In the Arms of Mr. Darcy

The Darcy Saga #4

by Sharon Lathan

If only everyone could be as happy as they are...

Darcy and Elizabeth are as much in love as ever-even more so as their relationship matures. Their passion inspires everyone around them, and as winter turns to spring, romance blossoms around them.

Confirmed bachelor Richard Fitzwilliam sets his sights on a seemingly unattainable, beautiful widow; Georgiana Darcy learns to flirt outrageously; the very flighty Kitty Bennet develops her first crush, and Caroline Bingley meets her match.

But the path of true love never does run smooth, and Elizabeth and Darcy are kept busy navigating their friends and loved ones through the inevitable separations, misunderstandings, misgivings, and lovers' quarrels to reach their own happily ever afters...

Praise for Sharon

"The everlasting love between Darcy and Lizzy will leave more than one reader swooning." -A Bibliophile's Bookshelf

"If you love Pride and Prejudice sequels then this series should be on the top of your list!" -Royal Reviews

"Sharon really knows how to make Regency come alive." -Love Romance Passion

"The way Ms. Lathan allows the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth to evolve is wonderful and will surely induce a contented sigh from all romantics." -Once Upon a Romance

"A heartfelt enjoyable story filled with passion and warmth. Beautifully written." -Anna's Book Blog

"Jane Austen fan or not-you're going to love this author's interpretation of life after the wedding as Darcy and Lizzy begin a honeymoon that looks to last forever. Very highly recommended reading." -CK2's Kwips & Kritiques

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Regency Romance

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Sharon Lathan is the best-selling author of The Darcy Saga, a 10-volume sequel series to Jane Austen’s "Pride & Prejudice."


Sharon began writing in 2006 and her first novel, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One was published in 2009.

Sharon is a native Californian relocated in 2013 to the green hills of Kentucky, where she resides with her husband of over thirty years. Retired from a thirty-year profession as a registered nurse in Neonatal Intensive Care, Sharon is pursuing her dream as a full-time writer.


Sharon is the co-creator of AUSTEN AUTHORS, a group blog for authors of Austenesque literary fiction.
Visit at: www.AustenAuthors.net

For more information about Sharon, the Regency Era, and her novels, visit her website/blog at: www.SharonLathanAuthor.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SharonLathanNovelist
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SharonLathan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsharonlathan
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sharonlathan62/_saved/

Reviews

[Hailee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mini review:

An ok read but the amount of sex Darcy and Elizabeth have is starting to annoy me however I like this book because some of the side characters in Pride and Prejudice get there own happily ever afters and some others show some real character growth. However the next books in the series seem to be heading in a direction that I'm not interested in so I think this is where I will take my leave of the series.

[Sandy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, as good as all of the books in this series have been, In the Arms of Mr. Darcy is my favorite. While we continue to follow Darcy and Lizzy through their life together, we also get some interesting side stories in this current edition.

One of my favorite parts of this series is now watching Darcy with his son, Alexander. His taciturn ways are a thing of the past, though he’s still definitely Master of Pemberley when needed. But to watch Darcy open up to affection and love has been fun and emotional. He’s carefree in his loving of Elizabeth and a doting father to Alexander, and he’s not afraid to show it.

The story in the beginning revolves around the christening of Alexander. Family and friends gather, as well those under Darcy’s care, to share in the joy of the occasion. This also brings forth memories for Darcy and he enjoys passing them forward to his son for the future.

There are also a couple of tragedies that mar life for the Darcys, one of which affects Fitzwilliam quite a bit. There is a fire at one of his factories in which men die, thus forcing a separation for the happy couple. They’ve not been apart of any length of time and this proves to be very difficult for them, as does the effects of the tragedy.

As much as Darcy has come out of his shell in this relationship, Lizzy has also found her place as more than mother and lover. When Darcy is frantic to be on his way to his responsibility in the aftermath of the factory fire, it is Lizzy who puts her foot down and becomes of the voice of reason, making Darcy face the fact his headlong rush into danger may affect his family as horribly as fire and death has affected those waiting for him. He may be Master, but Lizzy takes her role as wife seriously and lets him know it. The man he is eventually wins out as he recovers his senses at her words.

