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Austen Hunks #1
Hiring Mr. Darcy
She ’s hiring…
Meg Knightley is a history professor with a little OCD and a lot of love for Pride and Prejudice. When her similarly nerdy history professor boyfriend tosses her over for a starlet on the eve of the Jane Austen Festival and Games, she needs a new Mr. Darcy ASAP.
He’s the man for the job…
Jeremy Remington left a lucrative tech job to follow his dreams—but getting his custom woodworking business off the ground isn’t cheap. When his best friend’s sister offers good money for little more than acting the gentleman, he jumps at the chance. After all, how hard could it be to fly over to England and wear a cravat for a few days?
Until things get real.
She hired him to play the part of a proper gentleman, so why can’t she stop thinking about what’s underneath his waistcoat? And when Meg finds out Jeremy has had a crush on her for years, will the job turn into a permanent gig?
Meg Knightley is a history professor with a little OCD and a lot of love for Pride and Prejudice. When her similarly nerdy history professor boyfriend tosses her over for a starlet on the eve of the Jane Austen Festival and Games, she needs a new Mr. Darcy ASAP.
He’s the man for the job…
Jeremy Remington left a lucrative tech job to follow his dreams—but getting his custom woodworking business off the ground isn’t cheap. When his best friend’s sister offers good money for little more than acting the gentleman, he jumps at the chance. After all, how hard could it be to fly over to England and wear a cravat for a few days?
Until things get real.
She hired him to play the part of a proper gentleman, so why can’t she stop thinking about what’s underneath his waistcoat? And when Meg finds out Jeremy has had a crush on her for years, will the job turn into a permanent gig?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2020
252 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
57 books1,573 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
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October 11, 2020Trying my hand at a contemporary rom com. Please don't throw tomatoes. But if you do, could you make them Roma? I’ll make a nice caprese. ;)
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October 26, 2020DNF at 77% because the heroine still insists on marrying the pompous ass who constantly belittles her instead of what I'm hoping is the book's real hero. No rating
The one thing I truly enjoyed about this book was the guy the heroine hired to be her Mr. Darcy in a Jane Austen competition after her boyfriend lets his boss pressure him into entering the competition with an actress they both have been tutoring for a role in a Jane Austen movie. I can't really call him a hero yet, because after 77%, nothing happened between them. He really is the sweetest, kindest, and nicest guy.
But then there's all the things I didn't like. Starting with the heroine.
She makes both Darcy AND Elizabeth seem reasonable and nice. She's the most judgmental, petty, elitist snob I have seen in a long time. She constantly makes snap judgments about people and sticks to them, doesn't apologize for always assuming the worst about people, and I got tired of it. Yes, she has trust issues, and I get where she comes from, but still. It was too much, and it just felt really annoying to me. And I don't care if, in true Darcy fashion, she sees the light in the last chapter and comes up with a stupid grand gesture. It's not enough for me.
She also has absolutely NO self esteem. She constantly belittles herself and lets others talk badly about her, joining in with constant reminders of her "ugly Hobbit feet", her "ugly pot belly", and overall general uglyness and how unworthy she is. And again, I got tired of it. After 77%, I still don't see her even starting to get over her issues.
She also loved to judge other women about their choice in clothes. A waitress she meets gets judged for wearing a skirt that is "way too tight" and having her hair in pigtails. I wish women would stop writing women that keep bringing other women down. It's just not cool.
Another thing that bothered me was how she always described her desire for neatness and order as OCD. I wish people would stop using it jokingly. It's not a joke.
I also wish we didn't have to spend all the time in her head. Going only by her actions and the things she says, it was really hard for me to see why the hero would put up with her. A few chapters from his PoV could've helped me a lot.
Then there was the consent debate. The heroine relates how her boyfriend asked for permission before he kissed her to a friend, and the friend's response is this:
"Hot is hot, Meg, and if a man wants me, and I'm obviously digging him, I don't want him to ask my frickin' permission first. That's just so..."
I find that attitude appalling, let's just leave it at that.
Then there were little things like a Professor of Literature telling someone to practice their "English accent" (sigh), and saying this: If you like poetry, you should try Shelley," I said. "Shelley who?" she asked. "Mary Shelley," I replied.. Either she is being a cruel snob on purpose (which would be in line with her character) or... Someone mixed up their Shelleys?
All in all, I did not enjoy what I read of this book. But if you like Pride and Prejudice retellings and just LOVE an ass of Darcy-ish proportions, you might? I seem to be in the minority, anyway, in not loving this one.
*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The one thing I truly enjoyed about this book was the guy the heroine hired to be her Mr. Darcy in a Jane Austen competition after her boyfriend lets his boss pressure him into entering the competition with an actress they both have been tutoring for a role in a Jane Austen movie. I can't really call him a hero yet, because after 77%, nothing happened between them. He really is the sweetest, kindest, and nicest guy.
But then there's all the things I didn't like. Starting with the heroine.
She makes both Darcy AND Elizabeth seem reasonable and nice. She's the most judgmental, petty, elitist snob I have seen in a long time. She constantly makes snap judgments about people and sticks to them, doesn't apologize for always assuming the worst about people, and I got tired of it. Yes, she has trust issues, and I get where she comes from, but still. It was too much, and it just felt really annoying to me. And I don't care if, in true Darcy fashion, she sees the light in the last chapter and comes up with a stupid grand gesture. It's not enough for me.
She also has absolutely NO self esteem. She constantly belittles herself and lets others talk badly about her, joining in with constant reminders of her "ugly Hobbit feet", her "ugly pot belly", and overall general uglyness and how unworthy she is. And again, I got tired of it. After 77%, I still don't see her even starting to get over her issues.
She also loved to judge other women about their choice in clothes. A waitress she meets gets judged for wearing a skirt that is "way too tight" and having her hair in pigtails. I wish women would stop writing women that keep bringing other women down. It's just not cool.
Another thing that bothered me was how she always described her desire for neatness and order as OCD. I wish people would stop using it jokingly. It's not a joke.
I also wish we didn't have to spend all the time in her head. Going only by her actions and the things she says, it was really hard for me to see why the hero would put up with her. A few chapters from his PoV could've helped me a lot.
Then there was the consent debate. The heroine relates how her boyfriend asked for permission before he kissed her to a friend, and the friend's response is this:
"Hot is hot, Meg, and if a man wants me, and I'm obviously digging him, I don't want him to ask my frickin' permission first. That's just so..."
I find that attitude appalling, let's just leave it at that.
Then there were little things like a Professor of Literature telling someone to practice their "English accent" (sigh), and saying this: If you like poetry, you should try Shelley," I said. "Shelley who?" she asked. "Mary Shelley," I replied.. Either she is being a cruel snob on purpose (which would be in line with her character) or... Someone mixed up their Shelleys?
All in all, I did not enjoy what I read of this book. But if you like Pride and Prejudice retellings and just LOVE an ass of Darcy-ish proportions, you might? I seem to be in the minority, anyway, in not loving this one.
