, the romance here, while very strong, isn’t something I felt deeply. But the mystery! The danger! The betrayal! Don’t miss it!
“And what constitutes evil, real evil, is the taking of a single human life. ― Anne Rice, “Interview with the Vampire”
We never see Darcy, the Colonel, or anyone from their houses taking human life. Not so for our favorite villains: Catherine de Bourgh and Wickham. The prologue recounts the first meeting of Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master Vampyre, and Elizabeth Bennet, child. Darcy pursues Wickham and finds him in the act of draining the last blood from an adolescent female. Darcy must make a choice: save the girl or capture the killer. We know what his decision will be.
Ten years later, Netherfield Park is let at last.
Quote from the book: He had shoved the memory of the girl into the furthest recesses of his mind. Forgotten her, he thought.
Except he had not. Ten years was a goodly period of time, but not so much as a blink when measured against his vast life span, and though he marvelled at seeing her again, he felt no astonishment, no surprise. It felt like returning to Pemberley after a fifty-year absence. Like home, as nowhere else could ever be.
A pity, then, that he could only walk away.
Relationships between canon characters are altered. Richard Fitzwilliam is Darcy’s uncle (Anne Darcy’s brother) instead of his cousin. Wickham is the illegitimate son of George Darcy. The Earl of Matlock was George Darcy’s closest friend. Catherine de Bourgh heads the powerful House of de Bourgh. Anne de Bourgh is not her natural daughter. The Bingleys are in a supporting role. In the absence of Wickham, Lydia marries a different soldier.
Canon P&P events are included: an insult at the Assembly, Collins’ arrival with instructions from his patroness, the Netherfield party’s departure, a heartbroken Jane, and eventually, even a Hunsford moment although it is not at Hunsford.
Quote from the book: Darcy had to flee. His vaunted self-control was suddenly a flimsy, insubstantial thing, hardly worthy of his race. He was a Master, even one whom other Master vampyres feared, the head of a great House; yet when her blush plumped her skin with rosy heat, his attention was immediate and fiercely insistent. Worse still, only one word echoed in his thoughts, demanding utterance despite his fervent rejection of its meaning: Mine.
Darcy returns to Meryton to save Elizabeth from Collins (and de Bourgh). Elizabeth marries without knowing her husband’s secret.
“Evil is always possible. And goodness is eternally difficult.” ― Anne Rice, “Interview with the Vampire”
Quote from the book: Mine, Mine, Mine. Her proclamation was a chant inside Darcy’s head, battling in his brain. Would she allow it? But it did not matter; the beast had been given its freedom, and it was hers.
Villainy is obvious in the Vampyre world. One by one, villains are eliminated. Does betrayal still exist?
“Tempt Me” is a long, complex story that drew me in deeper and deeper as the book progressed. As with all stories from Quills and Quartos, it is edited and proofread. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF, especially the Vampyre lovers!
I received an ARC of this book, with no promise of a review.
“A starving child is a frightful sight. A starving vampire, even worse.” ― Anne Rice, “Interview with the Vampire”
September 4, 2020
5+ stars!
Talented JAFF authors really get to flex their creative muscles when they get into the paranormal subgenre, as Ms. Cooper does here. She brings the reader into an alternate universe that's absolutely convincing. And who can resist Mr. Darcy as a good-guy vampyre?
This is a marvelous imagining, pitting Darcy against his usual nemesis, Wickham, who is a rogue vampyre in hiding. Following clues that the fugitive may now be in Hertfordshire, Darcy uses Netherfield as a home base while he searches for his old enemy. Bingley is not a vampyre himself, but his family has been in service to the Darcys for generations, and both he and Caroline are aware of Darcy's true nature.
Attending social gatherings are necessary to keep up appearances, though Darcy loathes them because he's highly empathic; sensing the emotions swirling about him is exhausting - until he comes across Elizabeth Bennet. He had caught Wickham feeding on her ten years ago and saved her life by transfusing some of his blood to her. Even then, he couldn't sense her thoughts and, at first, believed she was already dead. Instead, she's the only soul he's ever encountered whose thoughts he can't read and whose nearness inexplicably calms him. Having been emotionally scarred by his human mother, who rejected him when she discovered his vampyric nature, he resists his attraction to her. This is made easier when Jane Bennet, whose affection for Bingley, Darcy senses, is sincere, apparently is unable to keep a confidence - this would be untenable for a Bingley wife, considering their connection to the Darcys. The Netherfield party all leave for London.
However, Lady Catherine de Bourgh presents another complication. When Darcy learns her parson clearly intends to marry Elizabeth, he knows something is amiss. He returns to Hertfordshire and telepathically influences Mr. Collins and Bennet family members, resulting in his own marriage to Elizabeth instead. Although Darcy doesn't reveal to her that he's a vampyre, the explanation he offers her regarding his interest is the truth about his ability to sense everyone's thoughts but hers. She agrees - she'd rather be married to him than to Mr. Collins. A deeply unsettling incident during the newlyweds' journey to London leaves Elizabeth fully aware it isn't an ordinary man she married and wishing he would trust her enough to tell her his secrets.
This sets up a marriage of convenience scenario. Darcy doesn't trust himself to enjoy his wife in the marriage bed. This is also bewildering to Elizabeth- his manner towards her otherwise is that of a man in love, and she's increasingly drawn to him as well.
That's only the start of an imaginative and complex plot. Colonel Fitzwilliam is Darcy's uncle rather than his cousin. Georgiana has an important role, but she isn't Darcy's sister. Darcy is surrounded by schemers with their own agendas, and Wickham continues to be frustratingly elusive. There are nightmares, murders and kidnappings.
Through all the mayhem, there is the beautiful love that Darcy feels for Elizabeth and she comes to feel for him. Elizabeth and Darcy's chemistry together is off the charts! Intimate scenes in the Darcys' bedchambers are tastefully suggestive but not graphic.
The quality of Ms. Cooper's writing is superb, easily matching the imaginative storyline, which is equal parts thrillingly romantic and suspenseful. The book is way outside of P&P canon, of course, but parallels to the classic are easy to spot.
Overall, it's a wonderfully satisfying book. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
Talented JAFF authors really get to flex their creative muscles when they get into the paranormal subgenre, as Ms. Cooper does here. She brings the reader into an alternate universe that's absolutely convincing. And who can resist Mr. Darcy as a good-guy vampyre?
This is a marvelous imagining, pitting Darcy against his usual nemesis, Wickham, who is a rogue vampyre in hiding. Following clues that the fugitive may now be in Hertfordshire, Darcy uses Netherfield as a home base while he searches for his old enemy. Bingley is not a vampyre himself, but his family has been in service to the Darcys for generations, and both he and Caroline are aware of Darcy's true nature.
Attending social gatherings are necessary to keep up appearances, though Darcy loathes them because he's highly empathic; sensing the emotions swirling about him is exhausting - until he comes across Elizabeth Bennet. He had caught Wickham feeding on her ten years ago and saved her life by transfusing some of his blood to her. Even then, he couldn't sense her thoughts and, at first, believed she was already dead. Instead, she's the only soul he's ever encountered whose thoughts he can't read and whose nearness inexplicably calms him. Having been emotionally scarred by his human mother, who rejected him when she discovered his vampyric nature, he resists his attraction to her. This is made easier when Jane Bennet, whose affection for Bingley, Darcy senses, is sincere, apparently is unable to keep a confidence - this would be untenable for a Bingley wife, considering their connection to the Darcys. The Netherfield party all leave for London.
However, Lady Catherine de Bourgh presents another complication. When Darcy learns her parson clearly intends to marry Elizabeth, he knows something is amiss. He returns to Hertfordshire and telepathically influences Mr. Collins and Bennet family members, resulting in his own marriage to Elizabeth instead. Although Darcy doesn't reveal to her that he's a vampyre, the explanation he offers her regarding his interest is the truth about his ability to sense everyone's thoughts but hers. She agrees - she'd rather be married to him than to Mr. Collins. A deeply unsettling incident during the newlyweds' journey to London leaves Elizabeth fully aware it isn't an ordinary man she married and wishing he would trust her enough to tell her his secrets.
This sets up a marriage of convenience scenario. Darcy doesn't trust himself to enjoy his wife in the marriage bed. This is also bewildering to Elizabeth- his manner towards her otherwise is that of a man in love, and she's increasingly drawn to him as well.
