Mr. Darcy's Vow by Timothy Underwood - 2 stars - unsuccessful executionn of an interesting premise

Mr. Darcy's Vow: A Pride and Prejudice Story by Timothy Underwood

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A very interesting premise of Darcy being in serious debt due to his father's overspending. In addition, he does not go to Ramsgate and Wickham is successful in his elopement with Georgiana. When Darcy arrives in Meryton, he is worried about money, unsure where Georgiana is with Wickham, and has just paid out her dowry of 30 thousand pounds through a loan from Bingley.

Although the premise is interesting, I am not sure it was successful as a story. This Darcy is less admirable than the original, although he is trying desperately to live up to his vow that he will not be like his father who wasted money, kept a mistress, and brought Pemberley to its knees financially. Darcy appears to stubbornly stick to the letter of this vow while not at all recognizing when it is hurting his own self-interest, not to mention that of Elizabeth. He continually attempts to stay a "rational man" and not let his emotions run away with him. From my perspective, he is very irrationally sticking to a vow. At one point he reminds himself he has an adequate income to marry anyone he chooses, even if a good portion of his income is still going to pay off the huge debt. He keeps telling himself over, and over, and over, that he must marry an heiress or his uncle Matlock will stop lending him money when he knows, and Bingley tells him, his uncle would not abandon him. He seems to believe he is being selfish and like his father to choose to marry a woman he loves. More troubling, however, is his ability to flip back and forth between wanting to marry Elizabeth (and demonstrating his love to her, so she and everyone around knows) and determining he cannot have her (hurting her and himself each time). He just seems like such a stubborn idiot over and over.

I also found little to admire in Elizabeth. She appears to be a loose cannon, letting her mouth go off pretty much wherever she is regardless of possible consequences to herself or to others. It is not only that what she says is improper, it is that it is not smart to attack people verbally when she doesn't know what they are capable of.

I really enjoyed The Return written by Underwood, but found the writing style in Mr. Darcy's Vow to be stiff and less descriptive. There was not a lot of emotion or a sense of place. The book is okay, but nothing to recommend to others.



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Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld 4 Stars - a very enjoyable modern day Pride and Prejudice

Eligible: A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a crazy Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) reader. I have literally read hundreds of books based on her writing. I belong to 5 fan fiction websites where I read JAFF, specifically based on Pride and Prejudice. My preference has always been to read Regency variations, rewrites or alternates. I often comment that I have a hard time reading modern JAFF, but occasionally I find one I enjoy. Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld is one of those exceptions. I really enjoyed it!

First off, there is not a lot of variation from the original in Eligible, other than the modern setting. But, in order to stay true to the original, Sittenfeld had to come up with some pretty interesting situations in order to make it fit. For example, what mother in today's world worries about a 20 and 22 year old daughter who is not married? None. So, in Eligible, Elizabeth is 38 and Jane is just shy of 40. Now, Mrs. Bennett is definitely desperate and Jane, at least, is feeling her biological clock ticking. This is just one example of the very interesting plot twists Sittenfeld applies so that we get the feel of the original P&P - the same kind of angst and understanding of why what is happening is of concern to anyone. I found some of these hilarious and others very poignant.

So, what kind of man is particularly of interest to match-making mamas in today's world? Why, doctors, of course. And, Bingley was the male contestant on a reality show called Eligible, which is pretty much the fictional version of The Bachelor. Instead of the militia, who do Kitty and Lydia spend their time with? Men at a gym, of course, and they are paleo, too! I can't give you too many more examples, as it would fall into the category of spoilers, but it is just so much fun to read the creative situations the author has determined to have us experience the same feelings as the original.

Another important factor in staying true to JA is to tell the story almost totally from Elizabeth's perspective. Darcy says little, and we never hear his thoughts, just like in P&P. Jane Austen said she couldn't write from the man's perspective as she had no idea how a man thought, or what men said to each other when no women were present. So, she didn't write that. Sittenfeld has done the same, and very effectively.

There is a fair amount of sex in this version, which is kind of to be expected in a modern version. But, the hate sex is kind of interesting. I'm not sure I quite liked this Elizabeth as much as the original, and Lydia was even more annoying, but otherwise, this was a really enjoyable read. I certainly can recommend it to my JAFF loving friends. A solid 4 stars and maybe even 4 1/2.