*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
November 25, 2020
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hiring Mr. Darcy was a really cute book. Even though I hated her douche of a boyfriend for most of this book. Okay, not most of the book - the entire damn time. It's like he only wanted the titel of being the boyfriend and barely showed any emotion towards her. He was a damn robot and I hated him every time his name was mentioned.
That being said, I loved Meg and Jeremy. It was cute to see them reunite together and how they had crushes too. Plus, them being Mr. Darcy and Lizzy was way too adorable for my eyes. I love Pride and Prejudice and it was interesting to see how Meg related to Mr. Darcy throughout most of the book.
Also, this whole school she works at sucks ass. Her boss especially. I didn't like how he or her boyfriend would hold her job over her head all the time. I was hoping that she was going to really leave at the end and go write her damn novel. Not sure how I feel about how it ended with her boss but I am damn happy with what went down between her and Jeremy.
I loved Jeremy and Meg became more likable when she was around him. Might read the next book in this series!
Hiring Mr. Darcy was a really cute book. Even though I hated her douche of a boyfriend for most of this book. Okay, not most of the book - the entire damn time. It's like he only wanted the titel of being the boyfriend and barely showed any emotion towards her. He was a damn robot and I hated him every time his name was mentioned.
That being said, I loved Meg and Jeremy. It was cute to see them reunite together and how they had crushes too. Plus, them being Mr. Darcy and Lizzy was way too adorable for my eyes. I love Pride and Prejudice and it was interesting to see how Meg related to Mr. Darcy throughout most of the book.
Also, this whole school she works at sucks ass. Her boss especially. I didn't like how he or her boyfriend would hold her job over her head all the time. I was hoping that she was going to really leave at the end and go write her damn novel. Not sure how I feel about how it ended with her boss but I am damn happy with what went down between her and Jeremy.
I loved Jeremy and Meg became more likable when she was around him. Might read the next book in this series!
September 18, 2020
I wanted to DNF this books so many times because of Meg, but Jeremy kept me reading. Jeremy a swoon-worthy dream. Meg basically has all of Lizzy's pride and all of Mr. Darcy's prejudice and it's... not a good look.
I was so mad reading this book I made myself notes in an app on my phone!
* Fat shame - Meg repeatedly refers to her "pot belly" and to being "short and squat" in a way that makes it clear she finds them unattractive. As such the book like one star per my no fat shame in romance policy. For someone who is SO full of pride and prejudice, Meg sure has a lot of self hate, and I just wasn't here for it.
* Repeated use of "OCD" to describe Meg because she is neat, particular, likes list, and has a stick wedged wayyyyy up her ass. No actual evidence of OCD. Please stop using an actual illness to describe characters who are neat freaks - it's not cute.
* God, Meg's just so JUDGEY. I get that she's supposed to be this Pride & Prejudice obsessed nerdgirl who doesn't realize she's actually more Darcy than Jane, but good lord. I also really dislike Mr. Darcy and think Pride & Prejudice is overrated, so maybe if you're a Mr. Darcy stan this won't bother you?
* Meg repeatedly blames another (very attractive) woman for her own insecurities and bad behavior. Things like she was never jealous before Lacey came into her life, etc.
"Why the heck did you keep reading this book?!" you may be asking me right now. And the answer is Jeremy. Swoon. Also, I love the idea of a Jane Austen Festival & Games in Bath. I would absolutely go to something like that, and I love that Meg made all her costumes by hand. I maybe sort of aspire to someday hand-sew my own Regency style gown. Plus, did I mention Jeremy? He's Meg's hired Mr. Darcy to be her partner in the competition and he's a dream. Tall, dark, and handsome (as any good Mr. Darcy should be) he's also kind, intelligent, patient...
The book is told entirely from Meg's point of view and I really wish we'd gotten some chapters from Jeremy's POV. The potential for angsty longing is so great, and I really feel like it was a missed opportunity. Hiring Mr. Darcy is Valeria Bowman's first foray into contemporary romance. I've really enjoyed some of her Regency romances, and a contemporary about a Regency-obsessed heroine was a really smart move on her part to bridge the gap.
I was so mad reading this book I made myself notes in an app on my phone!
* Fat shame - Meg repeatedly refers to her "pot belly" and to being "short and squat" in a way that makes it clear she finds them unattractive. As such the book like one star per my no fat shame in romance policy. For someone who is SO full of pride and prejudice, Meg sure has a lot of self hate, and I just wasn't here for it.
* Repeated use of "OCD" to describe Meg because she is neat, particular, likes list, and has a stick wedged wayyyyy up her ass. No actual evidence of OCD. Please stop using an actual illness to describe characters who are neat freaks - it's not cute.
* God, Meg's just so JUDGEY. I get that she's supposed to be this Pride & Prejudice obsessed nerdgirl who doesn't realize she's actually more Darcy than Jane, but good lord. I also really dislike Mr. Darcy and think Pride & Prejudice is overrated, so maybe if you're a Mr. Darcy stan this won't bother you?
* Meg repeatedly blames another (very attractive) woman for her own insecurities and bad behavior. Things like she was never jealous before Lacey came into her life, etc.
"Why the heck did you keep reading this book?!" you may be asking me right now. And the answer is Jeremy. Swoon. Also, I love the idea of a Jane Austen Festival & Games in Bath. I would absolutely go to something like that, and I love that Meg made all her costumes by hand. I maybe sort of aspire to someday hand-sew my own Regency style gown. Plus, did I mention Jeremy? He's Meg's hired Mr. Darcy to be her partner in the competition and he's a dream. Tall, dark, and handsome (as any good Mr. Darcy should be) he's also kind, intelligent, patient...
The book is told entirely from Meg's point of view and I really wish we'd gotten some chapters from Jeremy's POV. The potential for angsty longing is so great, and I really feel like it was a missed opportunity. Hiring Mr. Darcy is Valeria Bowman's first foray into contemporary romance. I've really enjoyed some of her Regency romances, and a contemporary about a Regency-obsessed heroine was a really smart move on her part to bridge the gap.
November 9, 2020
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
"Pride and Prejudice" is, by far, my favorite Jane Austin book and Mr. Darcy is my favorite hero. I've not read much of the "based on" fiction that has been published but this one caught my interest. This book was a cute take-off about the annual Jane Austin Festival in Bath. I enjoyed it very much, I just didn't love it. Meg, the heroine was a rather stiff character. I loved Jeremy, but with first person narration we don't get to really know him.
Dr. Meg Knightley has is all planned out. Her life, that is. When the man she envisioned as her future husband picks a Hollywood starlet and his boss over her, well, that just wasn't in the plan. But Meg is nothing if not competitive and determined and nothing is going to stop her from competing in the Jane Austen Festival like she had been planning to do for almost a year. All she needs is a new Mr. Darcy. As a English History professor and Jane Austen fan, she is sure she can make this work and when she finds her new Mr. Darcy, she just might do it.
Jeremy Remington has a new career in custom woodworking after ditching his six figure job working for the man. When Meg offers him money to be her new Mr. Darcy, he figures he can get that new high end band saw he covets and not break the bank. And, he would get the opportunity he has waited for since high school - to get close to Meg.
