Mr. Darcy's Pride and Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

The Darcy Novels #3

by Monica Fairview

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are engaged at last, and Mr. Darcy is preparing to take out a special licence to get married quickly. But, just when everything seems to be going just right, he encounters opposition from an unexpected quarter. Then, when his engagement is announced – to someone else – Elizabeth, understandably, begins to doubt his sincerity. Perhaps their love is doomed after all… Find out more in this third part of the Darcy Novels series, a Pride and Prejudice variation.

Genres: Romance

236 pages, Paperback

Published June 22, 2016

About the author

Monica Fairview writes Jane Austen variations and sequels as well as Fantasy P&P variations. After graduating from the University of Illinois, she worked as a literature professor and then as an acupuncturist in Boston before moving to London.

Monica enjoys reading Jane Austen, historical , fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels , but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink lots of tea, and visit Regency houses, and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.

If you'd like to be notified of her latest release, please press the FOLLOW button on Monica Fairview's Amazon page.

If you'd like to find out more about Monica, you can find her at
http://www.darcyregencynovels.com/
http://austenvariations.com
http://monicafairview.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Les · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them Sam I Am" Dr. Seuss

Why did I read this book when I didn't enjoy the two previous books in the series

a] I am an idiot (ID10T)
b] I am an optimist
c] I forgot that I read and disliked the series

C

Now for the rest of you. This book just starts up assuming you have read the two previous books and if you haven't nothing will make sense; which is an excellent excuse to put it in a do Not read pile.

1] Lydia eloped but with Denny not Wickham and Denny is waiting for an inheritance
2] Jane & Bingley married in London without a double wedding with ODC
3] Darcy has already proposed and been rejected TWICE (WTF Lizard girl) and has now proposed for the third time and been accepted BUT....
4] Mr. Bennet is much more of a douche canoe than in canon and should be repeatedly beaten about the head and neck
5] Darcy is as much of a control freak as in previous books in this series and I really want to slap him. FFS you can send an express, a servant or an agent you don't have to personally ride all over England like an idiot.

So Darcy & Lizzy are engaged but he doesn't have her father's permission, then he goes for a long walk through Cheapside and ends up lost, beaten and senseless. Mr Bennet refuses his eventual request because a really stupid reason. Someone announces Darcy's engagement to Anne deBourgh and no [none, zero, zilch, nada] clues point to Wickham, cui bono? AND! AND Why does the engagement announcement place Pemberley in YORKSHIRE? Doesn't that further clear Wickham, I am fairly sure Wickham knows where he grew up. But Darcy and friends entrap (and that is the ONLY word for it) Wickham and have him sent to jail. Badly done Darcy, badly done. My theory was that Mr. Bennet placed the announcement, but like many subplots this just vanishes never to return

Then Darcy decides to have a massive house party to prove to Mr. Bennet that his family will accept Lizzy. And of course crazy stuff happens because a bunch of uninvited guest show up, would that really happen? And there is just general confusion, Georgiana comments how someone helped her with her coming out then Col. Fitzwilliam says she hasn't been presented.

After Mr. Bennet refuses his permission for the marriage; remember Lizzy is of age now, she suggests that they marry in London and Darcy says no. (what, What, WHAT) Simple solution, no angst, why would we do that.

Eventually Mr. Bennet realizes that he is projecting his lack of spine onto his daughter and her suitor. In one scene early in the book he tells Lizzy she isn't qualified to run a great house (Who is this Mr. Bennet and why does he hate Lizzy so much?) I mean Lizzy at her most impertinent and naive is 10000 times more qualified than Jane and Seriously as we all know Pemberley runs itself. He is such a douche.

I hated this book and wanted to kill it with fire

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Darcy Perseveres!