We also get an inside look at some of the secondary characters’ lives and the loves they find. I’m especially taken with Caroline Bingley’s new relationship with a man who knows what he wants, takes it, and makes Caroline’s blood race. This little tidbit totally fascinated me. I’m hoping I might put a bug in Ms. Lathan’s ear to think about a book based on this relationship. I think it would make for some terrific reading.

Richard Fitzwilliam, Darcy’s cousin, is also in love and his foray into this new emotion doesn’t go as you would believe or expect. I’m a little surprised at his interaction with Georgiana at the end of the book. This took a direction I never anticipated. While I enjoyed Richard’s part of the story and the eventual outcome, I feel there wasn’t quite enough emotion from Georgiana at that resolution. She’s young, just beginning to blossom, and her heart didn’t seem to feel all that involved emotionally quite enough for me.

Whereas, the opposite is true for Kitty, Lizzy’s sister, who receives a very emotional lesson due to the mores of society of the times. It’s a terrible lesson for any woman, especially when she’s shielded from the truth, but it had to be more so during that era. Kitty is a delightful character and I enjoyed getting to know her in this book. I hope to see more of her in the future.

Ms. Lathan’s writing is lyrical and perfect for this genre. I enjoy reading romance that has a hero and heroine working together to combat conflict instead of letting that conflict break them apart for any length of time. Darcy and Lizzy’s life/lives have turned out beautifully from the pen of Sharon Lathan. I said it once it before in my review of her books, but it bears repeating.

Jane Austen would be proud to read how her characters have flourished, lived, and loved in this continuation of her beloved story.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com

[Fuzzyscribble · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well... so... um... take the characters from Pride and Prejudice... and brainwash them. Then make them behave like dogs in heat... and you get the picture.

It's not romantic. It's not sexy. It's just... well. The Darcy we love from the books goes from being a darkly-romantic hero to a man ruled by his "member." The clever, cheerful and witty Lizzie... um... becomes flaky and frippy. I'm not sure what Ms. Latham thought she was doing to the characters... but honoring Austen's legacy wasn't it.

[Linda Banche · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Arms of Mr. Darcy is the latest installment in Sharon Lathan's joyous celebration of married love, Regency style.

A year has passed since Darcy's and Elizabeth's wedding. The story opens with a Christmas party at Pemberley where they introduce their brand-new son, Alexander. Compared to their tumultuous courtship, Darcy's and Elizabeth's lives are now mainly happy, with, of course, a little sturm und drang along the way.

Darcy must deal with the business and emotional fallout of a death that occurred when a cotton mill he owns burns down. A nervous Elizabeth and Georgiana suffer through the gyrations required for their presentation at court. The Darcys enjoy a trip to the Peaks District, except when a falling boulder threatens Elizabeth and Alexander. Darcy, true hero that he is, whisks them to safety.

Although Elizabeth and Darcy revel in domestic bliss, other members of their family are not so lucky. Elizabeth's sister, Kitty, enjoys and suffers through her first fluttering of love. And Col. Fitzwilliam's tentative romance with a lady who caught his eye years ago resurfaces. I love Col. Fitzwilliam's story. I've added him right next to Mr. Darcy on my Favorite Heroes list.

If most of these events sound ordinary, it's because they are. Ms. Lathan's genius is to spin the everyday occurrences of married life into a page-turner. In a world full of strife, this book full of happiness is a treat for all.

ARC provided by Sourcebooks

[Kelly Sohner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that this book was ok. It was a romance novel in a neoclassical cover. While it involved the characters from the original classic Pride and Prejudice, it contained none of the remarkable characteristics that made the characters classics to begin with. Mr. Darcy is so busy either crying or worrying, being proud of his wife or passionate that the debonaire character so beloved by women around the world has been reduced to nothing more then an emotionally psychophrenic lover. It was an interesting tale at some points and an utter bore at others. I do not think I will be reading any other books by this author.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those stories I read before I retired and began reviewing every book I read. I do want to reread all those stories which I did not review but as time has slipped by and I haven't done so, I just want to mark all those stories as "read" so I have a record of the true number of books in the JAFF sub-genre I have read. I am using the average rating at this time as I do not remember how I rated this story back when I read it. If I ever get around to rereading it I will look at my rating to make sure it is true to my opinion. It was published in 2010 so that is most likely when I read it.