For Meg the competition is about more than showing her clueless boyfriend he can't take her for granted. When Meg comes to realize that there are aspects to her personality that need changing, Jeremy is right there to help her. 3 1/2-Stars
"Pride and Prejudice" is, by far, my favorite Jane Austin book and Mr. Darcy is my favorite hero. I've not read much of the "based on" fiction that has been published but this one caught my interest. This book was a cute take-off about the annual Jane Austin Festival in Bath. I enjoyed it very much, I just didn't love it. Meg, the heroine was a rather stiff character. I loved Jeremy, but with first person narration we don't get to really know him.
Dr. Meg Knightley has is all planned out. Her life, that is. When the man she envisioned as her future husband picks a Hollywood starlet and his boss over her, well, that just wasn't in the plan. But Meg is nothing if not competitive and determined and nothing is going to stop her from competing in the Jane Austen Festival like she had been planning to do for almost a year. All she needs is a new Mr. Darcy. As a English History professor and Jane Austen fan, she is sure she can make this work and when she finds her new Mr. Darcy, she just might do it.
Jeremy Remington has a new career in custom woodworking after ditching his six figure job working for the man. When Meg offers him money to be her new Mr. Darcy, he figures he can get that new high end band saw he covets and not break the bank. And, he would get the opportunity he has waited for since high school - to get close to Meg.
For Meg the competition is about more than showing her clueless boyfriend he can't take her for granted. When Meg comes to realize that there are aspects to her personality that need changing, Jeremy is right there to help her. 3 1/2-Stars
September 12, 2020
I requested an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.
I will just state it plainly - I LOVED THIS BOOK. I am a sucker for an a-typical female protagonist (especially if she's a book-nerd) and the hot male protagonist that doesn't know he's hot, and this book delivered on both points. It's the perfect mix of Bridget Jones' Diary, Asking For Trouble (the book The Wedding date is based upon), and Austenland with a dash of gender-swap She's All That to keep things interesting. In other words - a total win.
Initially when we meet Meg Knightly, she comes off as a snob who makes snap judgments about everyone and everything in her life - including her long-time boyfriend, and her brother. It would be seriously off-putting, but you learn bits and pieces of her early childhood that show just where this sort of behavior stems from, and makes you feel more sympathetic towards her. Especially after an unfortunate incident involving control top granny panties and a pencil skirt.
Enter Jeremy Remington - an old family friend that ends up being the answer to Meg's prayers in all ways. She initially judges him - unfairly - for being in construction (he's a woodworker), gambling (he plays poker with her brother once a week for pizza & beer), and possibly being a hoarder (totally unfounded). But as each of her preconceived notions gets shot down, she discovers a charming, caring, man who is willing to crash-course Regency England to help her with the Jane Austen festival in Bath.
I don't want to give away anything, but let me just say this book is a total win. The dialogue is snappy when it needs to be, never over-flowery (even with reciting Shakespeare or Ms. Austen), and the supporting cast is just as intriguing as the leads.
100% this is a great choice for fans of contemporary and historical romance, as well as anyone who loves a good underdog story.
I will just state it plainly - I LOVED THIS BOOK. I am a sucker for an a-typical female protagonist (especially if she's a book-nerd) and the hot male protagonist that doesn't know he's hot, and this book delivered on both points. It's the perfect mix of Bridget Jones' Diary, Asking For Trouble (the book The Wedding date is based upon), and Austenland with a dash of gender-swap She's All That to keep things interesting. In other words - a total win.
Initially when we meet Meg Knightly, she comes off as a snob who makes snap judgments about everyone and everything in her life - including her long-time boyfriend, and her brother. It would be seriously off-putting, but you learn bits and pieces of her early childhood that show just where this sort of behavior stems from, and makes you feel more sympathetic towards her. Especially after an unfortunate incident involving control top granny panties and a pencil skirt.
Enter Jeremy Remington - an old family friend that ends up being the answer to Meg's prayers in all ways. She initially judges him - unfairly - for being in construction (he's a woodworker), gambling (he plays poker with her brother once a week for pizza & beer), and possibly being a hoarder (totally unfounded). But as each of her preconceived notions gets shot down, she discovers a charming, caring, man who is willing to crash-course Regency England to help her with the Jane Austen festival in Bath.
I don't want to give away anything, but let me just say this book is a total win. The dialogue is snappy when it needs to be, never over-flowery (even with reciting Shakespeare or Ms. Austen), and the supporting cast is just as intriguing as the leads.
100% this is a great choice for fans of contemporary and historical romance, as well as anyone who loves a good underdog story.
December 5, 2020
Meg Knightley is an interesting protagonist. She’s a planner, and she has her entire life and all her goals mapped out, and she’ll do whatever it takes to have everything run smoothly. I found that this characteristic somehow made her a relatable and an unrelatable character at the same time. Her desire for tenure and her career aspirations are completely understandable (you don’t go through that many years of schooling without some ambition). She’s been dating Harrison for three years, and she doesn’t want all that time to be thrown out. This, in my opinion, was understandable, yet also made her unlikable. She didn’t seem to genuinely love him, yet she was hoping for that ring on her finger–even when there was a good chance he was cheating on her with a movie star. The saving grace for her character was that she didn’t truly believe he would cheat, but he treated her so poorly that I honestly don’t think that should matter. She should have dropped him and found herself a handsome woodworker much sooner!
Meg is an Austen scholar with a PhD and a somewhat condescending outlook on those without a pHD, but I was surprised by how accessible the writing style was. At times, it was a little immature, which is odd because it’s first person from her perspective. Having a PhD in literature would imply that she have a more advanced writing style. That said, the nature of the book (romance) with a lighter hook makes the type of writing style expected from her type of character not mesh with the genre and its intended audience.
I loved the twist in the story, as it becomes clear that Meg is the one with issues surrounding her pride and prejudice. She can’t see herself dating a simple woodworker, and it becomes clearer and clearer as the story progresses that she isn’t Elizabeth Bennett. She’s Mr. Darcy. This characterization is well done. However, I did think on more than one occasion that Jeremy was too good for her. He’s so sweet, smart, and trying so hard to become Mr. Darcy for her. Fortunately, she starts to learn the error of her ways sooner rather than later, making for a more gradual character development, transforming her into a person worthy of the love of someone like Jeremy.
This book does require a little bit of suspension of disbelief in one aspect. Her brother’s close friend since high school is her love interest–yet she barely remembers him. That’s fine that she doesn’t remember him well from high school (kind of makes her shallow because apparently he wasn’t attractive then), but it’s revealed that she’s met him a few times since. And she only knows him as the hot guy on her brother’s instagram feed. Sorry, but if she’d met him a few times since high school, and he’s that attractive to her, shouldn’t she have remembered him? Food for thought.
This book is light and fun and sweetly romantic, and despite some of my criticisms, it is perfect for those who love modern-day romances that take inspiration from Austen’s works.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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Meg is an Austen scholar with a PhD and a somewhat condescending outlook on those without a pHD, but I was surprised by how accessible the writing style was. At times, it was a little immature, which is odd because it’s first person from her perspective. Having a PhD in literature would imply that she have a more advanced writing style. That said, the nature of the book (romance) with a lighter hook makes the type of writing style expected from her type of character not mesh with the genre and its intended audience.