That's only the start of an imaginative and complex plot. Colonel Fitzwilliam is Darcy's uncle rather than his cousin. Georgiana has an important role, but she isn't Darcy's sister. Darcy is surrounded by schemers with their own agendas, and Wickham continues to be frustratingly elusive. There are nightmares, murders and kidnappings.
Through all the mayhem, there is the beautiful love that Darcy feels for Elizabeth and she comes to feel for him. Elizabeth and Darcy's chemistry together is off the charts! Intimate scenes in the Darcys' bedchambers are tastefully suggestive but not graphic.
The quality of Ms. Cooper's writing is superb, easily matching the imaginative storyline, which is equal parts thrillingly romantic and suspenseful. The book is way outside of P&P canon, of course, but parallels to the classic are easy to spot.
Overall, it's a wonderfully satisfying book. Highly recommend!
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
September 10, 2020
I have read many mash-up variations of JAFF including zombies, werewolves, dragons, shape-shifters, and vampires. Some have been better than others. This vampyre variation, IMHO, is one of the best. It is a P&P variation and there is a HEA for Elizabeth and Darcy.
In this story Darcy is an only child and comes from a long line of master vampyres. His closest friend is his uncle, Richard. However he also counts Lord Matlock, a friend of Darcy’s deceased father, as one of his friends. That man stepped up to help and support Darcy when his father died. In fact, Darcy has given up his seat on the Vampyre Council to Matlock. Bingley, and his line, has served the Darcy family for generations, acting as assistants, protecting them from rumors and helping to guard the family’s place both in the community.
Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh are not relations but both have places in Darcy’s life. Lady Catherine has strong powers; however her actions are considered insane by many of the vampyre community. Again she pushes for Darcy to marry Anne and goes beyond just voicing that desire.
Darcy has encountered Elizabeth as he hunted for the escaped vampyre, George Wickham, who is also Darcy’s half-brother, in this tale. He comes upon Wickham just as he has drained the lifeblood out of a pubescent Elizabeth. Darcy has to make an instant decision to either to chase George or save this young girl. He decides to save her and feeds her his own blood which, as a vampyre’s blood, has miraculous healing powers.
Years later (and as this book is both long and filled with many twists and turns I am only touching on events) Darcy and Bingley are in Hertfordshire. Jane and Bingley are attracted but he puts her to the test concerning her ability to keep secrets (necessary in the Bingley family role) and “learns” that she has failed. Collins also shows up, under orders from Lady C. to meet his cousin’s family and to marry and not to return to Hunsford without doing so. Learning that Elizabeth is going to accept Collins due to her own family’s issues, Darcy offers for Elizabeth and is accepted.
Darcy’s relationship with any woman is a complicated one due to his place in the vampyre world, his need to produce an heir and the many threats which endanger him and his associates, servants and family. Marrying a human or marrying a female vampyre has different results. Darcy’s father kept the fact that he was a vampyre from his wife, Anne, and when she birthed a child and realized what she had produced she tried to kill that child, Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, on the other hand, female vampyres are few and seem to have an inability to become pregnant at all. Darcy also faces the decision as to whether he will “turn” Elizabeth as he falls in love and wants to keep her with him for eternity…vampyres living forever or being just about impossible to kill.
Darcy’s relationship with Elizabeth is further and deeply affected by the fact that she is the only being he has encountered whose thoughts and feelings he cannot read. (Think Edward Cullen & Bella in Twilight.) Darcy denies himself the pleasure of becoming “one” with Elizabeth due to not wanting to have her experience what his mother had. There are many complications here which I will not get into.
I have barely touched on the main points of this tale, some because it just would be too long and complicated to explain and other due to the fact that to do so would be to SPOIL the story for others. I will only add that there are some surprises but you may, like me, discern that all is not as it seems and some trusted individuals have evil motives. There is more than one climax as events and twists come up. This was one of those stories which I found difficult to put down.
I highly recommend this story.
In this story Darcy is an only child and comes from a long line of master vampyres. His closest friend is his uncle, Richard. However he also counts Lord Matlock, a friend of Darcy’s deceased father, as one of his friends. That man stepped up to help and support Darcy when his father died. In fact, Darcy has given up his seat on the Vampyre Council to Matlock. Bingley, and his line, has served the Darcy family for generations, acting as assistants, protecting them from rumors and helping to guard the family’s place both in the community.
Lady Catherine and Anne de Bourgh are not relations but both have places in Darcy’s life. Lady Catherine has strong powers; however her actions are considered insane by many of the vampyre community. Again she pushes for Darcy to marry Anne and goes beyond just voicing that desire.
Darcy has encountered Elizabeth as he hunted for the escaped vampyre, George Wickham, who is also Darcy’s half-brother, in this tale. He comes upon Wickham just as he has drained the lifeblood out of a pubescent Elizabeth. Darcy has to make an instant decision to either to chase George or save this young girl. He decides to save her and feeds her his own blood which, as a vampyre’s blood, has miraculous healing powers.
Years later (and as this book is both long and filled with many twists and turns I am only touching on events) Darcy and Bingley are in Hertfordshire. Jane and Bingley are attracted but he puts her to the test concerning her ability to keep secrets (necessary in the Bingley family role) and “learns” that she has failed. Collins also shows up, under orders from Lady C. to meet his cousin’s family and to marry and not to return to Hunsford without doing so. Learning that Elizabeth is going to accept Collins due to her own family’s issues, Darcy offers for Elizabeth and is accepted.
Darcy’s relationship with any woman is a complicated one due to his place in the vampyre world, his need to produce an heir and the many threats which endanger him and his associates, servants and family. Marrying a human or marrying a female vampyre has different results. Darcy’s father kept the fact that he was a vampyre from his wife, Anne, and when she birthed a child and realized what she had produced she tried to kill that child, Fitzwilliam Darcy. However, on the other hand, female vampyres are few and seem to have an inability to become pregnant at all. Darcy also faces the decision as to whether he will “turn” Elizabeth as he falls in love and wants to keep her with him for eternity…vampyres living forever or being just about impossible to kill.
Darcy’s relationship with Elizabeth is further and deeply affected by the fact that she is the only being he has encountered whose thoughts and feelings he cannot read. (Think Edward Cullen & Bella in Twilight.) Darcy denies himself the pleasure of becoming “one” with Elizabeth due to not wanting to have her experience what his mother had. There are many complications here which I will not get into.
I have barely touched on the main points of this tale, some because it just would be too long and complicated to explain and other due to the fact that to do so would be to SPOIL the story for others. I will only add that there are some surprises but you may, like me, discern that all is not as it seems and some trusted individuals have evil motives. There is more than one climax as events and twists come up. This was one of those stories which I found difficult to put down.
I highly recommend this story.
December 10, 2020
“...he had been raised amongst treachery. Survived it. Conquered it.” (quote from the book)
Wickedly delicious and a gorgeous cover!
I will admit to being reluctant to read a vampyre novel that takes our beloved Pride and Prejudice characters into this realm. There have been others before it, that I have passed on, by authors whose other novels I have enjoyed. Well, no longer!
This was an all encompassing, complex and ‘outside the box’ rendering. Villains are more evil and deadlier than ever and there are several of them. Two are your usual suspects with their own unique ‘skills’, along with one you least expect. And another is bent on gaining more power for themself. Makes me think of the old adage: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
“What nourishes me, also destroys me.” (quote from the book)
Mr. Darcy is in need of a wife. One who is biddable and whose mind can be swayed or manipulated easily. His childhood was not a happy one. Elizabeth Bennet is less of a favourite than ever with her mother and Darcy cannot ‘read’ her. She is immune to being swayed. Elizabeth, however, has another concern, Mr. Collins. But, the underlying currents pulling Darcy and Elizabeth together, along with the danger Elizabeth may be facing, has Darcy swooping in to control the problem...one of many that beset them.
“She was so tired of her confusion, the danger everyone except for her seemed to understand, the resentment she could not shake, so tired of questions beating like trapped birdwings inside her head.” (quote from the book)
There is much deceit, manipulation, secrets and sizzling chemistry entwined in this novel. I found the story compelling, evocative and beautifully written. This is not an easy one to explain, nor would it be fair, as the plot(s) are intricate and absorbing. But Elizabeth does rise magnificently at every attempt to intimidate her! Darcy is consumed with love for Elizabeth and when they finally kiss, the world opens up! They are two soulmates!
“Her need for answers had grown greater than her fear of them.” (quote from the book)
For someone who is not into vampyres or any of the TV shows that have been out there, I can honestly say, this novel blew me away! The cover alone intrigued me but the story held me tight. So if you want to read a book you can ‘sink your teeth into’, I highly recommend this one! Ms. Cooper does not disappoint!