[CindySR]

DNF. I don't like reading about Darcy and Lizzy's sex life in detail. It's not how I want to see them. I gave it 50 pages.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful. That word runs through my mind every time I pick up a book in this series by Sharon Lathan. In this 4th outing, it felt a lot like just spending some time with the Darcy family and their friends/relatives. Not a lot of high stakes drama --- just some pleasant time with them for the most part. I loved the way Ms. Lathan treated the blossoming of Georgiana and Kitty. I've always wanted to learn more about Colonel Fitzwilliam and hoped for a good match for him. I actually would have liked some more time on his story. I see the 5th book in the series will up the excitement factor and feature the return of Wickham! Bring it on.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading In the Arms of Mr. Darcy and absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! It was all I hoped for and more. Sharon if you read this... I am dying to read more about Caroline Bingley and her adventures in LOVE. As her brother and the Darcy's have made such an impact on her. It left me wanting more!!! Now on to your next book A Darcy Christmas.

[Shy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all five novels of the Darcy Saga in pretty much one go over the space of a week and as a result I find it easier to critique as a whole set rather than individually so this review covers all the five novels although I will assign a rating to each book:

1. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy
2. Loving Mr. Darcy
3. My Dearest Mr. Darcy
4. In the Arms of Mr. Darcy
5. The Trouble with Mr. Darcy

First of all, this book is for the hopeless romantics who want nothing more than to revel in detail in Lizzy's and Darcy's relationship post engagement. The forward to the first book unapologetically states that the author's introduction to Pride & Prejudice occurred with the 2005 movie and while she has since then read the original piece she has chosen to utilize the movie adaptation as her starting point so some details referred to are not from the novel but the changes are cosmetic.

I do not have issues with the author's level of writing skill so much. There's a fine line for me between where I fall into the story easily enough and where I find the poor writing to constantly intrude on my consciousness as I imagine myself through the story and these novels crossed the threshold fairly easily. That said, I never want to hear the word "stupendous" in my life ever again. Yes, adjectives abound as others have commented, but for some reason stupendousness rose above everything and by the third book it was like itching a mosquito bite; every time I encountered it I was irritated.

I am of two minds about the enormous proportion of love-making in the novels. I imagine 70% of the 5 novels put together is composed of nothing but their passionate and undying declarations of love for each other and amorous love-making. That said, there was no scene that felt distasteful or simply pornographic and gratuitous. It was very much newlywed bliss. However, two years on and having sex morning, noon and night in every room, every sheltered field, nearly every day through two pregnancies actually becomes mind-mumbing toward the end. It is quite romantic but the extended sustained pace eventually starts to beggar belief. I would not recommend these books to single people who are bitter about their status as no actual living, breathing human being will ever live up to the expectations or a relationship this book will set for you!

It is true that there is very little plot but again the author is not really apologetic as she has set out to chronicle the marriage, which does not always have a plot like every good novel should, but she has tried to inject a sense of drama into each book. The results are a a bit uneven. Whatever parts of the novel are not occupied by love-making are primarily relationship driven. The marriage is chronicled in GREAT detail, with Lizzy getting pregnant in the first novel and not delivering her child until the third! The first two books are quite similar - floating along evenly until the very end when some sort of crisis is reached requiring Darcy to rescue Lizzy. In fact, while I love the level of detail of the locations demonstrating the research, the third quarter of book 2 describing the daily journeying of their holiday nearly bored me until it was time for the 11th hour crisis.

The third book probably meandered most of all, with no particular focus of event other than the birth of their first child. It is probably saved by the developing characters involved in their life - the rounding out of Col. Fitzwilliam, Georgianna, the other Bennet sisters (Mary and Kitty) and the exploration of Darcy's uncle, George. This continues into the fourth book, where Kitty particularly begins to bloom into a three dimensional character. It is only the fifth book, however, that actually manages to introduce and to keep tension steady throughout, with classic foreshadowing and plot driven storytelling. The fifth was probably my favourite for this reason.