I loved the twist in the story, as it becomes clear that Meg is the one with issues surrounding her pride and prejudice. She can’t see herself dating a simple woodworker, and it becomes clearer and clearer as the story progresses that she isn’t Elizabeth Bennett. She’s Mr. Darcy. This characterization is well done. However, I did think on more than one occasion that Jeremy was too good for her. He’s so sweet, smart, and trying so hard to become Mr. Darcy for her. Fortunately, she starts to learn the error of her ways sooner rather than later, making for a more gradual character development, transforming her into a person worthy of the love of someone like Jeremy.
This book does require a little bit of suspension of disbelief in one aspect. Her brother’s close friend since high school is her love interest–yet she barely remembers him. That’s fine that she doesn’t remember him well from high school (kind of makes her shallow because apparently he wasn’t attractive then), but it’s revealed that she’s met him a few times since. And she only knows him as the hot guy on her brother’s instagram feed. Sorry, but if she’d met him a few times since high school, and he’s that attractive to her, shouldn’t she have remembered him? Food for thought.
This book is light and fun and sweetly romantic, and despite some of my criticisms, it is perfect for those who love modern-day romances that take inspiration from Austen’s works.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ebook to review*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
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September 5, 2020
Loved the story line! I'm not usually a fan of stories to from only one character's view point but Meg was very likeable and relatable and I enjoyed the dymanmics between her and the other characters very much! Good story line too!
August 27, 2020
I loved this book! Meg and Jeremy are such great characters. Meg is quirky, smart and serious. Jeremy is laid back, fun and gorgeous as sin. Meg hires Jeremy to play Mr Darcy to her Lizzy Bennett at the Jane Austen competition in Bath and the fun begins. This book is laugh out loud funny. Causes a few swoons. If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice, you are going to love this fun romance. I will say again, I loved this book! This is Valerie's first contemporary romance and I hope it isn't her last . Uh-hm, Luke....
September 27, 2020
Review originally published at Romancing Romances
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
4.5*
Any Pride and Prejudice fans out there? This contemporary romance will fill all your dreams of a modern Mr. Darcy.
I spent the whole time with a mostly happy grin on my face while reading this book, the exception being hen Harrison, Meg’s boyfriend showed up. He never stood for her, defended her, or even made it known how he felt about her being treated unfairly. He didn’t have anything to redeem him. He wasn’t a bad guy… He just wasn’t the right guy.
Meg was supposed to go to the Jane Asuten Festival in Bath, with Harrison. However, he was now going with a Hollywood actress, at the request of the University both him and Meg work at. He didn’t even make a comment about how hard Meg had worked for the competition of the festival, and right away we can tell that Harrison really has no backbone.
Cue my favourite trope, and the reason I was so happy to read this contemporary romance: Meg hires one of her brother’s friends to be her Mr.Darcy at the competition. Sibling’s best friend and fake relationships make my day! Although I should say, they don’t really have a fake relationship, as Meg still has her boyfriend during most of the book, and she makes a point to not cross that line, with a small exception at the end of the book (to be honest, I didn’t really like that, as I didn’t think it was very fair for our hero). The book also has a glow-up/ugly duckling turn swan situation with our hero!
Jeremy, Mr.Darcy at Bath, is a hunk. And most importantly, he’s a kind, funny, loyal gentleman, who can appreciate Meg for whom she really is.
I loved their banter, how they reconnected from their childhood, how Meg was confronted with her own prejudice, and how she evolved as an individual.
This book really is a love story, and it will make you giggle just at the right moments, and in the end you will feel like you’ve had a good time reading it.
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
4.5*
Any Pride and Prejudice fans out there? This contemporary romance will fill all your dreams of a modern Mr. Darcy.
I spent the whole time with a mostly happy grin on my face while reading this book, the exception being hen Harrison, Meg’s boyfriend showed up. He never stood for her, defended her, or even made it known how he felt about her being treated unfairly. He didn’t have anything to redeem him. He wasn’t a bad guy… He just wasn’t the right guy.
Meg was supposed to go to the Jane Asuten Festival in Bath, with Harrison. However, he was now going with a Hollywood actress, at the request of the University both him and Meg work at. He didn’t even make a comment about how hard Meg had worked for the competition of the festival, and right away we can tell that Harrison really has no backbone.
Cue my favourite trope, and the reason I was so happy to read this contemporary romance: Meg hires one of her brother’s friends to be her Mr.Darcy at the competition. Sibling’s best friend and fake relationships make my day! Although I should say, they don’t really have a fake relationship, as Meg still has her boyfriend during most of the book, and she makes a point to not cross that line, with a small exception at the end of the book (to be honest, I didn’t really like that, as I didn’t think it was very fair for our hero). The book also has a glow-up/ugly duckling turn swan situation with our hero!
Jeremy, Mr.Darcy at Bath, is a hunk. And most importantly, he’s a kind, funny, loyal gentleman, who can appreciate Meg for whom she really is.
I loved their banter, how they reconnected from their childhood, how Meg was confronted with her own prejudice, and how she evolved as an individual.
This book really is a love story, and it will make you giggle just at the right moments, and in the end you will feel like you’ve had a good time reading it.
January 9, 2023
Overall this was a fun, light read. I liked the humor and loved Jeremy. Meg started off extremely judgemental about other people (their intelligence, choice of work, etc.) but eventually changed.
I did find it annoying when she used “awk” for awkward, “ridic” for ridiculous, “jellie” for jealous, etc. Not only did it take me right out of the book, it's hard to believe a thirty-one-year-old English professor (and intellectual snob) would express herself that way.
I did find it annoying when she used “awk” for awkward, “ridic” for ridiculous, “jellie” for jealous, etc. Not only did it take me right out of the book, it's hard to believe a thirty-one-year-old English professor (and intellectual snob) would express herself that way.
September 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hiring Mr. Darcy. It is the first contemporary romance by Regency romance writer Valerie Bowman.
Meg Knightly is a history professor with her life organized by lists and a planner that rarely leaves her side. Her boyfriend, who she hopes will soon be her fiancé (see planner), is also a history professor. They planned to compete in the Jane Austen Festival and Games. But right before they are set to leave, he decides it best for his career to take another woman to the event, a Hollywood star researching an Austen role.
Meg is competitive and also out for a little revenge. So she decides to find a new “Mr. Darcy.” Meg’s brother Luke finds someone at his poker game willing to do the job since Meg is offering $5,000 and to pay all expenses.
Jeremy Remington could use the money since he is trying to get his woodworking business started and needs some new equipment. And spending time with Meg, who he has known since high school, wouldn’t be so bad either.
In Hiring Mr. Darcy, there are so many wonderful references to Pride and Prejudice. And so many Regency references that were a joy to read as a fan of those romance novels.