September 13, 2020
I am generally not a fan of P&P Paranormal. But having discovered Vampire Diaries tv and books I decided I wanted to read this book without even waiting for a sample. And because I have accomplishment issues I decided I need to finish it although I wasn't loving it.
In a nut shell Darcy is a Vampyre (sic)Bingley is his human fixer and the Matlocks, DeBourghs, and Richard Fitzwilliam and Wickham are also Vampyres (Sic)
I really felt that this book couldn't find its niche, is it a vampire book, a romance, an action thriller, a revenge drama ? I wasn't sure and all of these plots seems to butt against one another in an illogical way. Further the book ended really abruptly. Perhaps the author is planning a sequel. I won't read it.
In a nut shell so much of P&P is changed that if the Character weren't named Darcy, Bingley & Bennet you could have a completely different book. Darcy is 200+ years old. he goes to Netherfield with Bingley. Because Darcy is from a strong powerful line of Vampyres (sic) he can go out in the sun but is slightly weakened. Some other vampyres cannot. Some are stronger than Darcy. Wickham is a murderer. He originally met Lizzy in 18o8 when he saves her from death whilst hunting Wickham. Lizzy is described in the beginning as very tall. This description seems to go in and out in the book.
Lady Catherine sends her parson to marry Lizzy because her spidey err Vampyres senses tell her that Lizzy is a threat to her plans. Darcy figures this out and proposes to Lizzy but doesn't tell her he is a vampire. Lydia marries Col. Forester and moves to Brighton
Lizzy and Darcy move to Pemberley which is a more traditional Dracula's castle than Chatsworth.
Lizzy learns Darcy is a vampire but refuses to allow him to feed from her until he is near 'death' then she does and it is erotic. Then she wants to be turned but Darcy REPEATEDLY explains how turning Humans is tricky and painful and most women don't survive. [R/N when I shared this with my son he was like but don't most women survive Childbirth something most men couldn't contemplate ] so Lizzy won't be turned until she is and then all the shit that Darcy said about agony and suffering is forgotten because Lizzy pretty much sleeps through it. [RN I can relate I slept through transition when delivering my son]
But when Lizzy wakes up she has no memory of recent events and had severe bloodlust. Now these are interesting side effects that would have been much better than the or it's agony and you will die BS. Also the reason Darcy had for marrying Lizzy was that he needed an heir but Vampyre females are barren. So she has to come to terms with that too.
And whole bunch of other stuff happens lots of vampires are killed there is a war between the clans. Darcy realizes that Matlock has been abusing his trust.
And bunch more stuff happens. Lizzy has a vampire baby with is utterly terrifying. and they all live bloodily ever after.
i am giving this book four stars because there is nothing really wrong with it. I just didn't like it.
In a nut shell Darcy is a Vampyre (sic)Bingley is his human fixer and the Matlocks, DeBourghs, and Richard Fitzwilliam and Wickham are also Vampyres (Sic)
I really felt that this book couldn't find its niche, is it a vampire book, a romance, an action thriller, a revenge drama ? I wasn't sure and all of these plots seems to butt against one another in an illogical way. Further the book ended really abruptly. Perhaps the author is planning a sequel. I won't read it.
In a nut shell so much of P&P is changed that if the Character weren't named Darcy, Bingley & Bennet you could have a completely different book. Darcy is 200+ years old. he goes to Netherfield with Bingley. Because Darcy is from a strong powerful line of Vampyres (sic) he can go out in the sun but is slightly weakened. Some other vampyres cannot. Some are stronger than Darcy. Wickham is a murderer. He originally met Lizzy in 18o8 when he saves her from death whilst hunting Wickham. Lizzy is described in the beginning as very tall. This description seems to go in and out in the book.
Lady Catherine sends her parson to marry Lizzy because her spidey err Vampyres senses tell her that Lizzy is a threat to her plans. Darcy figures this out and proposes to Lizzy but doesn't tell her he is a vampire. Lydia marries Col. Forester and moves to Brighton
Lizzy and Darcy move to Pemberley which is a more traditional Dracula's castle than Chatsworth.
Lizzy learns Darcy is a vampire but refuses to allow him to feed from her until he is near 'death' then she does and it is erotic. Then she wants to be turned but Darcy REPEATEDLY explains how turning Humans is tricky and painful and most women don't survive. [R/N when I shared this with my son he was like but don't most women survive Childbirth something most men couldn't contemplate ] so Lizzy won't be turned until she is and then all the shit that Darcy said about agony and suffering is forgotten because Lizzy pretty much sleeps through it. [RN I can relate I slept through transition when delivering my son]
But when Lizzy wakes up she has no memory of recent events and had severe bloodlust. Now these are interesting side effects that would have been much better than the or it's agony and you will die BS. Also the reason Darcy had for marrying Lizzy was that he needed an heir but Vampyre females are barren. So she has to come to terms with that too.
And whole bunch of other stuff happens lots of vampires are killed there is a war between the clans. Darcy realizes that Matlock has been abusing his trust.
And bunch more stuff happens. Lizzy has a vampire baby with is utterly terrifying. and they all live bloodily ever after.
i am giving this book four stars because there is nothing really wrong with it. I just didn't like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2020
This story puts Elizabeth and Darcy in a world of vampires. It has lots of action, backstabbing, love, trust, and romance. I really enjoyed it. It is very similar to Twilight saga as it relates to special powers or lack there of. The advantage here is that the full story is in one book.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
August 25, 2021
I hope to have a shelf of just Julie Cooper books someday that I can pick up and read at any moment.
February 21, 2023
Stunning!
A brilliant story of pride and prejudice and vampyres.
This is a real page turner from the beginning. I heartily recommend this.
A brilliant story of pride and prejudice and vampyres.
This is a real page turner from the beginning. I heartily recommend this.
June 29, 2023
Hidden in plain sight right alongside the human world of Regency England is a darker, edgier shadow world of powerful vampires and Jane Austen’s classic gets a blood infusion. A Pride & Prejudice Vampire Romance variation? I’m game.
Tempt Me opens with Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master vampire on the hunt for a rogue vampire, Wickham, who happens to be his father’s illegitimate son. He is sidetracked, as Wickham intended, by rescuing a young human girl whose mind and emotions are blank to his powerful supernatural psychic senses. A re-encounter a decade later when he is still hunting Wickham has him as intrigued as ever in the woman she has become.
His family has a tragic past in connection to humans knowing vampire existence and since he can’t fog her memories to keep her from learning about his true nature, he must leave her be and settle for a human woman who is already aware of vampires or one he can manipulate. Then, an enemy vampire clan leader forces him to marry Elizabeth to protect her and the real adventure in romance, intrigue, and action begins.
Tempt Me has surface resemblance to a popular teenage vampire romance series involving vampires with great strength, senses, and psychic abilities and an attempt to keep the ignorant pretty human heroine in the dark, but, in truth, it has many other plot threads and villain actions that are the author’s own.
I liked the set up and was fine with the author taking liberties with Austen’s characters and plot to create something different. I say this in warning to others that if you’re looking for familiar P&P characters and scenes, they either won’t be there much of the time.
I’m not a fan of secrets in a relationship and I did get impatient with Darcy making a big production of it for so long that Elizabeth was well aware of something strange and unusual even if she wasn’t sure exactly what. I get that he has hang-ups about humans knowing the truth and reacting badly- his own mother is a prime example. But, after a time, I thought she’d proven herself. Lizzy did a big girl hang-in-there and showed she was a strong woman. There are more hurdles for their romance to surmount even after that one, but I didn’t get as impatient with those because they were facing them together.
Meanwhile, the villains, who are numerous and vile, plot and slink to get the better of Darcy so there are plenty of opportunities to see his fighting prowess and vampiric gifts in action, but Lizzy is no helpless female and does her own action scenes a few times, too. Most villains were easy to spot, but there were a few that came as a surprise to Darcy and his friends making it get intense at times.
Harry Frost was a fabulous choice as narrator for this story. He matched well with the tone and pacing and he did great with the large cast of characters. I love how he brought more depth and made the story a richer experience to the listener.
It was romantic and intriguing. A wonderful tribute to vampire romance and Jane Austen if a tad long at times. Those who enjoy a sweet classic mixed with the supernatural should definitely give this a go.
I rec’d an audio copy from the narrator to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart 7/2.