My biggest disappointment, however, is the author's abandonment of Jane Bingley (nee Bennet). While she certainly features as Lizzy's sister, carries on dialogue and even has some intimate conversations with Lizzy, we are never taken into her confidence in the same manner as we are with every other character. Even if only briefly, we become privy to the inner thoughts of Mary at the point of her courtship, and are given a startling insight into Kitty's maturation. We glimpse the evolution of Caroline Bingley. Col. Fitzwilliam's private turmoil is revealed in the 4th book. Even Wickham's own inner twisted logic is shown to us. However, the author never lets us see Jane other than through the eyes of another person and by the time I finished the 5th novel I was left with the feeling that Jane was left as a complete stranger to me. I am frankly shocked at this omission.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Arms of Mr. Darcy marks author Sharon Lathan’s fourth Pride and Prejudice sequel. As we journey to Pemberley and revisit the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, we take a slightly different path than her first three novels: In Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, Loving Mr. Darcy: Journey’s Beyond Pemberley and My Dearest Mr. Darcy: An Amazing Journey into Love Everlasting, which chronicled the first year of their marriage. We now experience Lizzie and Darcy’s life from a wider perspective. Still deeply in love, but more mature in their relationship, Lathan weaves in new conflicts/surprises/events into the story and expands the roles of familiar characters such as Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana Darcy, and Jane and Charles Bingley.

Picking up where My Dearest Mr. Darcy left off, the novel begins with the Darcy’s second Christmas celebration and the birth of their first son and heir to Pemberley, Alexander. Much to the chagrin of the “ton”, the Darcy’s refuse to employ a wet nurse preferring to care for their son themselves. Unfortunately, distressing news interrupts their joyous Christmas day celebration. A fire has broken out in one of the mills that Darcy is part owner of requiring his immediate attention. Much to Lizzie’s sadness, Darcy is forced to leave during the holiday, but promises to return for their son’s first month birthday.

As Darcy and Col. Fitzwilliam travel to the mill, we learn of Col. Fitzwilliam’s love for an old flame who has recently become a widow. Darcy is astounded that Col. Fitzwilliam believes he is ready to settle down and leave the military. The two share some wonderful moments together, truly showing what excellent friends they are, as well as cousins.

“Go easy on me Darcy. I think I am in love, yes, but I am caught up in my own Shakespearean tragedy.” … Timing is everything, I have come to believe. Certainly this is true in military matters, but also in life and love.”

On the way back, a blizzard erupts and Col. Fitzwilliam and Darcy find themselves amidst a murder mystery! I won’t tell you the particulars of the whodunit, but it was an interesting chapter to say the least. (I’m not sure if it’s because I recently read Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, but I felt like this chapter was influenced by that novel. There was much talk about the mill, the people who ran it, and their living and working conditions. It was a nice addition that added depth to the story).

Upon Darcy’s return to Pemberley we find Georgiana and Lizzie preparing for their introductions to society. Georgiana has begun her transformation into a proper young lady, discarding the blushes of her youth, for the bloom of an engaging young woman. We are also treated to the baptism of young Alexander and are given a great chapter showcasing how proud Darcy is of his son, and what a wonderful father he will grow to be. We are also given glimpses into the engagement of Caroline Bingley, Kitty Bennet developing her first crush and broken heart, and the birth of Jane and Charles’ first child, as well as some more lovely moments between Lizzie and Darcy.

Engaging, fast paced and searingly romantic, I highly recommend reading In the Arms of Mr. Darcy if you’re a true Lizzie and Darcy fan. Lathan creates multiple story-arcs in her novels and weaves the Darcy’s underlying love story through it all. Even though we experience a much more mature relationship between the Darcy’s, they are still infatuated with each other, and I am compelled to forewarn readers that there are many sexual scenes not only this novel, but Lathan’s first three as well. If you are not a fan of authors who take those kinds of liberties with Austen’s characters, then I say steer clear!

I have to say I enjoyed In the Arms of Mr. Darcy best of all of Lathan’s novels in the series because of how the supporting characters take a much stronger role. As much as I enjoy following Elizabeth and Darcy’s new life together, I was glad to see more of Col. Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, and Jane and Charles Bingley included as it added depth to the story. For me there are only so many times I can hear Darcy and Lizzie call each other pet names, or tell each other how much they love one another, and I was glad to be given a breather and thrust into the supporting characters lives.


You can read my review on: http://austenprose.com/2010/10/20/in-...