I liked the banter between Meg and her brother Luke. Another character Mitchell, the tailor they use to create their costumes, was over the top entertaining. Bowman excels at creating family and friend camaraderie that comes across as genuine and shows real affection between her characters. Jeremy is such a dream book boyfriend. And Meg shows real growth in her realization that she has shown too much prejudice and pride in her judgment of others and the rigidity of how she is living her life. She has become too much Darcy and not enough Elizabeth and vows to change for the better.
Hiring Mr. Darcy was a delight to read as a contemporary and historical romance fan. The best of both worlds in one charming book.
I received my copy from the author, Valerie Bowman, for an independent review. Thank you.
Meg Knightly is a history professor with her life organized by lists and a planner that rarely leaves her side. Her boyfriend, who she hopes will soon be her fiancé (see planner), is also a history professor. They planned to compete in the Jane Austen Festival and Games. But right before they are set to leave, he decides it best for his career to take another woman to the event, a Hollywood star researching an Austen role.
Meg is competitive and also out for a little revenge. So she decides to find a new “Mr. Darcy.” Meg’s brother Luke finds someone at his poker game willing to do the job since Meg is offering $5,000 and to pay all expenses.
Jeremy Remington could use the money since he is trying to get his woodworking business started and needs some new equipment. And spending time with Meg, who he has known since high school, wouldn’t be so bad either.
In Hiring Mr. Darcy, there are so many wonderful references to Pride and Prejudice. And so many Regency references that were a joy to read as a fan of those romance novels.
I liked the banter between Meg and her brother Luke. Another character Mitchell, the tailor they use to create their costumes, was over the top entertaining. Bowman excels at creating family and friend camaraderie that comes across as genuine and shows real affection between her characters. Jeremy is such a dream book boyfriend. And Meg shows real growth in her realization that she has shown too much prejudice and pride in her judgment of others and the rigidity of how she is living her life. She has become too much Darcy and not enough Elizabeth and vows to change for the better.
Hiring Mr. Darcy was a delight to read as a contemporary and historical romance fan. The best of both worlds in one charming book.
I received my copy from the author, Valerie Bowman, for an independent review. Thank you.
September 26, 2025
i'm back to one book a day so my standards are sky high and unfortunately, this does not hit. It's not offensive but also not great. It is 2.5 stars
September 7, 2020
Absolutely wonderful contemporary romance, I struggled to put it down.
September 27, 2020
Hiring Mr. Darcy (Kindle Edition) by Valerie Bowman .... Thanks Valerie..I really enjoyed this book .. Meg and Jeremy's journey .. She is a little uptight and unsure of herself. He is laid back and is hiding a secret. Her "boyfriend" replaces her in a upcoming event and her brother helps her find a new Mr. Darcy. There are lots of feelings, laughs, tears all getting to a very HEA.
October 17, 2020
Received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review,
I really wanted to like this. Great premise but poor execution. I found Meg a totally unpleasant and boring heroine. Jeremy was sweet, but why he would be attracted to Meg remained a mystery right till the end. There was no spark, no excitement between them and as for the other characters? They were so stereotypical, cardboard cut outs and failed to engage my interest at all. What on earth Meg had seen in her boyfriend I just could not see.
It’s a shame as the author can write but I just did not enjoy it. I am clearly an exception since so many other reviewers have given this 4/5 stars. Just not my cup of tea.
I really wanted to like this. Great premise but poor execution. I found Meg a totally unpleasant and boring heroine. Jeremy was sweet, but why he would be attracted to Meg remained a mystery right till the end. There was no spark, no excitement between them and as for the other characters? They were so stereotypical, cardboard cut outs and failed to engage my interest at all. What on earth Meg had seen in her boyfriend I just could not see.
It’s a shame as the author can write but I just did not enjoy it. I am clearly an exception since so many other reviewers have given this 4/5 stars. Just not my cup of tea.
September 30, 2020
Meg Knightley, history professor with a little OCD and a lot of competitive spirit, arrives after 5 days of business travel and meets her perfect checklist boyfriend Harrison Macomb at the airport... and the Hollywood starlet Lacey Lewis.
Meg knew that Lacey had hired him to teach her how to convincingly portray Lydia Bennet in yet another reboot in Pride & Prejudice soon to be filmed in Surrey.
However, Meg did not expect to receive the news that her boyfriend would dumped her to go to the Jane Austen Festival and Games in Bath with the starlet, not wit her.
Feeling betrayed, Meg despairs because Harrison was throwing away months of work and preparation that the two had been doing to win the competition.
Meg's brother, Luke, a former structural engineer with a master's degree from Stanford but much happier now being the lead singer and a guitar player in a band, gives the idea of Meg taking someone else to impersonate Mr. Darcy.
And the next day, Luke introduces her to the new Mr. Darcy, Jeremy Remington.
Meg hadn't seen Jeremy in years, and from what she remembered him, he was a short, chubby boy, not to mention that he was one of Luke's friends, weekend poker players (and from the bad experience of Meg in having had an inveterate gambling father in Las Vegas, she didn’t see any gambler in good eyes); no chance of him becoming a decent Mr. Darcy. But she had to bite her tongue when she saw a handsome man, looking great (err ... gorgeous!), and the whitest teeth she had ever seen. A gentleman with a purpose: he needed the money she was willing to pay to buy the machine needed to start his own company.
And then they start with all the preparation for Jeremy to become the perfect Mr. Darcy, which included: the right clothes, acting like a gentleman, play whist, act out a scene from the book, how to dance because the Grand Ball (minuet, cotillon, quadrille, and a waltz).
Meg didn't just want to participate in the Festival, but to show to the history department - and to Harrison in particular - that she was much better than he was when it came to Jane Austen.
And along competitions, Jeremy's white smile has achieved much more than just the festival.
Could Meg abandon her "perfect planner", her future so well planned, to be with a "hiring Mr. Darcy"?
5 stars
This book is Valerie Bowman's debut in contemporary novels. Yes, she said she was very anxious for this publication.
Valerie, you started with perfection. A funny and captivating plot with characters with the perfect chemistry. Of course, I will want to read other books in the series.
But please please please don't give up on historical novels. We want the contemporary, but we love your scores, fortnight and daresay.
Meg knew that Lacey had hired him to teach her how to convincingly portray Lydia Bennet in yet another reboot in Pride & Prejudice soon to be filmed in Surrey.
However, Meg did not expect to receive the news that her boyfriend would dumped her to go to the Jane Austen Festival and Games in Bath with the starlet, not wit her.
Feeling betrayed, Meg despairs because Harrison was throwing away months of work and preparation that the two had been doing to win the competition.
Meg's brother, Luke, a former structural engineer with a master's degree from Stanford but much happier now being the lead singer and a guitar player in a band, gives the idea of Meg taking someone else to impersonate Mr. Darcy.
And the next day, Luke introduces her to the new Mr. Darcy, Jeremy Remington.