Tempt Me opens with Fitzwilliam Darcy, Master vampire on the hunt for a rogue vampire, Wickham, who happens to be his father’s illegitimate son. He is sidetracked, as Wickham intended, by rescuing a young human girl whose mind and emotions are blank to his powerful supernatural psychic senses. A re-encounter a decade later when he is still hunting Wickham has him as intrigued as ever in the woman she has become.
His family has a tragic past in connection to humans knowing vampire existence and since he can’t fog her memories to keep her from learning about his true nature, he must leave her be and settle for a human woman who is already aware of vampires or one he can manipulate. Then, an enemy vampire clan leader forces him to marry Elizabeth to protect her and the real adventure in romance, intrigue, and action begins.
Tempt Me has surface resemblance to a popular teenage vampire romance series involving vampires with great strength, senses, and psychic abilities and an attempt to keep the ignorant pretty human heroine in the dark, but, in truth, it has many other plot threads and villain actions that are the author’s own.
I liked the set up and was fine with the author taking liberties with Austen’s characters and plot to create something different. I say this in warning to others that if you’re looking for familiar P&P characters and scenes, they either won’t be there much of the time.
I’m not a fan of secrets in a relationship and I did get impatient with Darcy making a big production of it for so long that Elizabeth was well aware of something strange and unusual even if she wasn’t sure exactly what. I get that he has hang-ups about humans knowing the truth and reacting badly- his own mother is a prime example. But, after a time, I thought she’d proven herself. Lizzy did a big girl hang-in-there and showed she was a strong woman. There are more hurdles for their romance to surmount even after that one, but I didn’t get as impatient with those because they were facing them together.
Meanwhile, the villains, who are numerous and vile, plot and slink to get the better of Darcy so there are plenty of opportunities to see his fighting prowess and vampiric gifts in action, but Lizzy is no helpless female and does her own action scenes a few times, too. Most villains were easy to spot, but there were a few that came as a surprise to Darcy and his friends making it get intense at times.
Harry Frost was a fabulous choice as narrator for this story. He matched well with the tone and pacing and he did great with the large cast of characters. I love how he brought more depth and made the story a richer experience to the listener.
It was romantic and intriguing. A wonderful tribute to vampire romance and Jane Austen if a tad long at times. Those who enjoy a sweet classic mixed with the supernatural should definitely give this a go.
I rec’d an audio copy from the narrator to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart 7/2.
June 12, 2024
Status:
Originally Read: December 2012 via unpublished version
Second Reading: March 28-30, 2016 via unpublished version
Third Reading: January 5-9, 2023 via kindle & audible editions
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
I prefer the original unpublished version that was previously available online, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the story even with the sexual content edited out. Also, Harry Frost is an excellent narrator.
My Library Notes:
Tempt Me (Tempt Me, #1)
by Julie Cooper
Paperback, First Edition, 448 pages
Published July 27, 2020 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ISBN13: 978-1951033514 / ISBN: 1951033515
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single vampyre must be in want of a wife. Someone biddable, her memories easily expunged to allow for strange, inexplicable deeds and baffling circumstances. A tractable creature, of average intelligence, willing to attend to the business of producing heirs and keep out of all else. A girl easily moulded, incurious, indifferent, and demanding nothing beyond access to his fortune.
Fitzwilliam Darcy knows exactly who he needs. He can fix on the hour, the spot, the look, and the words which laid the foundation for an obsession he rejected. But ten years later, at an assembly in an obscure village in Hertfordshire, he finds himself in the middle once more.
His needs are unalterable.
But can he resist the one woman he truly wants?
Tempt Me: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Tempt Me, #1)
by Julie Cooper
Kindle Edition, 450 pages
Published September 8, 2020 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published July 27, 2020)
ASIN: B08DL1L2W7
Tempt Me (Tempt Me, #1)
by Julie Cooper, Harry Frost (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 19 pages
Published January 09, 2021 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published July 27, 2020)
ASIN: B08SJ4Y9XT
Listening Length: 18 hours and 15 minutes
Tempt Me
by Juliecoop
Previously Online, Unpublished Edition, 584 pages
Published Prior to November 2012
[ kindle doc ]
Originally Read: December 2012 via unpublished version
Second Reading: March 28-30, 2016 via unpublished version
Third Reading: January 5-9, 2023 via kindle & audible editions
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review:
I prefer the original unpublished version that was previously available online, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the story even with the sexual content edited out. Also, Harry Frost is an excellent narrator.
My Library Notes:
Tempt Me (Tempt Me, #1)
by Julie Cooper
Paperback, First Edition, 448 pages
Published July 27, 2020 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
ISBN13: 978-1951033514 / ISBN: 1951033515
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single vampyre must be in want of a wife. Someone biddable, her memories easily expunged to allow for strange, inexplicable deeds and baffling circumstances. A tractable creature, of average intelligence, willing to attend to the business of producing heirs and keep out of all else. A girl easily moulded, incurious, indifferent, and demanding nothing beyond access to his fortune.
Fitzwilliam Darcy knows exactly who he needs. He can fix on the hour, the spot, the look, and the words which laid the foundation for an obsession he rejected. But ten years later, at an assembly in an obscure village in Hertfordshire, he finds himself in the middle once more.
His needs are unalterable.
But can he resist the one woman he truly wants?
Tempt Me: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (Tempt Me, #1)
by Julie Cooper
Kindle Edition, 450 pages
Published September 8, 2020 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published July 27, 2020)
ASIN: B08DL1L2W7
Tempt Me (Tempt Me, #1)
by Julie Cooper, Harry Frost (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 19 pages
Published January 09, 2021 by Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published July 27, 2020)
ASIN: B08SJ4Y9XT
Listening Length: 18 hours and 15 minutes
Tempt Me
by Juliecoop
Previously Online, Unpublished Edition, 584 pages
Published Prior to November 2012
[ kindle doc ]
July 11, 2021
2.5 stars.
This is Pride and Prejudice crossed with Twilight, so if you like those books, you will probably like this.
For the most part, my biggest issue with the story was how it dragged. It takes far too long for Elizabeth to find out about Darcy being a vampire, which was tedious, and once they are married the story continues on for about six times longer than felt necessary.
There was some detail given to the vampire lifestyle and supernatural abilities, but most of it was either glossed over or never addressed (eg, why could Darcy fly and nobody else could? Why couldn't Wickham also turn people into proper vampires? Why did they bother riding horses when there was no need for pretending to be human on their own lands, especially when they are so much faster than them? Why do centuries old vampires know so little about their own abilities?).
The issue that really bothered me though, was this strange idea that a bonded vampire could drink from only their bonded vampire mate and no other, else they would die. What kind of evolutionary advantage would that provide?! It does nothing but create a weakness... some other vampire villain learns of it and takes the partner and hides them, keeping them alive. The bonded vampire is not released from their bond and slowly starves to death. Great.
(Actually, this is a far better plan than any the story villains came up with - they all seem laughably incompetent and never any real threat).
Also, the idea that their vampire mate need only drink from them too, to be completely satisfied, is mad.
There was a line thrown in that felt like a bit of an after thought, where one of the characters says "But you'd think exchanging the same blood back and forth would make it weaker over time" and another disagrees and says it appears to be fine (with no real answer as to why), but the logic of this makes no sense:
If vampire A feeds from vampire B, and vampire B feeds from vampire A, and they both stay full and healthy and powerful, why would any vampire ever feed from a human at all? It would be far easier to maintain secrecy if they all just ate each other every day, surely?
Saying that the same blood is enough to feed two entities forever, recycled back and forth, because 'magic'... well, it just doesn't cut it for me.
There were far too many scenes of Darcy feeding and oh how satisfying it is, and so on, which became tedious.
Darcy is often frustrating, rarely explaining anything to his wife so that I wanted to shake him, and Elizabeth was a bit dull and lacked the intelligence and wit of her Austen original.
Overall, I did enjoy the beginning of the story, and there were parts of the whole thing I found interesting and engaging, but it definitely dragged on too long, without using that time to explain the universe the author was trying to create, and instead dwelling on the same lustful scenes of being bitten and biting someone.
I have read far worse JAFF, and think many people would enjoy this, but it is not one I am likely to re-read in future.
This is Pride and Prejudice crossed with Twilight, so if you like those books, you will probably like this.
For the most part, my biggest issue with the story was how it dragged. It takes far too long for Elizabeth to find out about Darcy being a vampire, which was tedious, and once they are married the story continues on for about six times longer than felt necessary.