[Becky R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read many different takeoffs and mash ups of Austen's novels, I continue to hold Lathan's at the top of the list. There is something so fanciful and romantic about Sharon Lathan's depiction of Darcy and Elizabeth that I can't quite get enough! I was happy to see that in this installment the couple have really settled into their roles as man and wife, and are letting go of previous insecurities they might have had previously. While they have settled into their lives together, their passion and love for one another have only deepened. Yes, we are privy to their passionate relationship as it continues to unfold, but it is done in a beautifully mature sort of way. Let's be honest here, who wouldn't want to continue to have a passionate relationship with the love of one's life? If one is willing to suspend a certain belief that this iconic couple have been cemented into the pages of Austen's novel, then these books will allow the couple to live and breathe on into a beautiful, complicated and lovely future.

Although the story mainly centers on Darcy and Elizabeth, we learn much more about the people in their lives, such as their single sisters and friends. Caroline Bingley makes an appearance in this installment and strikes out to find a match for herself. Honestly, I wanted to hear more about her search for love, not enough to fill chapters at a time, but was genuinely interested in her struggles enough so that a few more mentions of her would have been well received. I also was surprised at how much I wanted to read on about Darcy's sister Georgiana and Elizabeth's sister Kitty. Usually I'm annoyed when a writer takes away from our main characters, but I didn't feel this at all in this novel, partly because our time with them is so judiciously spent. I will say though that considering the turmoil that poor Georgiana experiences at the end of this installment, I have a feeling that more is to come for this sweet character.

As with each of Lathan's previous novels, the language and style of her writing has a melodic charm to it that carries you through each line and chapter. The sweetness of the writing adds depth to the story and leaves you wanting to escape into it more. There are still the characteristic meanderings, journeys, and felicitous lounging to please any lover of Regency style and romance. This happy, romantic couple is at no loss of love or happiness in the novel to keep any reader sighing along with them.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth in the Darcy Saga and by far the best in tone and adventure. So much happens in this installment with the circle of characters around our leads Darcy and Elizabeth. You can read the other reviews for the complete list of events, I will only make generalizations. No need to be redundant.

Those familiar with the installment style writing can enjoy the journalistic reporting of events and happenings of the times. You have parties, soirées; Darcy called away on business and his adventures, the Christening of the heir of Pemberley, the choosing of godparents, the annual masquerade, Caroline FINALLY meeting her match, Georgiana and Elizabeth presented at the Court of St. James, the ball as Georgiana Darcy debuts, heartbreak for Kitty, Georgiana growing up, Elizabeth finally getting to see the Peak District, the travel log reports of sights and places as they travel, Colonial Fitzwilliam’s adventure toward finding love, Kitty finding an attraction at a ball, and when Elizabeth catches a cold, Darcy takes her to the mineral spas at Matlock Bath…with surprising results.

There is adventure, intrigue, infamy, death, shock, hurt, heartbreak, excitement, and rescues, near death experiences, love scenes that are sweet and endearing, so much more exciting than in past books [and yes there are still those love scenes that are over the top, with repetitive language…how many times can you say I love you, I adore you, I can’t live without you, in a scene]. You can feel the general affection as our couples finally make it to the wedding chapel and are now happily married. We are brought up to date on those marriages, plus the arrival of baby Bingley.

I will admit there are places that drag and you can easily kip over them, it does not hurt the overall enjoyment of the book. I noticed in other reviews… complaints where characters were introduced and then dropped. Actually, for several of those characters that was their purpose. They came and they went. Some were introduced like extras are used for a scene in a movie or play. Otherwise you have characters acting in a void with no one to interact with. They served their purpose and then left. I can see where it can be disconcerting, but I was not offended. The one exception was the love interest of Caroline Bingley. Oh, I wanted to see more of him. No spoiler alert***you have to read it to enjoy her meeting her match. That would have been a good chapter.

[Lisa Whitaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not realize when I downloaded this book that this is a later installment of a series. Nor did I realize how apt the title is for what awaited me in the book. That could be positive or negative depending on one's point of view. I found the marital bliss sections ran on too long and occurred too often to the detriment of the rest of the plot. As an Austen fan, I naturally am happy that Elizabeth and Darcy are proven to be so well-suited as husband and wife, and I enjoy the author's ideas of what the lives of the secondary characters might entail; but early on I found myself skipping pages at a time to get to the next part of the narrative. A well-written bedroom scene when it advances the story is welcome, but I personally don't need one in nearly every chapter to keep my interest, particularly when the rest of the plot is interesting enough on its own. That said, I know there are other readers out there that feel differently and so this will probably please them very much. It's just not my cup of tea. I am on the fence about whether I will seek out what is obviously meant to be another installment in the future, as I would like to discover what happens to characters such a Georgiana and Kitty, as well as the Darcys and their other family members and friends, but I'm pretty much over the bedroom exploits of these characters.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my book review blog Rundpinne.