Meg hadn't seen Jeremy in years, and from what she remembered him, he was a short, chubby boy, not to mention that he was one of Luke's friends, weekend poker players (and from the bad experience of Meg in having had an inveterate gambling father in Las Vegas, she didn’t see any gambler in good eyes); no chance of him becoming a decent Mr. Darcy. But she had to bite her tongue when she saw a handsome man, looking great (err ... gorgeous!), and the whitest teeth she had ever seen. A gentleman with a purpose: he needed the money she was willing to pay to buy the machine needed to start his own company.
And then they start with all the preparation for Jeremy to become the perfect Mr. Darcy, which included: the right clothes, acting like a gentleman, play whist, act out a scene from the book, how to dance because the Grand Ball (minuet, cotillon, quadrille, and a waltz).
Meg didn't just want to participate in the Festival, but to show to the history department - and to Harrison in particular - that she was much better than he was when it came to Jane Austen.
And along competitions, Jeremy's white smile has achieved much more than just the festival.
Could Meg abandon her "perfect planner", her future so well planned, to be with a "hiring Mr. Darcy"?
5 stars
This book is Valerie Bowman's debut in contemporary novels. Yes, she said she was very anxious for this publication.
Valerie, you started with perfection. A funny and captivating plot with characters with the perfect chemistry. Of course, I will want to read other books in the series.
But please please please don't give up on historical novels. We want the contemporary, but we love your scores, fortnight and daresay.
September 27, 2020
This is a really enjoyable romance, especially so for Jane Austen fans. Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite classic novels, and I loved the setup of this story, with the heroine dealing with an overabundance of pride and prejudice this time around, but also the many references to the original story - loved some of the quotes! - and the regency period itself. It’d have been even better if the hero had more pride or prejudice-related issues himself, but our modern-day, male Lizzy is pretty lovable and fault-free from the get-go. Except for a little preconceived notions Meg needs to let go of, there is hardly any conflict or tension to be resolved between Meg and Jeremy. Apart from Meg’s obliviousness and aforementioned prejudices. Jeremy is practically perfect in every way. I love him for Meg, though I’d have liked it if she hadn’t clung to Harrison quite that long. This is very much a rom-com story, funny, sweet, romantic, no heat. After a long courting period with Meg being rather in the dark about Jeremy’s true feelings for her, things suddenly move quite fast, maybe a little too fast, and I regret that we didn’t get to see Meg and Jeremy learn how to be a couple and grow closer first. The story is told exclusively from Meg’s pov. I’d have loved to get some more insight into Jeremy’s feelings and thoughts as well. Even if just in an epilogue or bonus scene. I enjoyed the writing style, the attention to detail and the humor, and the multitude of well-written secondary characters. There’s definitely potential for another romance between two of the secondary characters. Fingers crossed!
October 25, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and June Third Enterprises (#HiringMrDarcy #NetGalley) for the opportunity to get an e-ark for an honest review.
Any Pride and Prejudice fans out there? This contemporary romance will fill all your dreams of a modern Mr. Darcy.
I liked the dynamic change Meg undertook throughout the book to better herself and to become a woman who knows she deserves a right, honest, and true kind of love. Yes, she is judgmental, and a bit mean at the beginning of the book (she's very much like Austen's Darcy), but we learn through tidbits that these are defense mechanisms from a rough childhood. To me, Meg felt very real and relatable. The story is told entirely in first person POV from Meg's perspective.
Jeremy is swoon-worthy. He's sweet, kind, loyal. He's not afraid to put Meg in her place. He shakes up her world, and it's a joy to read. The supporting characters were funny and got just enough page time. I loved the competition in Bath. This was a slow burn romance for Meg and Jeremy. Their journey takes a while for them actually to get together and admit their feelings. So if I had one complaint, it's that I wish we would have had more scenes of them together, as a true couple.
Any Pride and Prejudice fans out there? This contemporary romance will fill all your dreams of a modern Mr. Darcy.
I liked the dynamic change Meg undertook throughout the book to better herself and to become a woman who knows she deserves a right, honest, and true kind of love. Yes, she is judgmental, and a bit mean at the beginning of the book (she's very much like Austen's Darcy), but we learn through tidbits that these are defense mechanisms from a rough childhood. To me, Meg felt very real and relatable. The story is told entirely in first person POV from Meg's perspective.
Jeremy is swoon-worthy. He's sweet, kind, loyal. He's not afraid to put Meg in her place. He shakes up her world, and it's a joy to read. The supporting characters were funny and got just enough page time. I loved the competition in Bath. This was a slow burn romance for Meg and Jeremy. Their journey takes a while for them actually to get together and admit their feelings. So if I had one complaint, it's that I wish we would have had more scenes of them together, as a true couple.
October 18, 2020
Austenland fans rejoice we have another great Pride and Prejudice inspired novel to quench our Austen thirst.
Meg Knightly is an interesting character. She is a bit typical of an Austen inspired main character but at the same time she has her own unique quirks. Maybe it's her Hobbit feet or the way she let's her nerd flag fly.
Our Mr Darcy is not your typical Darcy. And that's not a bad thing, there is no brooding and snobbery here. In fact Meg is more the Darcy.
I really enjoyednthos book. It was an easy read and perfect for an afternoon of reading and drinking tea. My dog loved this book too because I didn't put it down and she was snuggled up against me for the duration.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for my honest opinion.
Meg Knightly is an interesting character. She is a bit typical of an Austen inspired main character but at the same time she has her own unique quirks. Maybe it's her Hobbit feet or the way she let's her nerd flag fly.
Our Mr Darcy is not your typical Darcy. And that's not a bad thing, there is no brooding and snobbery here. In fact Meg is more the Darcy.
I really enjoyednthos book. It was an easy read and perfect for an afternoon of reading and drinking tea. My dog loved this book too because I didn't put it down and she was snuggled up against me for the duration.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for my honest opinion.
August 28, 2020
This was a new kind of read from Valerie Bowman and I loved it. This story is about Meg Knightley who is a history professor who is competitive and somewhat OCD. But when her nerdy professor boyfriend breaks up with her for someone else right before the Jane Austen Festival and Games, she needs a new Mr. Darcy fast. Jeremy Remington left a great tech job in order to follow his dreams. He is trying to get his custom woodworking business off the ground. So when his best friends sister offers money for him to act like a gentleman he does it. I really enjoyed this change of pace story.
August 29, 2020
Meg is a history teacher that has to have everything organized and planned out. She’s been working hard so she can win the Jane Austin competition. When she finds out she needs a new partner, She hires her brothers friend Jeremy to play Mr. Darcy. He’s sweet and gorgeous and is happy to step in and help. That’s when the fun begins. Let the competition begin!
October 12, 2020
Meg and Jeremy's story is so cute! I have to admit that there were so many times Meg annoyed me BUT it is because I can identify so much with her character (super scarily so lol). It also made me sad at her ability to not realize her own self worth and that she deserved so much more. I adored Jeremy!! Adored. I will say though that he was almost too perfect (not complaining but there were not many flaws to be found which is slightly unrealistic).
I really enjoyed this book! It had moments that made me laugh out loud but also a great HEA. I look forward to the author's next trip into contemp rom com land (but if you liked this she has amazing Historical reads!)