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I Met Mr Darcy Via Luton by Fredrica Edward - 3 stars - just slightly off

I Met Mr Darcy Via Luton by Fredrica Edward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read portions of I Met Mr Darcy Via Luton online at the Fan Fiction site, but it was nice to be able to sit down and read the entire thing. This story is very out of canon and I do not believe it would appeal to purists. I enjoy Fredrica Edward's writing and enjoyed reading this title, however, I am giving it only 3 stars as it felt as if there was just something missing.

Mr. and Mrs. Philips have moved to Luton and Jane and Elizabeth set out to visit them in the Bennet carriage. There is an accident right outside the entrance to Netherfield and Jane is slightly injured. Bingley and Darcy come to the rescue and take Jane inside. Thus, both couples meet prior to the assembly ball. This was a very interesting way to start the story, and I thought this was a great premise. Although it changed the story for many of the lesser characters, the main story of Elizabeth and Darcy did not change all that much. Darcy still insulted Elizabeth at the assembly and still convinced Bingley to give up Jane.

This turned out to be true of several changes made to the original P&P in this variation. The author would vary the story in an interesting way, but then it did not seem to matter in the relationship of Darcy and Elizabeth. They still had the same misunderstandings. Dr. Gregory was a very interesting character to bring into the mix, but that never developed into what I would have anticipated - a serious rival for Darcy. Wickham never became an important character, but Elizabeth still championed him and believed his story. There was a quick meeting while Elizabeth and Jane were in London, prior to Elizabeth heading to Hunsford, but that did not affect the story. The Hunsford proposal was changed in an interesting way, but that also seemed to make little difference in the long run. Mr. Bennet was even more detached than in the original, but that made little difference. Each of the Bennet sisters were more responsible and had certain adventures, but those lead to nothing changing in Darcy's opinion of them, etc.

In this variation, Darcy is a more sexually active man than Austen would have written. But, I am pretty certain this author has the right of it, that at Hunsford Darcy, even in the original, was working more from his physical attraction to Elizabeth than to a real love. However, we see and feel Darcy changing in his feelings toward Elizabeth, but Elizabeth seems to come to the decision to accept Darcy with her head, rather than her heart. So, a large issue I have with this story is the lack of tender feelings shown by the characters. They are definitely physically attracted to each other, and they mentally determine the other person is the right one for them based on what they learn along the way, but we rarely see them actually falling in love.

There are a couple of strange errors in the book that might be corrected. In one instance Mr. Bingley indicates he is looking forward to becoming Elizabeth's brother and they should call each other by their first names. But, this occurs after Jane and Bingley are married and are seeing Darcy and Elizabeth once their engagement is announced. They are already brother and sister and should have had this conversation prior to the Bingley's wedding, not prior to the Darcy's wedding.

I Met Mr Darcy Via Luton was an interesting and enjoyable read, but I just felt there was something slightly off about it. It is difficult to name, but I have to go back to two factors - 1. little chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth outside of physical attraction, and 2. very interesting variations that don't seem to make a lot of difference in their story. I read a second story by this author on the Fan Fiction site and I look forward to seeing her publish it, as I believe it is the better of the two stories. Fredrica Edward writes well and I look forward to more from her.

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Darcy's Duel by Rosalie Hammond - 3 stars - Sweet and short

Darcy's Duel: Pride and Prejudice Variation by Rosalie Hammond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sweet little story with a couple of giggles. After the Hunsford proposal, Darcy is so angry he decides to confront Wickham and obtain satisfaction. At least, this is what the people of Meryton hear, and they quickly spread the word the two men are going to duel. However, they have no intention of doing so with weapons, they plan for fisticuffs. But, this misunderstanding sets up several others.

Nothing really special here, but I would not say it is not worth reading. It is cute, and there are some fun conversations. The entire story is fairly short.

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Threat of Scandal by Ayr Bray

Threat of Scandal by Ayr Bray
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I put this in my I won't finish shelf. I have always enjoyed Ayr Bray's books, but I read half of this one and did not enjoy it. There were two major reasons.

1. Georgiana is falling in love with a Duke and is told to forget him because he is too high above her socially. Really? My understanding was she was the granddaughter of an Earl. The Darcys are described as being in the very top circle of the ton. This just didn't make sense to me that she was hurting her and the Darcy name by overreaching for a Duke. Am I wrong?

