As Charles Bingley and Fitzwilliam Darcy prepare for the Netherfield Ball, a gentlemen’s challenge develops between them to secure their future happiness...with the two eldest Bennet sisters! But when things do not go as expected for Mr. Darcy, Hertfordshire society is in an uproar over the pursuit of one of their favorite daughters by such a wealthy gentleman.
Despite being claimed by Mr. Darcy as his future bride, Elizabeth Bennet has no plans to wed the proud and disdainful Mr. Darcy, no matter what her father says! At her sister’s urging, she agrees to give him a chance, if only for Jane’s sake. But there are others with an interest in breaking a match between Fitzwilliam Darcy and some country miss....
The stakes are high and romance strong as two of Jane Austen’s most beloved characters dare to declare their feelings, dare to defy family, and dare to trust each other!
If Mr. Darcy Dared is a steamy romance for fans of Elizabeth Ann West’s other works, especially those listeners who love their drama cranked to a 10!
A Jane-of-all-trades, mistress to none! Elizabeth Ann West is the author of 7 novels and 9 novellas, 15 of which are story variations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Her books have won reader conference awards and hit the Historical Bestseller lists on Amazon, Kobo, and the iBooks stores multiple times. A lover of all things geeky, Elizabeth codes websites, dabbles in graphic design, and is always looking for new technology to learn and master. A Navy wife and mother of two, her family has lived all over the United States, currently residing in upstate New York. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, you can keep up with Elizabeth on Twitter @Eawwrites and on her website, http://elizabethannwest.com where she posts new fiction as she writes it!
Something feels "off" about this story. I'm trying to put my finger on what it is.
The premise is kind of fun and certainly different. Mr. Bingley is more determined in his pursuit of Miss Bennet's hand in marriage. He's also more observant, as he notes Darcy's pointed interest in Elizabeth Bennet and calls him on it. I really love that Bingley even shows better logic than Darcy, arguing in favor of both gentlemen's attachments to the two eldest Bennet sisters.
With these thoughts in mind, Darcy encounters Elizabeth at Oakham Mount. She makes it clear that she overheard his insult at the Meryton assembly, for which he apologizes. Then he requests the honor of dancing the first set with her, fully acknowledging that he knows the societal implications of such a significant dance.
This particular Elizabeth is more conflicted about Mr. Darcy than in canon. She recognizes her attraction to him despite believing that Mr. Wickham has a legitimate grievance with the man regarding the Kympton living.
I think that's a large part of my hesitation about this book. It seems as though Elizabeth's sensual response to Darcy overrides her own objections. She makes it clear she's in love with him early on, before the Netherfield ball. Even though she intends to speak with him during their dance about his supposed betrothal to Anne deBourgh, she looks in Darcy's eyes and gets too befuddled to bring it up except in a confusing way that creates a misunderstanding. His response to what he thinks she's referring contributes to subsequent events.
The ball continues. Mr. Collins' inept dancing and forward behavior with Elizabeth send Darcy to her rescue. There's a very public kiss between the two, who are too swept up in their emotions to realize they're kissing in the middle of the dance floor. (Really??)
This certainly constitutes a compromise-type scandal, and Mr. Bennet whisks his daughter back to Longbourn immediately, informing Darcy he expects to see him the following day. Now that he's not kissing her, Elizabeth doesn't want to marry Darcy. Even though she loves him, she isn't convinced that he's honorable. It doesn't help that he doesn't show up at Longbourn the next morning as he promised he would.
There are times that I can't figure out Elizabeth's logic- or perhaps lack of logic- as she goes back and forth regarding her attitude about Darcy. I definitely don't follow Mr. Bennet's logic when all is revealed at the book's end.
I also dislike a plot thread where Elizabeth and Jane both go to Netherfield for tea. They know that the Hursts and Caroline have gone back to London, leaving only the two gentlemen in residence. I've never had trouble with sexual content when it fits in the story, but this seems like very out of character behavior here. These ladies and gentlemen aren't carried away by the moment; the ladies quite intentionally create an opportunity to be seduced. (The reader only learns the details of what happens between Darcy and Elizabeth, who stop just short of full sexual congress, but it's implied that Jane and Bingley enjoy their privacy in a similar manner.) Considering the scandal they're already trying to defuse after "the kiss" at the ball, this is the height of ridiculous and foolhardy.
The quality of the writing itself is quite good. As I said, I applaud the initial premise. But there are a lot of elements in the subsequent plot that don't work for me.
Well, did Mr Darcy dare? Oh yes, he most definitely did...
Delightful, steamy read with a lot of very cleverly written banter. Left me smirking, snickering and chuckling throughout.