I really enjoyed this book! It had moments that made me laugh out loud but also a great HEA. I look forward to the author's next trip into contemp rom com land (but if you liked this she has amazing Historical reads!)
September 28, 2020
Hiring Mr. Darcy is a spectacular contemporary romance by Valerie Bowman. Ms. Bowman has delivered a well-written book populated with a fun and lovable cast of characters. Meg is a college professor hoping for tenure but secretly wanting to write a romance novel. When her boyfriend backs out of being her partner in a Jane Austen competition to partner an actress he's tutoring instead, Meg has to find a new partner. Jeremy is one of Meg's brother's best friends and he offers to do it after she told her brother she'd pay someone to partner her. He can use the money plus he's had a crush on Meg forever. Meg and Jeremy's story is hysterically funny, full of drama, spice, and is just plain fun to read. I loved this book and look forward to reading my next book by Valerie Bowman. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2020
I will admit, I was unsure about Meg until about halfway through. She was not like able what so ever, and annoyingly uptight. Yes I know, she was meant to be that way, but I couldn’t get past it.
But she really loosened up near the end, and Jeremy was a great yin to her yang, which helped a lot. For anyone who loves historical romance, this was super fun to read, it had a little bit of everything to enjoy.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Valerie Bowman doesn’t disappoint! I received this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
But she really loosened up near the end, and Jeremy was a great yin to her yang, which helped a lot. For anyone who loves historical romance, this was super fun to read, it had a little bit of everything to enjoy.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Valerie Bowman doesn’t disappoint! I received this book as an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2020
As with nearly every book that is either a Pride and Prejudice remake or at the very least references it, I excitedly picked up Hiring Mr. Darcy. Meg and her boyfriend Harrison, both history professors, have plans to compete at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, UK until Harrison dumps her as a competitive partner to instead compete with beautiful actress Lacey. He’s been hired by her to prepare for her upcoming role as Lydia Bennett in the newest P&P adaptation and their college’s department head thinks it will be good publicity if Harrison and the famous actress win.
Meg is a very competitive person, and truthfully she seems more upset about not going to the festival versus her boyfriend’s disrespect. Somehow her brother’s best friend Jeremy volunteers to be her new Mr. Darcy and it’s a short two weeks as she’s training him in how to play whist, dance the waltz, and to look like a broody Colin Firth.
Meg was not a strong heroine. She was so judgemental and snobby; to be fair, a perfect Mr. Darcy. Meg blames Lacey for her own feelings of jealousy and insecurities, instead of facing the problems in her own relationship with Harrison. I did enjoy Meg’s inner monologue and I thought she was truly humorous. Some of her thoughts had me chuckling out loud. Jeremy, on the other hand, was a sweet character. He was helpful and gentle, and he was able to force Meg to see her snobby ways while staying diplomatic.
What brought my rating down was the ending. It felt like a Hallmark movie where everything gets resolved in the last 8 minutes of the movie. It felt rushed and extremely unrealistic and I had a hard time believing in their love. Truthfully I don’t know why Jeremy loved her at all; they hadn’t even interacted in nearly a decade, yet he continued to carry a torch for her.
I would have loved a few chapters from Jeremy’s point-of-view, as I wish I could have gotten to understand his feelings a bit more. Overall, I felt disappointed.
Meg is a very competitive person, and truthfully she seems more upset about not going to the festival versus her boyfriend’s disrespect. Somehow her brother’s best friend Jeremy volunteers to be her new Mr. Darcy and it’s a short two weeks as she’s training him in how to play whist, dance the waltz, and to look like a broody Colin Firth.
Meg was not a strong heroine. She was so judgemental and snobby; to be fair, a perfect Mr. Darcy. Meg blames Lacey for her own feelings of jealousy and insecurities, instead of facing the problems in her own relationship with Harrison. I did enjoy Meg’s inner monologue and I thought she was truly humorous. Some of her thoughts had me chuckling out loud. Jeremy, on the other hand, was a sweet character. He was helpful and gentle, and he was able to force Meg to see her snobby ways while staying diplomatic.
What brought my rating down was the ending. It felt like a Hallmark movie where everything gets resolved in the last 8 minutes of the movie. It felt rushed and extremely unrealistic and I had a hard time believing in their love. Truthfully I don’t know why Jeremy loved her at all; they hadn’t even interacted in nearly a decade, yet he continued to carry a torch for her.
I would have loved a few chapters from Jeremy’s point-of-view, as I wish I could have gotten to understand his feelings a bit more. Overall, I felt disappointed.
November 8, 2020
Meg is an English professor and an authority on Pride and Prejudice. She expected to represent her university with her future husband, Harrison, at the Jane Austen Festival in England. Harrison is coaching an actress on the remake of Pride and Prejudice, so Lacey will be his partner. Meg has worked hard on this festival and is extremely competitive. Determined to attend, she decides to hire a Mr. Darcy and coach him. Her brother, Luke, encourages Meg to take his best friend, Jeremy. I loved this book! Jeremy is a quick learner and has always had a thing for Meg. Jeremy’s influence helps Meg to follow her dreams!
September 27, 2020
I don't think there could be anything better for the lovers of Jane Austen, of a romance in which a nerdy heroine full of prejudices is forced to re-think about the most unlikely of the Darcy.
A profusione of laughter and love.
Non credo ci possa essere di meglio per gli amanti di Jane Austen, di un romance nel quale un'eroina , nerd e piena di pregiudizi, é costretta a ricredersi sul piú improbabile dei Darcy.
Risate e amore a profusione.
A profusione of laughter and love.
Non credo ci possa essere di meglio per gli amanti di Jane Austen, di un romance nel quale un'eroina , nerd e piena di pregiudizi, é costretta a ricredersi sul piú improbabile dei Darcy.
Risate e amore a profusione.
October 4, 2020
REALLY A 3.5 FOR ME
Dr Meg Knightly is a devoted fan of Jane Austen. She has devoted her working life to her love of Ms Austen’s writing. Her boyfriend, Harrison, is also a historian. The two of them have been practicing and rehearsing for a Jane Austen convention in England. Harrison will be Mr Darcy and Meg will be Lizzie Bennett. It is a certainty that the two of them will win and have the prestige that goes with that win.
Meg is also counting on Harrison proposing marriage to her. After all they have been in a relationship for a very long time.
Then things change. Harrison is not going to the Austen convention with Meg. He will have a new partner, a movie star. Their department head is encouraging this new arrangement. After all, think of the publicity the college will receive.
The fact that Meg is dropped like a hot potato is just one of the minor details of the new plan.
Meg’s brother Luke has helped her devise a good plan.
He will find her a new Mr Darcy. Meg will have 2 weeks to get this new Mr Darcy trained, fitted for his new wardrobe and ready to go. Meg and Luke are both very competitive and Meg agrees to this new plan. In fact, she will pay $5000.00 to hire her new Mr Darcy.
Meg wants to win.
The new Mr Darcy is Jeremy. He is one of Luke’s best friends. They have grown up together, gone to Stanford together and both of them at the age of 30 decided to change their lives. Both of these men wanted to find happiness in life. Luke became a musician and Jeremy has become a talented wood worker who produces hand made furniture and cabinetry.