Mr. Darcy’s Pride and Joy is the third installment in Monica Fairview’s The Darcy Novels series. This series is a three-part Pride and Prejudice variation that focuses on Mr. Darcy’s struggles as he tries to win Elizabeth’s heart and secure his future happiness. While it is possible to jump into the series right here and not feel completely lost or confused, I feel the pleasure will be categorically enhanced by reading the first two books of this series – Mr. Darcy’s Pledge and Mr. Darcy’s Challenge – prior to reading this story.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what takes place in this series, in Mr. Darcy’s Pledge a rejected and depressed Mr. Darcy returns to Pemberley and attempts to move on with his life. In his heart he knows he will always love Elizabeth Bennet, but because he knows she doesn’t want him he begins to look elsewhere… That is until the lady practically winds up on his doorstep! In Mr. Darcy’s Challenge, Elizabeth and the Gardiners depart from Pemberley after receiving some upsetting news from Longbourn, and Mr. Darcy goes after them to offer his help and deliver his carefully planned proposal… And after many debacles and several surprising twists Darcy finally reaches an understanding with his fair lady love and all that is needed is the blessing of her father for Mr. Darcy’s joy to be complete…. Well, easier said then done! In Mr. Darcy’s Pride and Joy Darcy and Elizabeth face opposition, misunderstandings, and more than one mishap! Monica Fairview truly has taken Pride and Prejudice and turned it on its ear!

Wow! What an eventful and enthralling series! There is so much that takes place in all three books and so many new and intriguing characters are introduced. One of the aspects I enjoyed most about this series was Ms. Fairview’s original characters and how they brought new twists and temperaments into the fray. I also loved the clever tweaks and developments Ms. Fairview gave to many of Jane Austen’s characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique twist with the Lydia story-line, and in this volume I loved learning more about Mr. Bennet and his past. It perfectly explained many of Mr. Bennet’s behaviors and choices. Ms. Fairview has a wonderful talent for creating stimulating and well-drawn characters and fleshing out Jane Austen’s secondary characters convincingly and sympathetically.

Just like with the other volumes in this series, this installment was eventful. There is a foot-pad attack, an unanticipated refusal, an unexpected engagement announcement, and a house party that brings some of Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s most difficult family members together under one roof! And through it all, Mr. Darcy is unsuccessfully trying to achieve his goal of being able to marry Elizabeth Bennet! I greatly enjoyed the varied mix of events and twists to this story-line, yet, at the same time, some events did feel like they came about or concluded a little too abruptly for my taste. Also, I think that because so many characters were involved, some story-lines became a little spotty or remained unresolved.

But don’t worry readers, that wasn’t the case with Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s story-line! I loved seeing Darcy persevere through his struggles to see and be with Elizabeth, and how Elizabeth determinedly and relentlessly fought for what she wanted. It was heart-warming to see how in love they both were with each other. And I adored all the little sigh-worthy moments where they would touch hands and steal kisses! *swoon*

Full of humor, misadventure, and romance The Darcy Novels series is a wonderful choice for readers who enjoy seeing an emotive, reflective, and desperately in love Mr. Darcy put to the test! Well done, Monica Fairview! I can’t wait to see what you write next!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third times the charm- so one hopes! Poor Mr. Darcy has proposed three times to the same woman. The first two proposals were disasters and so much happened to reshape him and bring him to a place where a worthy woman finally gives to him his heart's joy when she says 'yes!'. Simple, light-hearted, and swoony historical romance!

This is the third installment of The Darcy Novels trilogy. It builds on the events of the two books that came before it so is best read in order.

In book one, the fastidious and arrogant Mr. Darcy, angered to be rejected by a woman who should be grateful for his proposal, makes a list of the ideal Mrs. Darcy only to constantly compare all candidates to the incomparable Miss Elizabeth Bennet. His young sister, Georgiana, isn't too keen on his choices and determines to keep him from a lasting mistake.

Moving into book two, Darcy ends up on an adventure with Elizabeth and her family, his friends the Bingleys, and Georgiana when they head to Brighton to save Elizabeth's youngest sister, Lydia, from disaster. Seeing that he has changed and he is an honorable man, Elizabeth changes her mind about Darcy.

Now, in the final installment, just when Darcy anticipates smooth sailing, new impediments threaten in this light and sweet comedy of errors variation. The reader is treated to a series of misunderstandings and misadventures that prevent Darcy from meeting with Mr. Bennet to secure his blessing and then Mr. Bennet himself throws up a surprising objection to the marriage. Darcy and Elizabeth's families compete for the Most Trying award when Darcy brings them all together for a Pemberley House Party.