There was some detail given to the vampire lifestyle and supernatural abilities, but most of it was either glossed over or never addressed (eg, why could Darcy fly and nobody else could? Why couldn't Wickham also turn people into proper vampires? Why did they bother riding horses when there was no need for pretending to be human on their own lands, especially when they are so much faster than them? Why do centuries old vampires know so little about their own abilities?).
The issue that really bothered me though, was this strange idea that a bonded vampire could drink from only their bonded vampire mate and no other, else they would die. What kind of evolutionary advantage would that provide?! It does nothing but create a weakness... some other vampire villain learns of it and takes the partner and hides them, keeping them alive. The bonded vampire is not released from their bond and slowly starves to death. Great.
(Actually, this is a far better plan than any the story villains came up with - they all seem laughably incompetent and never any real threat).
Also, the idea that their vampire mate need only drink from them too, to be completely satisfied, is mad.
There was a line thrown in that felt like a bit of an after thought, where one of the characters says "But you'd think exchanging the same blood back and forth would make it weaker over time" and another disagrees and says it appears to be fine (with no real answer as to why), but the logic of this makes no sense:
If vampire A feeds from vampire B, and vampire B feeds from vampire A, and they both stay full and healthy and powerful, why would any vampire ever feed from a human at all? It would be far easier to maintain secrecy if they all just ate each other every day, surely?
Saying that the same blood is enough to feed two entities forever, recycled back and forth, because 'magic'... well, it just doesn't cut it for me.
There were far too many scenes of Darcy feeding and oh how satisfying it is, and so on, which became tedious.
Darcy is often frustrating, rarely explaining anything to his wife so that I wanted to shake him, and Elizabeth was a bit dull and lacked the intelligence and wit of her Austen original.
Overall, I did enjoy the beginning of the story, and there were parts of the whole thing I found interesting and engaging, but it definitely dragged on too long, without using that time to explain the universe the author was trying to create, and instead dwelling on the same lustful scenes of being bitten and biting someone.
I have read far worse JAFF, and think many people would enjoy this, but it is not one I am likely to re-read in future.
September 24, 2020
This can only really be described as a Twilight/Pride and Prejudice mash up. Darcy is a Vampire, Elizabeth is human but he can't hear he thoughts or compel her in the way he can with usual mortals. He ends up marrying her when finding out Lady Catherine has an interest in her but doesn't tell her he's a vampire so both are struggling to understand why the other won't accept them. Obviously this all manages to work itself but... This a vampire story so, as you'd expect, there are lots struggles for power and double crossing double crossers!
This is a long book - over 500 pages. To be fair, it's pretty pacey and there is alot going on... but despite this I felt it was too long and I really struggled to finish it... and when it did finish it was really quick! It has the typical annoying features - Darcy is the most amazing and powerful and everything (yet is completely dumb and misses all the double crossing double crossers)... Elizabeth is perfect and always gets everything right... she does eat rocks though and I'm not sure why... between them they can achieve things that have never been achieved before in the vampire world... this type of impossible brilliance never fails to annoy me.
However, to give this author her due, she takes our favourite characters and transports them to a totally alternate universe and creates it so well... Richard Fitzwilliam, Bingley, the de Bourgh 's all have different roles but they maintain their integrity - they behave the same even though the world is completely different.
Overall, I found this a struggle but I don't know why - its well-written, fast paced and a real adventure. I just didn't really like it, even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
This is a long book - over 500 pages. To be fair, it's pretty pacey and there is alot going on... but despite this I felt it was too long and I really struggled to finish it... and when it did finish it was really quick! It has the typical annoying features - Darcy is the most amazing and powerful and everything (yet is completely dumb and misses all the double crossing double crossers)... Elizabeth is perfect and always gets everything right... she does eat rocks though and I'm not sure why... between them they can achieve things that have never been achieved before in the vampire world... this type of impossible brilliance never fails to annoy me.
However, to give this author her due, she takes our favourite characters and transports them to a totally alternate universe and creates it so well... Richard Fitzwilliam, Bingley, the de Bourgh 's all have different roles but they maintain their integrity - they behave the same even though the world is completely different.
Overall, I found this a struggle but I don't know why - its well-written, fast paced and a real adventure. I just didn't really like it, even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
July 26, 2022
Very Tempting
I have always enjoyed a good supernatural or fantasy P&P adaptation, but every so often I come across an absolute gem that draws me in like this one did. I found myself quickly addicted to this story and unable to put it down as I devoured each page until I both anticipated and dreaded reaching the end. This is definitely a book I will be reading again in the future and am only sad I couldn't stay in this world longer.
I have always enjoyed a good supernatural or fantasy P&P adaptation, but every so often I come across an absolute gem that draws me in like this one did. I found myself quickly addicted to this story and unable to put it down as I devoured each page until I both anticipated and dreaded reaching the end. This is definitely a book I will be reading again in the future and am only sad I couldn't stay in this world longer.
March 28, 2021
What If Mr. Darcy Was a Powerful Vampyre Who Could Sense Your Feelings?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Paranormal
TIME FRAME: (Outside of Canon) Begins with the Meryton Assembly which takes place a few years later
SYNOPSIS: Fitzwilliam Darcy is a couple centuries old and Master of a great House of vampyres. For years he has been in pursuit of his half-brother, George Wickham, who is guilty of countless nefarious sins including murder. But while hunting for this vicious vampyre in the village of Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy comes across Elizabeth Bennet and is stunned. He is inordinately attracted to everything about her, yet she remains immune to his powers. Even though he is in need of a wife and an heir, Darcy denies his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet – his true nature and the world he lives in would be too much for her to understand and accept. But then a dangerous threat to Elizabeth is made and Mr. Darcy is forced to act…
WHAT I LOVED:
- This Vampyre World: The vampyre world Julie Cooper creates is exhilarating and accessible. She creates and reveals abilities, history, and established rules seamlessly and timely. The reader can quickly understand what type of vampyre Mr. Darcy is, what are his strengths and limitations, and his position as master of Darcy House. I really enjoyed stepping into this vampyre world Ms. Cooper crafted – I found it intriguing and riveting. I appreciated that it was complex enough and didn’t deviate feel forced for this time period and characters.
- Dripping with Danger and Drama: Oh my! Poor Mr. Darcy gets very few moments of peace in this story! Between battling dangerous vampyres and working through the continuous challenges of his relationship with Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy is in constant turmoil and hardship. With this steady pace of action, new developments, and unexpected conflicts Julie Cooper establishes a most gripping and consuming plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the high level of tension and copious amounts of threatening situations these characters faced – most of which felt natural and not needlessly manufactured.
- Villainy Abounds: Oooh! The villains in this story are numerous and have many devious schemes agains the Darcy House! And while these characters are familiar and typically in the role of antagonist, their new abilities and more extreme machinations made for a more compelling and suspenseful story. Since there were multiple villains and more than one double cross, I was in heightened anticipation to see which villain would come out ahead and what would happen when their sinister schemes were revealed.
- Mr. Darcy: I have only read a handful of stories where Mr. Darcy is a vampyre, but this one might be my definitive favorite. I particularly loved seeing this portrayal of Mr. Darcy as a vampyre because of the struggles he faces – both past and present. I thought Julie Cooper gave thoughtful depth to Mr. Darcy’s character as a vampyre. She didn’t just make him need blood to live and was done. She took what was already established in his character – his honor, duty, responsibility, strict regulation, selfish disdain, and arrogance – and applied those traits in fascinating and clever ways with her vampyre Darcy.
- Bonding and the Inner Beast: While it is great that Mr. Darcy is talented, immortal, and powerful, the vampyric traits I most enjoyed witnessing were his vampyre-bonding and the inner beast (which often put me in mind of either The Incredible Hulk or Mr. Hyde). I loved how Ms. Cooper highlighted these prominent and complex elements to Mr. Darcy’s vampyrism and the skillful ways she implemented each in her story.
- Relationship: I loved seeing the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develop in this story – without their typical pride, prejudice, and misunderstandings. Instead the importance of trust and openness are explored. And I really enjoyed the important lessons both Darcy and Elizabeth learn about what it means to place your full trust in someone, and how the best relationships are those where each person is completely open with the other.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Maybe the only thing I could ask for was perhaps just a little bit more time with the ending and conclusion.
NOTE: This story does have some violence, blood-taking, and blood-shed.