As the Netherfield ball approached, Bingley and Darcy were engaged in a billiard match when Bingley playfully needles Darcy to a dare... Riding out to avoid the ever present Caroline, Darcy encounter Elizabeth on Oakham mount. A game of bickering and enticing ensue which ends in Darcy securing the first set at the ball. The scandalous Netherfield ball ends early for Elizabeth and she is taken home by her father which to late notices they have the wrong carriage. They have gotten their "friends" Monica and Chandler Byng's carriage instead of the Bennet's. Loved how Jane handled the aftermath though. Mr Bennet has two suitors for his two eldest daughters come morning but he opted to give one of them a hard time. While Jane and Bingley are allowed to marry in three weeks, Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to wait until spring. Which, as it turned out, proved to be a rather difficult task.
Wickham was creating a debacle albeit with a twist. The individuals who will bring him to justice might come as a surprise though.
This book had my favourite traits in a book. A lot of interaction between ODC with some tender moments as well as passionate interludes (no anticipating of wedding vows although they came close). Plenty of surprising twist and turns. A lot of fabulous banter.
What men won't bet on? It is usually sports events and can you really imagine Darcy stooping to bet on something as serious as his relationship with Elizabeth, especially knowing all the objections to her family and lack of dowry and connections in canon? This story does not dwell on those but jumps right into Bingley's and Darcy's discussion about the two Bennet sisters and how those relationships might progress.
This story has little angst but does have some interesting maneuvers, i.e., Mr. Bennet treating Darcy and Bingley different, Lydia and Kitty setting up a plan to trip up a certain Lothario and even Collins attempting to thwart Darcy in the former's eagerness to stake a claim. Some events are reflective of canon. The gossips have a field day but there is some intrigue as to who is giving the papers their news and then how to react to it. Reputations will be ruined? ODC is even guilty of some of their own missteps.
This book was made available to me by a friend. I read it in one day. It does have a few MA scenes which are fairly descriptive so be aware of that. It was a pleasant read with no real surprises.
It isn't premarital sex if you have no intention of getting married. ~ Drew Carey
I had a problem with this book.
I have read a lot of EAW stories and they all have a one thing in common – something is always happening! I sometimes find fault with the logic of the happenings (i.e. Darcy would never do that) but I always find the happenings interest me and move the story along. For me, this story felt a little flat.
Maybe I just like more angst – this story has little conflict between Darcy and Elizabeth. The couple finds common ground early in the story. The misunderstandings involve other people – namely Mr. Bennet.
The good thing about masturbation is that you don't have to get dressed up for it. ~ Truman Capote
But … if you overlook the lack of “action” you will find lots of “action” of the titillating type! Darcy and Elizabeth explore sensual possibilities stopping short of premarital completion.
I would recommend this for JAFF lovers looking for a bit of heat.
I think I could fall madly in bed with you. ~ Author Unknown
Oh my, Mr Darcy is swoon worthy and takes his chance by kissing the woman he dreams about in front of all in attendance at the Bingleys ball at Netherfield. Elizabeth’s cousin Mr.Collins is determined to have Elizabeth as his wife and attempts to force her hand before Darcy saves her by kissing her. The following days are not what Elizabeth imagined nor Darcy. The ups and downs took me on a journey that made me look forward to the ending. A very enjoyable read and one to add to my favorites.
In this Pride and Prejudice variation on the morning of the Netherfield Ball Darcy and Elizabeth accidently meet and after some discussion Darcy asks Elizabeth for the first set. Mr Collins' behaviour at the ball causes problems and accelerates events. An entertaining story
I feel that the author has failed in so many ways in this story that I only feel disgusted to have read it. It's undoubtedly an intriguing misunderstanding, to say the least, and I really like the idea of Darcy and Elizabeth pushing some boundaries while engaged, and tasting a bit of what their lives as husband and wife will look like, I have several stories as favorites in this regard, but I just feel that Elizabeth Ann West made an attempt that was flawed because it doesn't pass any emotion , or gratifying feeling to accompany these two, since the beginning of their relationship was so ridiculous, there being no relationship construction, just suddenly happened and it doesn't seem real at all, in my view.
The story is modern, the characters are extremely out of character. Elizabeth is too sentimental, spoiled and too reckless. It's silly, nothing like I see when I think of Lizzey, being such a cheerful, determined, and intelligent young woman, next to that Darcy from Ann West, she seems to be too young that she gets to be a little silly at the beginning of reading, it's very superficial, in my opinion. Darcy, equally out of character, in addition to what I can acceptable, he is too open, not contained.
Both seem like two teenagers dealing with the first courtship, in a very childish way that gets to be annoying.
Can I start off by saying that I really love the cover for this book. It's so pretty and I just love it so much. I have to say this book took far longer to read than it should have. Between my nieces being over for the weekend and then being wiped out after they left I was just way too exhausted to do much reading.