Darcy, Elizabeth, and Georgiana take turns telling the story. It's a swift and easy read- evenly paced. I liked how it did the job of a final story and wrapped things up for the main couple and a few others- the ambitious Caroline Bingley being one. I would not be opposed to a follow up piece with Georgiana's story since she was such an engaging secondary character throughout the series.

Humorous, light, and sweet- perfect for a lazy summer afternoon read for the Austenesque lover. The Darcy series variation is a complete story and the reader doesn't have to be more than mildly familiar with the original Jane Austen Classic.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It can be read as a stand alone, but is better is better if it is read as the third in the trilogy. It is so frustrating having Mr. Bennet against the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy and not giving his consent. Even though Elizabeth is of age to make her choice, I am glad Darcy proved himself. I enjoyed meeting the new character Travis, as he has an important role at the beginning of the story. A few old and new characters show up to cause mischief. I enjoyed haw the story came together and how some characters got their just desserts. I found that the story had a nice flow, and of course, the HEA we have been anticipating. The fun is in how we get there. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Perhaps their love is doomed after all… "
The blurb does say it all. Poor Lizzy and Darcy, they do have to struggle. But that is why I like variations, they have to work a bit to get it right ;)

Darcy is simply wonderful in this one, he does not back down even though there is setback after setback. And even another engagement! But he loves her so, awwww. And do not worry about the engagement, there is something fishy going on.

And Lizzy shows her strength too. She refuses to believe anything bad about him when those setbacks comes around. She fights for him and wants to prove herself.

It's part of a series, and book 2 did end with happily, but a lot can happen before you get engaged as we will see in this one. I must say though that it works excellent as a stand alone. It's the road to their happy ending. Sure things happened before, Bingley and Jane, Wickham, and more, but it still works well like this too. But hey, the road is always the fun thing so read book 2 too ;)

A lovely variation where they fight for their love.

[Laura Hartness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful conclusion to a lovely series. Full review to come soon.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Ms. Fairview was finished throwing roadblocks in front of Darcy and Elizabeth when Elizabeth finally accepted his (third!) proposal in Mr. Darcy's Challenge: A Pride and Prejudice Variation but, clearly, I was wrong! Mr. Darcy's Pride and Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation brings in a few more doozies. It's a whirlwind conclusion to an excellent trio of books.

There's Mr. Bennet with a long buried secret affecting his judgement when it comes to giving his blessing to Darcy marrying Elizabeth. An attack by three thugs leaves a major character incapacitated at a most inconvenient time. A London newspaper contains a surprise wedding announcement involving Darcy, but who was responsible for placing it? Darcy wants to get his family warmed up to the possibility of him marrying outside of his sphere by hosting a house party and a ball for everyone involved, but it quickly deteriorates with the addition of several unexpected guests, two of whom (Miss Marshall and Miss Bingley) would love to become Mrs. Darcy. In addition to these challenges, Darcy also has to contend with Lord and Lady Matlock's insistence that Georgiana marry the very elderly and very icky Duke of Bolton.

Elizabeth's trust in Darcy is sorely tested early in the story. Later, the desire between the two of them gets nicely amped up as they attempt to hide their feelings from others until they can announce their engagement. There are stolen moments, lingering touches, and tantalizing but all-too-brief kisses (you know... all that stuff that makes for great romance), but the content is kept completely clean. The writing in general flows nicely, and most of the time I love the fast pace of the book. Characters are well-defined and interesting, and generally their behavior is consistent and believable.

I love the convergence of all the various characters and plot lines at the Pemberley house party. And thank the Lord for Mrs. Fortin! What a delightful lady!

However, I do have some reservations about some plot choices that all involve spoilers:

First: I know Elizabeth is disappointed that she cannot be a fly on the wall when her father finally meets one-on-one with Euphemia Fitzwilliam but, heck! The narrator is third person! Surely the reading audience should be allowed into the room to hear their conversation, especially since Mr. Bennet won't tell his daughter anything about it. Considering the subsequent softening in his attitude, it's a significant plot point that should be further described.