CONCLUSION:
Tempt Me is a mesmerizing paranormal Pride and Prejudice variation brimming with enigmatic vampyres, threatening peril, compelling challenges, and a bewitching romance! I exceedingly loved the tempting Regency vampyre world Julie Cooper brilliantly crafted in this story and the epic drama she created with these characters! I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Paranormal
TIME FRAME: (Outside of Canon) Begins with the Meryton Assembly which takes place a few years later
SYNOPSIS: Fitzwilliam Darcy is a couple centuries old and Master of a great House of vampyres. For years he has been in pursuit of his half-brother, George Wickham, who is guilty of countless nefarious sins including murder. But while hunting for this vicious vampyre in the village of Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy comes across Elizabeth Bennet and is stunned. He is inordinately attracted to everything about her, yet she remains immune to his powers. Even though he is in need of a wife and an heir, Darcy denies his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet – his true nature and the world he lives in would be too much for her to understand and accept. But then a dangerous threat to Elizabeth is made and Mr. Darcy is forced to act…
WHAT I LOVED:
- This Vampyre World: The vampyre world Julie Cooper creates is exhilarating and accessible. She creates and reveals abilities, history, and established rules seamlessly and timely. The reader can quickly understand what type of vampyre Mr. Darcy is, what are his strengths and limitations, and his position as master of Darcy House. I really enjoyed stepping into this vampyre world Ms. Cooper crafted – I found it intriguing and riveting. I appreciated that it was complex enough and didn’t deviate feel forced for this time period and characters.
- Dripping with Danger and Drama: Oh my! Poor Mr. Darcy gets very few moments of peace in this story! Between battling dangerous vampyres and working through the continuous challenges of his relationship with Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy is in constant turmoil and hardship. With this steady pace of action, new developments, and unexpected conflicts Julie Cooper establishes a most gripping and consuming plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the high level of tension and copious amounts of threatening situations these characters faced – most of which felt natural and not needlessly manufactured.
- Villainy Abounds: Oooh! The villains in this story are numerous and have many devious schemes agains the Darcy House! And while these characters are familiar and typically in the role of antagonist, their new abilities and more extreme machinations made for a more compelling and suspenseful story. Since there were multiple villains and more than one double cross, I was in heightened anticipation to see which villain would come out ahead and what would happen when their sinister schemes were revealed.
- Mr. Darcy: I have only read a handful of stories where Mr. Darcy is a vampyre, but this one might be my definitive favorite. I particularly loved seeing this portrayal of Mr. Darcy as a vampyre because of the struggles he faces – both past and present. I thought Julie Cooper gave thoughtful depth to Mr. Darcy’s character as a vampyre. She didn’t just make him need blood to live and was done. She took what was already established in his character – his honor, duty, responsibility, strict regulation, selfish disdain, and arrogance – and applied those traits in fascinating and clever ways with her vampyre Darcy.
- Bonding and the Inner Beast: While it is great that Mr. Darcy is talented, immortal, and powerful, the vampyric traits I most enjoyed witnessing were his vampyre-bonding and the inner beast (which often put me in mind of either The Incredible Hulk or Mr. Hyde). I loved how Ms. Cooper highlighted these prominent and complex elements to Mr. Darcy’s vampyrism and the skillful ways she implemented each in her story.
- Relationship: I loved seeing the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develop in this story – without their typical pride, prejudice, and misunderstandings. Instead the importance of trust and openness are explored. And I really enjoyed the important lessons both Darcy and Elizabeth learn about what it means to place your full trust in someone, and how the best relationships are those where each person is completely open with the other.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Maybe the only thing I could ask for was perhaps just a little bit more time with the ending and conclusion.
NOTE: This story does have some violence, blood-taking, and blood-shed.
CONCLUSION:
Tempt Me is a mesmerizing paranormal Pride and Prejudice variation brimming with enigmatic vampyres, threatening peril, compelling challenges, and a bewitching romance! I exceedingly loved the tempting Regency vampyre world Julie Cooper brilliantly crafted in this story and the epic drama she created with these characters! I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
September 12, 2020
I absolutely love this story. I loved it when it was on a JAFF site, and I love it now that it’s been polished up and put into a beautiful book. It’s got probably more than it’s fair share of drama in it, but that is more than fine with me because I love a bit of drama - especially when it allows Darcy to go alpha Male all over the plot. In a standard romance it might be overkill, but when Darcy is a centuries old master vampire then he can go as Uber alpha as you like - and the result is brilliant.
The supernatural element allows E&D to be more than usually bonded, which takes what all JAFF fans want to it’s absolute zenith to make them literally inseparable. The action is fun, the villains are nasty, the plotting against ODC comes thick and fast, there’s plenty of steaminess between our favourite couple... all in all this is a book you can get totally drawn into and have fun with. A wild ride that I absolutely recommend to lovers of vampire stories and JAFF.
The supernatural element allows E&D to be more than usually bonded, which takes what all JAFF fans want to it’s absolute zenith to make them literally inseparable. The action is fun, the villains are nasty, the plotting against ODC comes thick and fast, there’s plenty of steaminess between our favourite couple... all in all this is a book you can get totally drawn into and have fun with. A wild ride that I absolutely recommend to lovers of vampire stories and JAFF.
April 27, 2021
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Tempt Me’s prologue starts off with a powerful scene that takes place a few years prior to the Pride & Prejudice events, but on the first chapter, it moves forward to the Meryton Assembly where Mr. Darcy meets a very different Elizabeth Bennet.
In this book, Mr. Darcy is a vampyre who has the ability to feel other people’s feelings. This characteristic may seem interesting, but he considers it a burden, and it is very difficult for him to be around too many people because that experience tends to be overwhelming. However, something changes at the Meryton Assembly, where he is immediately drown and curious about Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a lady whose feelings he cannot sense. I, on the other hand, felt immediately drown to her because her low self-esteem was so different from what we usually see, that it had to be a promising trait in her character.
During the initials chapters of the book, Elizabeth Bennet is indeed very different, and I confess I enjoyed her vulnerability at first. However, after her marriage to Mr. Darcy, which takes place earlier in the book, I started to feel a bit annoyed with her instability and meekness concerning Darcy’s vampiric nature. Fortunately, as the story progresses, Elizabeth becomes stronger and completely devoted to her husband, so it was easier to forget my initial quibble.
In Tempt Me, we will find some of the usual vampyre characteristics, but also some novelties that kept me wondering most of the time. Julie Cooper created her own set of rules, and those rules appear as the story progresses, so the reader never really knows what may happen next. This suspense and creativity was something I really enjoyed in the book and it kept me reading just to discover exactly why certain things were happening, even if some questions regarding the vampyre world are left unanswered, the discovery journey the reader is allowed to take is very satisfying.
One of my favourite aspects of this book was Colonel Fitzwilliam’s character. I loved him from his first appearance until the last and I felt like he was my partner in crime in this story. His character and the blunt way he always dealt with Mr. Darcy, Anne and especially Elizabeth were simply perfect. Every time I felt something needed to be done, or said, the Colonel was there to make it happen J
The story is full of action as the villains, and there are many of them, keep coming up with different ideas to destroy Darcy, and even if I liked the excitement it all brought, at a certain point I thought that we already had our fair share of abductions. I believe the narrative would gain from a more simple conflict with less schemes from the villains. Nevertheless, readers can be assured of many heroic scenes where Mr. Darcy comes to the rescue and even situations when it is Elizabeth who saves her husband. There is no lack of heroic situations in Tempt Me!
Summing up, Tempt Me is a very exciting and entertaining novel where readers can find a new vampyric world full of challenges and happy endings (for the heroes of course… the villains not so much). I recommend it to readers who like exciting stories that are action packed but also examine the characters growing faith in one another.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Tempt Me’s prologue starts off with a powerful scene that takes place a few years prior to the Pride & Prejudice events, but on the first chapter, it moves forward to the Meryton Assembly where Mr. Darcy meets a very different Elizabeth Bennet.
In this book, Mr. Darcy is a vampyre who has the ability to feel other people’s feelings. This characteristic may seem interesting, but he considers it a burden, and it is very difficult for him to be around too many people because that experience tends to be overwhelming. However, something changes at the Meryton Assembly, where he is immediately drown and curious about Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a lady whose feelings he cannot sense. I, on the other hand, felt immediately drown to her because her low self-esteem was so different from what we usually see, that it had to be a promising trait in her character.
During the initials chapters of the book, Elizabeth Bennet is indeed very different, and I confess I enjoyed her vulnerability at first. However, after her marriage to Mr. Darcy, which takes place earlier in the book, I started to feel a bit annoyed with her instability and meekness concerning Darcy’s vampiric nature. Fortunately, as the story progresses, Elizabeth becomes stronger and completely devoted to her husband, so it was easier to forget my initial quibble.