So our poor couple in this book has way too much thrown at them before they can finally be married. From Mr. Bennet refusing to let them marry, Mr. Wickham being Mr. Wickham and Lady Catherine, along with unfounded rumors traveling all over England way to fast what is our dear couple to do? I enjoyed the ride and the all the steaminess in this novel and I hope that the author's new novels retain a touch of the steam in the future. I did enjoy this book and I recommend it if you enjoy a lot of obstacles and angst in your romance.
Loved it ,I always wanted to read a book with more love between Darcy and Lizzy. I always love a variation that allows our couples to really show they are just two young people in love with natural wants and desires. You Rock Mrs. West love your books.
It was an enjoyable read but I kept thinking for most of this "Darcy wouldn't do this" or "Elizabeth would never say that".
The best thing about p&p is all the angst and there wasn't really much, if any, angst here. Darcy and Elizabeth fix all their problems very early on and the rest of the book was about their problems with other people so that was kinda boring.
2, 5 Stars Review published at: https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre... If Mr. Darcy Dared tells us how the romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy could evolve if after a discussion in Oakham Mount Mr. Darcy reflected about Elizabeth’s criticisms, apologised for his rude behaviour at the Meryton Assembly, admitted his admiration for her and asked her for the first dance at the Netherfield Ball, where he kisses her in front of everyone.
Even though the Pride and Prejudice main plotlines are still present in this story, Elizabeth Ann West changed many small details, which made the book more appealing because we never knew if something would remain the same as canon, or if it would be subtly changed.
The premise is interesting, and I was initially drawn into the book, however, I didn’t feel the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth was built on love but more on lust, and that was a bit off-putting for me. Also, even though there is no anticipation of the wedding vows, they do have several encounters with sexual activities which I didn’t find romantic, on the contrary. Unfortunately these scenes, which didn’t add anything to the plot, gradually made me feel less and less involved with the story or the characters, decreasing therefore my enjoyment with it.
Another aspect that annoyed me in this book was Mr. Bennet’s obsessive and intransigent attitude. Even though an explanation towards this behavior is delivered at the end of the book, it seemed out of character, exaggerated and developped only to make the story going.
There aren’t a lot of internal obstacles towards Elizabeth and Darcy’s love in this story as they fall in love with each other early in the book, so readers who enjoy seeing this couple work their way to happiness together may enjoy this story, but I personally didn’t buy the behaviors of the main characters and there weren’t enough factors in the book that to compensate for the quibbles I had, so I cannot say I loved it.
Summing up, If Mr. Darcy Dared is an inventive book with several interesting details and a strong sexual component which may feel a bit out of character for some readers but may satisfy those who love to witness Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship grow based on lust.
I liked the sample first few chapters, but found it really went downhill after that. Everything proceeds the same as in the original until the day of the Netherfield Ball, when in one conversation Darcy declares his feelings and Elizabeth is suddenly in love with him (seriously?). They both behave very out of character in their displays of affection, and halfway through I just had enough. I'm sorry, but no way would Lizzie feel comfortable enough to tell Darcy (the banns haven't been read yet, so technically they aren't really engaged yet) that she feels "the most peculiar yearning between my legs" when she is with him. I have no problem with creative licensing, but this was too much.
It’s was nice to see the merging of the author’s well known and appreciated writing style and ability with a somewhat racier romance.
I didn’t think the erotica was well merged with the rest of the plot though. A good first try but Abigail Reynolds is still the queen of erotica for P&P variations, in my opinion
Honestly this book was a bit of a mess. It starts just before the Netherfield ball and Lizzy and Darcy are apparently already in love. They then proceed to pretty much never have a proper conversation, just explore the sexual tension between them and whine about how unfair life is - I was so bored by the end and I really wish i'd DNF'd. I won't be reading any more of Elizabeth Ann West's books.
Characters not true. Author lost me when Elizabeth was described as flouncing into a chair and caterwauling like Lydia. Also didn't care for Mr. Bennet being mean; explanation at the end did not ring true to justify his behavior.
I liked the book, but it did not seem to have as interesting plot lines as EAW's usual work. I do think the sexual bits gave the book more interest, and I loved that Bingley was not written as a complete dolt, for a change. Jane had more spunk, too, and wasn't so mousey in dealing with Caroline.
Unfortunately this was a very poorly written piece by a good author, the story was disjointed and the sexual scenes unnecessary to the plot. This author has some fantastic stories but this is not one of them.
Good story! Elizabeth and Darcy dance at the Netherfield Ball and he kisses her on the dance floor, leading to an engagement at the beginning. This one is sensual, so be prepared.
Read it straight through only stopping for food and bathroom breaks as I was enjoying the read. The story though different from the original aka a variation was believable and kept my interest. Thanks for a good time.
I put this book away for good at about 40%. Elizabeth was erratic, irrational, and constantly weeping over something or other. I gave an extra star for not being riddled with error like some other JAFF I have encountered recently, but I simply couldn't continue reading.
I really regret buying this book for $9.99 as it was not well written and had several grammatical errors. The book doesn’t offer anything new to the genre.