2. I really did not like either Elizabeth or Darcy in their reaction to her budding relationship with the Duke. I found them very unsympathetic and even cruel telling her he would never consider her as a wife and to recognize he was only being nice to her to avoid the scandal. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! And, they were so worried about their and Georgiana's social standing. This just did not seem like the couple I knew from P&P who risked society's wrath with their own marriage.

This was just too out of character for me. The story was interesting, but when Georgiana's angst came from the Darcys, I had to call it a day.

Not recommended.

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Accusing Elizabeth by Jennifer Joy - Twist of a mystery provides a satisfying read 5 stars

Accusing Elizabeth: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Jennifer Joy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, this was a fun read! I started reading it at work yesterday, read all evening, and finished it this morning. What made this P&P variation so compelling was the mystery to be solved that threatened our dear couple.

Elizabeth is visiting at Hunsford, per canon, and has refused Darcy's proposal, also per canon. However, Colonel Fitzwilliam begs Darcy to stay at Rosings a couple more days as he has some unfinished business. Darcy reluctantly agrees, hoping time spend with Elizabeth will be minimal, as he wishes to avoid that embarrassment. However, something occurs that causes them to indefinitely postpone their departure; a very valuable set of diamond earrings has been stolen from Miss Anne de Bourgh.

This very interesting premise of a "who dunnit" prevented me from putting down my Kindle. So many suspects! Maria Lucas had convinced Elizabeth to make use of Lady Catherine's offer to practice the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson's room. So, they had opportunity, being in the vicinity. Colonel Fitzwilliam has been hiding a very serious financial problem which provides him a strong motive, and he is definitely keeping a secret from Darcy. What about Mrs. Jenkinson or Anne herself? Could either of them have a motive. Darcy wonders even about Lady Catherine. Has she taken the earrings in an attempt, once again, to bring Darcy together with Anne?

Darcy is above suspicion, so is given the task to find the answer to the question of who stole the earrings, if, in fact, they have actually been stolen. He has an ulterior motive, however, as he wishes to clear Elizabeth from suspicion while attempting to prove himself to be a better man than the one who proposed to her so horribly only days before.

Our two questions then stand; can Darcy improve Elizabeth's opinion and can he discover the true story of the missing diamond earrings? Well, we all know Darcy is capable of both, but the solution came as a surprise to me. Of course, this is JAFF, so we are pretty confident there will be a HEA for our dear couple. But, the mystery of the earrings, and the secrets all of our characters are keeping, makes for a very satisfying, and original read.

I think this will be up there as one of my favorite P&P variations. All characters are true to their canon personas. No sex, no violence, but just good clean fun, and a surprising solution. Very satisfying and highly recommended to P&P JAFF lovers.

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A Little Whimsical in His Civilities by J. Marie Croft - Lively and Funny from Darcy's Point of View

A Little Whimsical in His Civilities by J. Marie Croft

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this lively and inventive JAFF variation of Pride and Prejudice, Darcy and Bingley have returned to Hertfordshire after Lydia and Wickham have married. However, there is another assembly and our heroes head there to win their ladies fair.

A Little Whimsical in His Civilities is told completely in first person by Darcy. Apparently, our very taciturn gentleman finds it difficult to converse, but that is possibly because his mind is going a mile a minute. Croft makes a note in the introduction that Darcy even attempts to use words of four syllables when just thinking.

The humor of our story is in the way poor Mr. Darcy takes himself to task over every single step he takes. He is very nervous and reluctant to say or do the wrong thing, which of course leads him to say and do the wrong thing. Darcy reminds himself to smile, and frightens bystanders.

Elizabeth is, of course, his objective for the evening as he so wants to impress her with his changes. He wishes to dance with her and sweep her off her feet. To help improve her impression of him, Darcy asks several women to dance, and just seems to keep missing our dear girl. Since we hear the story only from Darcy's thoughts, we don't know what Elizabeth is thinking. However, I am sure she is finding him amusing and frustrating.

Being inside Darcy's mind for the evening definitely helps us to see some of the self-conscious boy behind the Master of Pemberley, and this boy is charmingly desperate to woo and win Elizabeth. I am certain I ruin nothing by saying we have our Happily Ever After at the conclusion, and we are relieved for our dear boy.

Very funny, although sometimes you want to just smack the guy. Very sweet and silly and definitely recommended for JAFF lovers.

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