I have stated before that at heart I am a Pride and Prejudice purist and yet I have immensely enjoyed and continue to enjoy Sharon Lathan’s take-offs or continuations of Pride and Prejudice. In her latest release, In the Arms of Mr. Darcy, Lathan continues to bring the Regency period to life, not only through her eloquent and descriptive writing, but also through her characters well known to any Pride & Prejudice fan. Elizabeth and Darcy continue to shine and as spring turns a young man’s thoughts to fancy, it also holds true for women and in the novel, love is in the air. In the Arms of Mr. Darcy flew by all too quickly as I was swept up by the romance, the seasons, and the Regency period. Beloved Lizzy and stoic Darcy wind their way through society and all the glorious and not so glorious merriment, romantic notions, flirtations, and maybe just make it through the season intact. I heartily recommend In the Arms of Mr. Darcy to those who enjoyed Pride & Prejudice and have always wanted to know what may have happened next.

[Lindsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed in this book. The language in this book was just too sappy and got irritating after awhile. It seemed like every other sentence had Lizzie and Darcy calling each other "my heart" or "lover". This just doesn't seem in character for these two. Can you imagine Darcy saying: "You heal me with your devotion. You infuse me with your life and verve and goodness. I now have the strength to share the remainder of my trip with you" ? I enjoyed Mr Darcy Takes a Wife by Berdoll FAR better as a romance/behind-bedroom-doors take on the Darcys after marriage.

[Samantha McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fabulous that I am quite sad that I have finished it! In the Arms of Mr Darcy is the fourth installment of Lathan's P&P continuation and is just as good as its predecessors. A must read for anyone who has already read her first three books!

Now a four month wait until her next book is released! How will I endure it!?

[Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series !!! Latham put so may intimate details into her Darcy couple... Let me count the ways I love this series!!! The Darcys really do have the perfect life; a little more angst would've been good but I was just as happy to go along with them on this journey into being rich, beautiful and newly married!!!

[Laura Hartness · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant Pride & Prejudice sequel, but could have used a little more plot and fewer sex scenes. Read my full review here:

http://calicocritic.blogspot.com/2010...

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Christmas present and I also received a Kindle. So... I decided to purchase it as a Kindle book and then I could have my Kindle and my book too! I also downloaded Pride and Prejudice for free so I think I am going to spend a lot of time with Mr. Darcy.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put this book down as needed to complete academic work but recently picked back up again and remembered how I was enjoying it :)

[Dianna Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. In my opinion not my favorite of the series, but that is not to say I didn't love it because i did

[C.C. Cortez · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I find the author's inspiration from her own marriage and the virtues of her husband appealing, another run through the editing process would improve this novel for a couple of reasons. There are times when the wording of the text reads awkwardly. NOTE: Both study for academic and personal entertainment purposes has familiarized me with literature written in the regency era, so the peculiarities of expression at that time do not bother me unless it is a modern attempt clumsily done. And many of the descriptions - of places for example - fail to draw interest, so one finds themself scanning over the page to arrive at something able to attract their attention. Then, there are moments when the story wanders. Why? How does this foray support the narrative? SPOILERS: Lathan has talent, and she has written a few Darcy family adventures. Therefore, one speculates the tale teasers In the Arms of Mr. Darcy possesses may lead to further publications. Will we see an evolution of character for Caroline and Lord Blaisel that makes them better people through a love they are not looking for yet is transformative? Kitty has been burned. Just how will she handle a budding relationship with Randall Artois, and how will they even get the opportunity to meet again with him in the military? And what about Georgiana and the musically inclined heir? Does Lathan have a mind to write a story for them?