Second: Nothing in the Wickham storyline makes sense. I know the speculation about his motivation is that he just enjoys making mischief for Darcy but, even if that were the case, I don't think that's the route he would have chosen. It's never even confirmed that he IS the actual culprit behind the bogus announcement, only assumed. Considering Mr. Bennet's passionate (for him) objections to Elizabeth marrying Darcy and his knowledge from Mr. Collins that Darcy is supposed to marry Anne de Bourgh, he would be a more believable source of the misinformation. Regardless, the plan to find and deal once and for all with Wickham is made and executed too quickly. Reading it felt like trying to spot a passenger on a train speeding by. (See ya, Wickham!) Either it should have been developed more or left out altogether.

Third: I do NOT see Caroline Bingley becoming interested in Mr. Travis. Considering how long her sights had been set on Darcy, Mr. Travis seems like too far a step down. Although he's set to inherit an estate, it's never described and unlikely to be as grand as Pemberley, and he doesn't have a title. Based on his personality as presented, I have trouble believing he would actually be interested in her, either.

It's possible to read this as a stand-alone without reading the previous two (although you SHOULD read them; they're both quite good) as long as you accept that what has come before is different from the traditional Pride and Prejudice story. The changes are easy to pick up, and the current storyline is relatively independent of the other books. Despite the above criticisms, this is thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable.

[Madenna U · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything that can go wrong will go wrong on the road to happily ever after for our engaged couple. To bad Mr. Bennet won't grant his approval! Why he hesitates and all the other obstacles of course must be over come for Elizabeth and Darcy to find their happily ever after.

After the last two books in the series, this one was almost to much and instead of being entertained, I was starting to get amazing at how many stoppers the couple would find.

[Teresita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending!

I thoroughly enjoyed the ending of this trilogy. It is wonderfully written and entertaining. I really loved the way Mr. Darcy evolved and was finally rewarded.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monica Fairview is one of my favorite Austen authors. She writes novels that you could swear have come from Jane Austen’s pen. Mr. Darcy’s Pride and Joy is a variation. It is Pride and Prejudice if something had varied or changed so that Darcy and Elizabeth’s path did not go exactly the way it did in the original novel. It is interesting to see our favorite characters interacting in different ways or with new characters not in the original novel.

In Mr. Darcy’s Pride & Joy, Darcy and Elizabeth have finally expressed their love for each other after Bingley and Jane’s wedding. All that remains for their complete happiness is for Mr. Darcy to ask Mr. Bennet for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. But what if Mr. Bennet refused to give his permission? Why would he do that? What is Mr. Darcy met with an unfortunate accident that delayed his asking Mr. Bennet?

I really enjoyed this novel and it was a quick read. I did read Books #1 and #2 in the series, but I feel that if you read this on its own, with knowledge of the events of Pride and Prejudice, you would enjoy it just as well. I liked seeing my favorite characters living their lives in slightly different ways. I particularly enjoyed Anne de Bourgh finally getting a chance to shine. I also loved the thwarted romance between Darcy and Elizabeth. Their passion simmers beneath their calm exteriors threatening to break out at any moment. It makes me wonder what will happen after they are married!

I also enjoyed that Mr. Bennet came off in this version as more of a caring father than in the original novel. He really thought about what marriage to Mr. Darcy would mean for Elizabeth and acted accordingly, even if it did break the heart of his beloved daughter.

Favorite quotes:

“However, allow me to exercise what little wisdom comes from age and experience. I believe the situation is more complex than you think. I would not give my consent unless I was absolutely certain that Lizzy would not be in a powerless situation two years from now when the first flush of passion has passed.” Mr. Bennet to Mr. Darcy.

“Don’t you fret, sir, about the young lady. You’ll find a way to marry her. There’s not a better man in England, if you ask my opinion.” Briggs (valet) to Mr. Darcy.

“Darcy felt a sudden sense of shame. He had never really asked himself how Anne felt about the whole thing. Today for the first time he really considered what his lack of decision had meant to her.”

“His reward was a love that would endure forever.” – Last Line

Overall, Mr. Darcy’s Pride and Joy was an enjoyable variation with a great romance between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth, and wonderful treatment of all of the Austen characters. I highly recommend it. This novel is all about a different journey to a happy ending.