In Tempt Me, we will find some of the usual vampyre characteristics, but also some novelties that kept me wondering most of the time. Julie Cooper created her own set of rules, and those rules appear as the story progresses, so the reader never really knows what may happen next. This suspense and creativity was something I really enjoyed in the book and it kept me reading just to discover exactly why certain things were happening, even if some questions regarding the vampyre world are left unanswered, the discovery journey the reader is allowed to take is very satisfying.
One of my favourite aspects of this book was Colonel Fitzwilliam’s character. I loved him from his first appearance until the last and I felt like he was my partner in crime in this story. His character and the blunt way he always dealt with Mr. Darcy, Anne and especially Elizabeth were simply perfect. Every time I felt something needed to be done, or said, the Colonel was there to make it happen J
The story is full of action as the villains, and there are many of them, keep coming up with different ideas to destroy Darcy, and even if I liked the excitement it all brought, at a certain point I thought that we already had our fair share of abductions. I believe the narrative would gain from a more simple conflict with less schemes from the villains. Nevertheless, readers can be assured of many heroic scenes where Mr. Darcy comes to the rescue and even situations when it is Elizabeth who saves her husband. There is no lack of heroic situations in Tempt Me!
Summing up, Tempt Me is a very exciting and entertaining novel where readers can find a new vampyric world full of challenges and happy endings (for the heroes of course… the villains not so much). I recommend it to readers who like exciting stories that are action packed but also examine the characters growing faith in one another.
September 2, 2020
Tempt Me is one of those books that you just won't stop reading until you get to the last page. And then you will wish there was more. I have read it years ago when it was posted online and was thrilled to know Julie Cooper planned to publish it. In this story, Darcy is this powerful vampire from an old lineage whose life has been marred with tragedies and heartache. He meets Elizabeth for the first time when she is very young and saves her life. Years later he meets her again and is intrigued and pulled towards her and because of the circumstances, saves her again from a terrible fate and they marry. He is so much in love with her but is torn between telling her the truth about who he is or keep lying to her forever. It is a beautiful love story, filled with lots of adventures, secrets and horrible villains. I can't tell you enough how much I recommend this book!
November 11, 2020
I am sorry but I really disliked this book. I made it through but it was very hard. Not for me.
July 30, 2020
For those that love Darcy as a vampire or other worldly creature, this story is a must read. I happen to really enjoy this type of P&P variations and this story was one that I just couldn't put down (finishing a book at 3 a.m. makes for a really long next day). But, this story was so worth it. I enjoyed the story, the different takes on the characters and ultimately the happy ever, ever, ever after.
I found the portrayal of Darcy close to canon - proud, reserved, but also absolutely loyal to those he loves - even when they don't really deserve it. Elizabeth was also interesting to read - not only was she portrayed different physically - the author made her very relatable and very much a product of her upbringing. Also really enjoyed secondary characters which were written with many of the characterizations in canon, but exaggerated and uniquely applied to the vampire world.
When reading, please make sure you pay attention as some character names are used in different contexts. Overall another great book by Julie Cooper.
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
I found the portrayal of Darcy close to canon - proud, reserved, but also absolutely loyal to those he loves - even when they don't really deserve it. Elizabeth was also interesting to read - not only was she portrayed different physically - the author made her very relatable and very much a product of her upbringing. Also really enjoyed secondary characters which were written with many of the characterizations in canon, but exaggerated and uniquely applied to the vampire world.
When reading, please make sure you pay attention as some character names are used in different contexts. Overall another great book by Julie Cooper.
I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.
November 17, 2023
So many stars!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a great story - so much imagination. Completely off canon and I loved it.
It’s the first time I’ve read a JAFF where I didn’t imagine Elizabeth and Darcy as either Ehle/Firth or Knightley/MacFadyen. So original, I forced myself to slow down and enjoy reading it.
A favorite. Would reread again.
What a great story - so much imagination. Completely off canon and I loved it.
It’s the first time I’ve read a JAFF where I didn’t imagine Elizabeth and Darcy as either Ehle/Firth or Knightley/MacFadyen. So original, I forced myself to slow down and enjoy reading it.
A favorite. Would reread again.
September 11, 2020
This book is basically a Pride and Prejudice vampire soap drama. It was alright but all of our dear characters are way out of character.
June 19, 2021
What If Mr. Darcy Was a Powerful Vampyre Who Could Sense Your Feelings?
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Paranormal
TIME FRAME: (Outside of Canon) Begins with the Meryton Assembly which takes place a few years later
SYNOPSIS: Fitzwilliam Darcy is a couple centuries old and Master of a great House of vampyres. For years he has been in pursuit of his half-brother, George Wickham, who is guilty of countless nefarious sins including murder. But while hunting for this vicious vampyre in the village of Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy comes across Elizabeth Bennet and is stunned. He is inordinately attracted to everything about her, yet she remains immune to his powers. Even though he is in need of a wife and an heir, Darcy denies his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet – his true nature and the world he lives in would be too much for her to understand and accept. But then a dangerous threat to Elizabeth is made and Mr. Darcy is forced to act…
WHAT I LOVED:
- This Vampyre World: The vampyre world Julie Cooper creates is exhilarating and accessible. She creates and reveals abilities, history, and established rules seamlessly and timely. The reader can quickly understand what type of vampyre Mr. Darcy is, what are his strengths and limitations, and his position as master of Darcy House. I really enjoyed stepping into this vampyre world Ms. Cooper crafted – I found it intriguing and riveting. I appreciated that it was complex enough and didn’t deviate feel forced for this time period and characters.
- Dripping with Danger and Drama: Oh my! Poor Mr. Darcy gets very few moments of peace in this story! Between battling dangerous vampyres and working through the continuous challenges of his relationship with Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy is in constant turmoil and hardship. With this steady pace of action, new developments, and unexpected conflicts Julie Cooper establishes a most gripping and consuming plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the high level of tension and copious amounts of threatening situations these characters faced – most of which felt natural and not needlessly manufactured.
- Villainy Abounds: Oooh! The villains in this story are numerous and have many devious schemes agains the Darcy House! And while these characters are familiar and typically in the role of antagonist, their new abilities and more extreme machinations made for a more compelling and suspenseful story. Since there were multiple villains and more than one double cross, I was in heightened anticipation to see which villain would come out ahead and what would happen when their sinister schemes were revealed.
- Mr. Darcy: I have only read a handful of stories where Mr. Darcy is a vampyre, but this one might be my definitive favorite. I particularly loved seeing this portrayal of Mr. Darcy as a vampyre because of the struggles he faces – both past and present. I thought Julie Cooper gave thoughtful depth to Mr. Darcy’s character as a vampyre. She didn’t just make him need blood to live and was done. She took what was already established in his character – his honor, duty, responsibility, strict regulation, selfish disdain, and arrogance – and applied those traits in fascinating and clever ways with her vampyre Darcy.
- Bonding and the Inner Beast: While it is great that Mr. Darcy is talented, immortal, and powerful, the vampyric traits I most enjoyed witnessing were his vampyre-bonding and the inner beast (which often put me in mind of either The Incredible Hulk or Mr. Hyde). I loved how Ms. Cooper highlighted these prominent and complex elements to Mr. Darcy’s vampyrism and the skillful ways she implemented each in her story.
- Relationship: I loved seeing the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develop in this story – without their typical pride, prejudice, and misunderstandings. Instead the importance of trust and openness are explored. And I really enjoyed the important lessons both Darcy and Elizabeth learn about what it means to place your full trust in someone, and how the best relationships are those where each person is completely open with the other.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Maybe the only thing I could ask for was perhaps just a little bit more time with the ending and conclusion.
NOTE: This story does have some violence, blood-taking, and blood-shed.