[lori huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good author

I'm persevering in reading this series because I like Sharon Lathan. She's a reliably talented author, and knows how to spin a story. The difficulty is in reading one book after another filled with Elizabeth and Darcy having wild sex and professing their ardent love, again and again, ad nauseum. As much as I appreciate romance and ardor, this is too much even for me, and I find myself skimming a good portion of each chapter just to get to the interesting parts.

Fortunately, there are several points of interest in the story. The characters of Colonel Fitzwilliam, Georgiana and Kitty Bennett get developed, as well as the Darcy's first child Alexander. There is some nice drama, heartbreak, and even some villainy. These interludes kept my interest from waning amid all the predictable hot bedroom scenes.

I felt the book could have been greatly condensed by leaving out at least half of the love scenes. Although I did a lot of skimming, I don't feel like I missed much. There was also a good amount of description devoted to various towns visited, clothing worn, meals consumed, historical data. While I enjoy some of the detail, it was a bit excessive. A certain amount of backstory or description is absolutely necessary, but too much just seems like filler to lengthen the book.

The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it, while wishing it was more concise.

[Rachelklara of YHVH · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Artistic creativity is food for the brain! Keeps the nerve's firing, eh, Mr. Bennet?" ~George Darcy
"I am of the opinion that talent of all kind, whether it be musical or architectural or scientific or any of a million other realms are all gifts inspired of God &, therefore, to be acknowledged & pursued extensively, otherwise it is an insult to the Giver. As the Declaration penned by the founders of the Americas states, 'all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator.' No tasks are too menial or unnecessary, Miss Bingley." ~Mary Bennet
"Colonel Fitzwilliam, commander of soldiers in numerous battles, warrior & dealer of death in times of war, was no stranger to the evil that haunted this world. There were things he had seen, things himself had done in the name of Country & Honor that no one knew, not even Darcy. He was far from innocent, by any stretch of the imagination. Serving the Crown was frequently the polar opposite of glorious. It was more often ugly, dirty, brutal, messy, repugnant, & hellish. the contemptible reality of the baser elements had hardened his heart to a great degree. Nothing truly shocked him."

[Lynn Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the biggest disappointment of Jane Austen’s "Pride & Prejudice" was that it took us through all the twists and turns of Elizabeth and Darcy’s blossoming romance, only to stop short immediately after they became engaged and got married. Enter Sharon Lathan, author of the Darcy Saga, a series of books written to follow the Darcy newlyweds into their first few years of marriage.

I LOVED getting to see Lizzy and Darcy as a married couple! Watching a fledgling love develop into a solid marriage as a young couple becomes a family; seeing beloved characters grow in an everyday, real life setting as opposed to an extreme set of circumstances – it’s an unusual treat, and reassuring to know that marriage can be just as interesting as falling in love.

I have more to say on these books (and others!) in my blog! Check it out here:
https://www.lynnwallaceauthor.com/blo...

[Jenn Nolen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so tedious to read. It's smutty and juvenile.

The author sometimes attempts to match the speaking style of the Regency, but then tosses phrases such as "incredibly cute baby" into the mix.

The characters from P&P are all there, but that's all I can say because they have lost all of their...well...character. No depth. No real conflict. Darcy is perfect in every way. Lizzie is perfect in every way. Their son is perfect in every way.

If you like cheesy romance novels then you'll probably enjoy this book. If you are a true Austen fan then I encourage you to look elsewhere.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 4 and it has been some time in between the 3rd and this one. I almost forgot but as I read it all came back. It is still a slow moving story which after a little bit of a break was off putting but I remembered why I enjoyed it. Many stories bring up a major plot point that is unpleasant for ODC and this is more of the normal day to day things... we need stories like this. It is a balm to the high intensity ones.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely more plot in this book. It was great to hear more story than sex. I feel that the balance between the two topics is better this time.
A lot of the characters get attention including Kitty Bennet & Georgiana Darcy & Cornel Fitzwilliam. I certainly did enjoy this book more than the others. Unfortunately you do need to read the others to understand what is happening in this book. I recommend this series to adults who love regency.

[Hillary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was weird. A lot of things happened with no particular attention toward advancing any plot, and when Darcy and Elizabeth went traveling the novel suddenly became a Regency travelogue. There was also a lot of sex, which was well written but rather explicit for a Regency style novel. Darcy being "BABY!!!" was pretty affordable, though.