What is your favorite Jane Austen novel?

Have you ever read an Austen variation or variation on another famous author’s novels? What did you think?

Book Source: Review Copy from author Monica Fairview. Thank-you!

This review was first published on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2016/...

[Anna]

Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric

Mr. Darcy’s Pride & Joy is the third and final volume in Monica Fairview’s Darcy Novels series of Pride and Prejudice variations. (I would definitely recommend reading Mr. Darcy’s Pledge and Mr. Darcy’s Challenge before reading this one.) Darcy is thrilled to have finally proposed to Elizabeth and been accepted, but events conspire to prevent him from seeking Mr. Bennet’s permission before the family returns to Hertfordshire following the Bingleys’ wedding breakfast. Elizabeth is confused and worried when Darcy does not arrive on time, and when she receives the worst possible news she can’t help but doubt his feelings for her.

Meanwhile, Darcy must contend with a couple of pretty big challenges: Mr. Bennet’s fierce determination to protect Elizabeth from the cruelty and coldness of Darcy’s social circle, and his public engagement to another woman. Darcy is convinced by his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, that a house party at Pemberley is needed to bring both families together to prove Elizabeth’s mettle. But Darcy is unsure whether he can accomplish his goal of securing Elizabeth’s hand with Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet in the same room, young Georgiana Darcy trying to avoid the attentions of an elderly duke, and the husband-hunting Miss Marshall on the prowl.

What a satisfying end to the series! Fairview does a fantastic job throwing even more obstacles in Darcy and Elizabeth’s path to happily ever after, just when you thought everything would be smooth sailing for the pair. The original characters are delightful, from the perceptive and sly Mrs. Fortin to the gossipy, flashy dresser Mr. Travis. I loved that Mr. Bennet had a secret from his past, even if it made him hard-headed and disagreeable, as it made his marriage to Mrs. Bennet more understandable. And his comments to Mrs. Bennet at the end of the novel were so adorably unlike Mr. Bennet that I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Most of all, I loved seeing Darcy, Elizabeth, and their relationship evolve over the course of the trilogy. There is plenty of romance, angst, scandal, and humor within these pages, and Fairview balances them perfectly. I was sorry that the book had to come to an end, but I was pleased with the ride I’d taken with these characters and eagerly anticipate Fairview’s next novel!

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the trilogy of the Darcy Novels. At the end of Volume II, Mr. Darcy's Challenge, Darcy has finally secured Elizabeth Bennet's consent to marriage. As Volume III begins, Darcy needs to request Mr. Bennet's consent before they can announce their engagement. Unfortunately, in Mr. Darcy's euphoric haze, he is incapacitated leaving Elizabeth in doubt. All I kept saying to myself was 'No, no, no, this can't be happening! The poor man just can't win! The path to true love never runs smoothly.

In this volume, we get Elizabeth's perspective along with Darcy's and Georgiana's. I felt their doubts and especially their frustrations. At times, I was just a bit frustrated with the hindrances thrown at them. I was thrilled with the appearance of Colonel Fitzwilliam with his sage advice to deal with the impediments:

"No a battle, Darcy, A skirmish. Maneuvers. Pick them off one by one. When Darcy continued to look at him in puzzlement, he laughed. I have not lost my mind, Darcy, never fear. I am speaking of a metaphorical battle. A game of posturing. A courtship dance. What you will have to do, my dear cousin, to resolve this issue once and for all, is to throw a House Party."

All in all I enjoyed the conclusion but felt some of the plot lines were not fully closed/developed or closed to neatly and the ending just a bit short. I would like to see further development of Georgiana, Mrs. Fortin (Colonel Becknell), Kitty and even Mr. Travis and Caroline Bingley...hint, hint, nudge, nudge?

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like everything written by Monica Fairview, I adored it. Her characterizations of Darcy and Elizabeth are always so fascinating. I had not read the first two books in the series, but to find Darcy and Elizabeth on the brink of their engagement...an engagement that Mr. Bennet is trying to delay if not completely destroy because of his own pride, was indeed intriguing enough to push ahead and see what happens, even if I didn't have the complete backstory. I'm glad I did. :)

[colleen churm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Darcy's Pride and Joy

Well, this was the third installment of this fun/interesting tale. It would be nice to have a fourth book where Lizzie takes on the Ton and Georgina finds true love. This series had such up's and down's, you need a map to get through it all. Well written stories and this latest one was just as different and intriguing as the other two. Good Read!