Jeremy is a wonderful Mr Darcy. He is handsome and intelligent. He is kind and humorous. He is willing to stand up for his beliefs and he is also willing to defend anyone who needs defending. In short, he is everything that Harrison is not.
I really liked Jeremy.
Meg was a harder sell for me. She is a snob. She is judgmental. She enjoys believing the worst of everyone, particularly men. She also enjoys belittling people she believes to be less than she. She has a good sense of humor and that helped me find her not quite so distressing.
The nasty characteristics went on much too long for me.
I would have enjoyed this story more if she would begin to believe in Jeremy sooner. He continually showed her who he was and she continually ignored what she saw.
I am a huge fan of Ms Bowman’s historicals. This story has her usual intriguing plot and humor and characters who are entertaining.
But, Meg’s lack of warmth and understanding really made me feel as though Ms Bowman could have done better.
I hope to see the next story in the series. I reckon it will be Luke and his new musical career.
At least I hope.
Dr Meg Knightly is a devoted fan of Jane Austen. She has devoted her working life to her love of Ms Austen’s writing. Her boyfriend, Harrison, is also a historian. The two of them have been practicing and rehearsing for a Jane Austen convention in England. Harrison will be Mr Darcy and Meg will be Lizzie Bennett. It is a certainty that the two of them will win and have the prestige that goes with that win.
Meg is also counting on Harrison proposing marriage to her. After all they have been in a relationship for a very long time.
Then things change. Harrison is not going to the Austen convention with Meg. He will have a new partner, a movie star. Their department head is encouraging this new arrangement. After all, think of the publicity the college will receive.
The fact that Meg is dropped like a hot potato is just one of the minor details of the new plan.
Meg’s brother Luke has helped her devise a good plan.
He will find her a new Mr Darcy. Meg will have 2 weeks to get this new Mr Darcy trained, fitted for his new wardrobe and ready to go. Meg and Luke are both very competitive and Meg agrees to this new plan. In fact, she will pay $5000.00 to hire her new Mr Darcy.
Meg wants to win.
The new Mr Darcy is Jeremy. He is one of Luke’s best friends. They have grown up together, gone to Stanford together and both of them at the age of 30 decided to change their lives. Both of these men wanted to find happiness in life. Luke became a musician and Jeremy has become a talented wood worker who produces hand made furniture and cabinetry.
Jeremy is a wonderful Mr Darcy. He is handsome and intelligent. He is kind and humorous. He is willing to stand up for his beliefs and he is also willing to defend anyone who needs defending. In short, he is everything that Harrison is not.
I really liked Jeremy.
Meg was a harder sell for me. She is a snob. She is judgmental. She enjoys believing the worst of everyone, particularly men. She also enjoys belittling people she believes to be less than she. She has a good sense of humor and that helped me find her not quite so distressing.
The nasty characteristics went on much too long for me.
I would have enjoyed this story more if she would begin to believe in Jeremy sooner. He continually showed her who he was and she continually ignored what she saw.
I am a huge fan of Ms Bowman’s historicals. This story has her usual intriguing plot and humor and characters who are entertaining.
But, Meg’s lack of warmth and understanding really made me feel as though Ms Bowman could have done better.
I hope to see the next story in the series. I reckon it will be Luke and his new musical career.
At least I hope.
September 21, 2020
Hiring Mr. Darcy is an adorable and sweet contemporary romance from Valerie Bowman. This is Valerie Bowman's first contemporary novel (she writes fantastic historical romances) and I hope it isn't her last. This book feels like a love letter to fans of historical romance and I really enjoyed it.
This is a story of 30-something history professor and Jane Austen enthusiast Meg Knightly. Meg has a long term boyfriend in stodgy professor Harrison. Their relationship is all planned out and very orderly. Meg has a color coded planner she lives her life by and a future husband list that Harrison ticks all the boxes. Meg and Harrison are together because it's fairly comfortable for the both of them, but they both know there's no spark. Through a twist of fate (and a beautiful actress), Meg finds herself without Harrison as a partner for a Jane Austen Society Festival in Bath. Enter tall, dark, and handsome Jeremy Remington, the hired Mr. Darcy. He spins Meg's neat and orderly world and shows her that she shouldn't just settle, she deserves extraordinary.
I liked the dynamic change Meg undertook throughout the book to better herself and to become a woman who knows she deserves a right, honest, and true kind of love. Yes, she is judgmental and a bit mean at the beginning of the book (she's very much like Austen's Darcy), but we learn through tidbits that these are defense mechanisms from a rough childhood. To me, Meg felt very real and relatable. The story is told entirely in first person POV from Meg's perspective.
Jeremy is swoon worthy. He's sweet, kind, loyal. He's not afraid to put Meg in her place. He shakes up her world and it's a joy to read.
I hope there's a sequel in the works for Meg's brother Luke, and her best friend!?
The supporting characters were funny and got just enough page time. I loved the competition in Bath. This was a slow burn romance for Meg and Jeremy. Their journey takes a while for them to actually get together and admit their feelings. So if I had one complaint, it's that I wish we would have had more scenes of them together, as a true couple.
There were only a couple of fairly chaste kisses in this book, no sex scenes, but the kisses were plenty to get the butterflies stirred up.
I received an ARC of this book by the author, but my opinions are honestly and freely given.
This is a story of 30-something history professor and Jane Austen enthusiast Meg Knightly. Meg has a long term boyfriend in stodgy professor Harrison. Their relationship is all planned out and very orderly. Meg has a color coded planner she lives her life by and a future husband list that Harrison ticks all the boxes. Meg and Harrison are together because it's fairly comfortable for the both of them, but they both know there's no spark. Through a twist of fate (and a beautiful actress), Meg finds herself without Harrison as a partner for a Jane Austen Society Festival in Bath. Enter tall, dark, and handsome Jeremy Remington, the hired Mr. Darcy. He spins Meg's neat and orderly world and shows her that she shouldn't just settle, she deserves extraordinary.
I liked the dynamic change Meg undertook throughout the book to better herself and to become a woman who knows she deserves a right, honest, and true kind of love. Yes, she is judgmental and a bit mean at the beginning of the book (she's very much like Austen's Darcy), but we learn through tidbits that these are defense mechanisms from a rough childhood. To me, Meg felt very real and relatable. The story is told entirely in first person POV from Meg's perspective.
Jeremy is swoon worthy. He's sweet, kind, loyal. He's not afraid to put Meg in her place. He shakes up her world and it's a joy to read.
I hope there's a sequel in the works for Meg's brother Luke, and her best friend!?
The supporting characters were funny and got just enough page time. I loved the competition in Bath. This was a slow burn romance for Meg and Jeremy. Their journey takes a while for them to actually get together and admit their feelings. So if I had one complaint, it's that I wish we would have had more scenes of them together, as a true couple.
There were only a couple of fairly chaste kisses in this book, no sex scenes, but the kisses were plenty to get the butterflies stirred up.
I received an ARC of this book by the author, but my opinions are honestly and freely given.
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