CONCLUSION:
Tempt Me is a mesmerizing paranormal Pride and Prejudice variation brimming with enigmatic vampyres, threatening peril, compelling challenges, and a bewitching romance! I exceedingly loved the tempting Regency vampyre world Julie Cooper brilliantly crafted in this story and the epic drama she created with these characters! I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Paranormal
TIME FRAME: (Outside of Canon) Begins with the Meryton Assembly which takes place a few years later
SYNOPSIS: Fitzwilliam Darcy is a couple centuries old and Master of a great House of vampyres. For years he has been in pursuit of his half-brother, George Wickham, who is guilty of countless nefarious sins including murder. But while hunting for this vicious vampyre in the village of Hertfordshire, Mr. Darcy comes across Elizabeth Bennet and is stunned. He is inordinately attracted to everything about her, yet she remains immune to his powers. Even though he is in need of a wife and an heir, Darcy denies his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet – his true nature and the world he lives in would be too much for her to understand and accept. But then a dangerous threat to Elizabeth is made and Mr. Darcy is forced to act…
WHAT I LOVED:
- This Vampyre World: The vampyre world Julie Cooper creates is exhilarating and accessible. She creates and reveals abilities, history, and established rules seamlessly and timely. The reader can quickly understand what type of vampyre Mr. Darcy is, what are his strengths and limitations, and his position as master of Darcy House. I really enjoyed stepping into this vampyre world Ms. Cooper crafted – I found it intriguing and riveting. I appreciated that it was complex enough and didn’t deviate feel forced for this time period and characters.
- Dripping with Danger and Drama: Oh my! Poor Mr. Darcy gets very few moments of peace in this story! Between battling dangerous vampyres and working through the continuous challenges of his relationship with Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy is in constant turmoil and hardship. With this steady pace of action, new developments, and unexpected conflicts Julie Cooper establishes a most gripping and consuming plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the high level of tension and copious amounts of threatening situations these characters faced – most of which felt natural and not needlessly manufactured.
- Villainy Abounds: Oooh! The villains in this story are numerous and have many devious schemes agains the Darcy House! And while these characters are familiar and typically in the role of antagonist, their new abilities and more extreme machinations made for a more compelling and suspenseful story. Since there were multiple villains and more than one double cross, I was in heightened anticipation to see which villain would come out ahead and what would happen when their sinister schemes were revealed.
- Mr. Darcy: I have only read a handful of stories where Mr. Darcy is a vampyre, but this one might be my definitive favorite. I particularly loved seeing this portrayal of Mr. Darcy as a vampyre because of the struggles he faces – both past and present. I thought Julie Cooper gave thoughtful depth to Mr. Darcy’s character as a vampyre. She didn’t just make him need blood to live and was done. She took what was already established in his character – his honor, duty, responsibility, strict regulation, selfish disdain, and arrogance – and applied those traits in fascinating and clever ways with her vampyre Darcy.
- Bonding and the Inner Beast: While it is great that Mr. Darcy is talented, immortal, and powerful, the vampyric traits I most enjoyed witnessing were his vampyre-bonding and the inner beast (which often put me in mind of either The Incredible Hulk or Mr. Hyde). I loved how Ms. Cooper highlighted these prominent and complex elements to Mr. Darcy’s vampyrism and the skillful ways she implemented each in her story.
- Relationship: I loved seeing the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth develop in this story – without their typical pride, prejudice, and misunderstandings. Instead the importance of trust and openness are explored. And I really enjoyed the important lessons both Darcy and Elizabeth learn about what it means to place your full trust in someone, and how the best relationships are those where each person is completely open with the other.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Maybe the only thing I could ask for was perhaps just a little bit more time with the ending and conclusion.
NOTE: This story does have some violence, blood-taking, and blood-shed.
CONCLUSION:
Tempt Me is a mesmerizing paranormal Pride and Prejudice variation brimming with enigmatic vampyres, threatening peril, compelling challenges, and a bewitching romance! I exceedingly loved the tempting Regency vampyre world Julie Cooper brilliantly crafted in this story and the epic drama she created with these characters! I highly recommend!
Austenesque Reviews
September 9, 2020
A well-written book that has many twists and turns, with a romance for all time between Darcy and Lizzy. This is a complex and detailed story. Not for the faint of heart, the story does get dark and graphic at times, especially as the normal villains get what is coming to them. While a lot of genre mashups I've read veer towards campy, this one stays serious. A must read for P&P fans who love vampire fantasy.
Received an ARC for an honest review.
Received an ARC for an honest review.
November 30, 2020
5/5 - it was amazing
This is by far the best of the vampire!Darcy trope. Unlike other variations, at no point does the author abandon canon characterizations in favor of indulging the genre. Instead, I felt that Darcy and Elizabeth stayed recognizable throughout the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the supernatural intrigue. The author’s only real liberties were in playing with genealogy (Darcy, Matlock, and Lady Catherine are unrelated here) but it had only positive effects.
This is by far the best of the vampire!Darcy trope. Unlike other variations, at no point does the author abandon canon characterizations in favor of indulging the genre. Instead, I felt that Darcy and Elizabeth stayed recognizable throughout the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed the supernatural intrigue. The author’s only real liberties were in playing with genealogy (Darcy, Matlock, and Lady Catherine are unrelated here) but it had only positive effects.
October 30, 2020
Avid Reader
This book was amazing! I read Lost &Found previously, but this book surpasses it in plot and characterization. Darcy is a master vampire who bonds with Elizabeth who has an uncanny ability to detect evil and falseness in others. Since Darcy is overwhelmed by the emotions of others, he doesn't use his gift wisely and ends up losing his father as a young man. As a married man, he almost loses his vampire daughter, Georgina, to his betrayer. Thanks to a Turned Elizabeth, he is able to save her. Bingley and his family have served the Darcy families for generations, but Caroline 's selfish malice harms Bingley, Jane, and Elizabeth and Darcy. She pays a steep price for her duplicity. The Colonel is Darcy's uncle. Lady Catherine, Anne, Wickham, and Lord Matlock meet horrible ends. There is no epilogue.
This book was amazing! I read Lost &Found previously, but this book surpasses it in plot and characterization. Darcy is a master vampire who bonds with Elizabeth who has an uncanny ability to detect evil and falseness in others. Since Darcy is overwhelmed by the emotions of others, he doesn't use his gift wisely and ends up losing his father as a young man. As a married man, he almost loses his vampire daughter, Georgina, to his betrayer. Thanks to a Turned Elizabeth, he is able to save her. Bingley and his family have served the Darcy families for generations, but Caroline 's selfish malice harms Bingley, Jane, and Elizabeth and Darcy. She pays a steep price for her duplicity. The Colonel is Darcy's uncle. Lady Catherine, Anne, Wickham, and Lord Matlock meet horrible ends. There is no epilogue.
February 10, 2023
Quite a departure from canon but quite enjoyable as well.
September 23, 2020
So so good!
I cannot describe how good this book is. I only wish the villian would have been slightly more obscure so we knew he was there but not who he was the entire time. Beyond that, the writing is phenomenal, the plot brilliantly brings together ODC and the vampire storyline so flawlessly. The authors use of quotes from P&P are skillfully interwoven throughout the story which makes it all the better to me. I will more than likely read this book again and again.
I cannot describe how good this book is. I only wish the villian would have been slightly more obscure so we knew he was there but not who he was the entire time. Beyond that, the writing is phenomenal, the plot brilliantly brings together ODC and the vampire storyline so flawlessly. The authors use of quotes from P&P are skillfully interwoven throughout the story which makes it all the better to me. I will more than likely read this book again and again.
September 16, 2020
Loved it
I read a LOT of JAFF. This is one of the more entertaining. It has a unique, compelling storyline. It is well-written, and (thankfully!) well-edited. I like the way the author keeps the characters' personalities similar to the original within a very different story framework. Nicely done. Will definitely look for more from this author.
I read a LOT of JAFF. This is one of the more entertaining. It has a unique, compelling storyline. It is well-written, and (thankfully!) well-edited. I like the way the author keeps the characters' personalities similar to the original within a very different story framework. Nicely done. Will definitely look for more from this author.
September 12, 2020
I read this story many times in its unpublished form on a JAFF website. This is one of my all time favorite fantasy Pride and Prejudice variations. I was excited to hear of it being published. This edited version is for a more general audience. While I miss not having some of what was left out, I would highly recommend this story. It is packed with non-stop action and much time with Darcy and Elizabeth as they fell in love with each other.
I received an ARC copy and am reviewing voluntarily.
I received an ARC copy and am reviewing voluntarily.
June 23, 2021
This is the first Vampyre I have read.
Stared reading with trepidation but very quickly found myself immersed into the story. Within all the action, blood letting and intrigue evolved the most amazing love story. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam become stronger and devoted fighting evil.
Needs to continue to allow readers to follow Georgianas story.
Just loved it
Stared reading with trepidation but very quickly found myself immersed into the story. Within all the action, blood letting and intrigue evolved the most amazing love story. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam become stronger and devoted fighting evil.
Needs to continue to allow readers to follow Georgianas story.
Just loved it
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