[Deb Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful variation.

This variation was a bit elongated with lots of details which made it most interesting. Mr. Bennett was more obstinate with Darcy than most other variations.... But it ended very happily.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt pretty happy with the way the story ended in this second book in this series, and this book didn't really feel necessary to me.

Things That Worked:
- The houseparty in this story was an interesting way to set up the families to interact with each other, and a nice nod and contrast to the one that was in the first book in the series.
- We saw a unique method of Wickham trying to take revenge on Darcy.

Things That Didn't Work:
- The beginning of this story just drug on. There was one obstacle places in front of another just to try to get Mr. Darcy to ask Mr. Bennet for permission to marry Elizabeth and it just got to be too much.
- At the end of the story, these storylines that had been hanging over the whole book felt like they were wrapped up way to quickly.
- In the end there was probably enough story to make a full book, but I would have distributed the story differently, in getting through the beginning of the story faster and giving more storyline to things at the end that just seemed to wrap up without allowing the reader the satisfaction of seeing that action play out.

[Lynette Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

Read the trilogy (love this author but abhor books requiring a waiting period or purchasing additional books to find a HEA). This final book seemed to drag on in parts (as did part one imo) but there were fairly interesting subplots, some great examples of snappy dialogue and of course, a devoted Mr Darcy which kept me reading. Love this author & will definitely recommend her!

[Greencolander · Rating 3 out of 5]

started off well but became a little dull

The first two books were fun, but halfway through the last book I feel the author gave up. Happily ever after but there was a lot of boring interlude to get there!

[Lizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stopped halfway through and had to force myself to finish. I think my dislike was because the characters strayed so far from the book, and she made Darcy seem like an idiot.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murphy’s Law is the premise here: Darcy is acting like a love struck fool, overjoyed and paying little attention to where he is going. He is dreaming of Elizabeth and his plans to approach Mr. Bennet the next day to ask for his approval and blessing in ODC’s engagement. Elizabeth has the task of convincing Mr. Bennet to delay the family’s return to Longbourn for one day…the day Darcy must use to gain that approval.

But as I said Murphy’s Law reigns supreme. I don’t want to give away all that goes wrong but it is multi-layered and involves more than one person of their acquaintance as well as a new person. Jane and Charles Bingley are off on their honeymoon so they are not on hand to support their “sister” and dear friend. You will learn some secrets from Mr. Bennet’s past as well and that of Lady Matlock (Euphemia). The story description does relate that there is opposition from a surprising quarter and that an engagement announcement for Mr. Darcy is announced in the papers. Then there is Caroline Bingley with a bit of luck. Wickham…what is about him showing up in the most unexpected places and ways? Didn’t he go off to war?

We do have our happy ending and even with Darcy not presenting as quite the same character we know in canon I found this to be an enjoyable short read.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every so often I get the urge to visit one of my favorite literary couples--Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet. I'm a fan of the "what if" stories and I've been reading Monica Fairview's Darcy Novels for some time. In this third installment, Darcy and Elizabeth are finally engaged, but before their engagement is announced Darcy reads in the paper about his engagement to another woman. And if that's not enough trouble, Darcy is refused consent by Elizabeth's father.

Shakespeare said, "The course of true love never did run smooth." It's definitely true in Fairview's books. It's been a long road with Darcy and Elizabeth, and reading their struggle makes their story all the sweeter. I've really enjoyed this series from Mr. Darcy's Pledge to Mr. Darcy's Pride and Joy. I'm not sure if this will be the end of the Darcy Novels, but if it is, it couldn't have ended on a better note. If you're into Pride and Prejudice variations, you should give this series a try. You'll be hooked!

Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2016...

[john tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasure to read

I thoroughly enjoyed all of this series. They are beautifully written and not a single mistake or Americanism in sight. Which cannot be said for most Darcy what if books.