Mr. Darcy's Pride and Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (The Darcy Novels, #3) in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Jun 21, 2016 Sophia rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance-english-welsh, jane-austen-austenesque, review-requests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mar 23, 2017 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: jane-austen, pride-and-prejudice

Mr. Darcy Perseveres!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Aug 17, 2016 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

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

But as I said Murphy’s Law reigns supreme. I don’t want to give away all that goes ...more

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Sep 12, 2016 Debbie rated it really liked it

Shelves: jaff

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

There's Mr. Bennet with a long buried secret affecting his judgement when it comes to giving his blessing to Darcy marrying E I thought Ms. Fairview was finished throwing roadblocks in front of Darcy and Elizabeth when Elizabeth finally accepted his (third!) proposal in Mr. Darcy's Challenge: A Pride and Prejudice Variation but, clearly, I was wrong! Mr. Darcy's Pride and Joy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation brings in a few more doozies. It's a whirlwind conclusion to an excellent trio of books.

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

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

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

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

First: (view spoiler)

Second: (view spoiler)

Third: (view spoiler)

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

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Jun 26, 2016 Deborah rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ja-read, 2016-austenesque-reading-challenge

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It can be read as a stand alone, but is better is better if it is read as the third in the trilogy. It is so frustrating having Mr. Bennet against the marriage of Elizabeth and Darcy and not giving his consent. Even though Elizabeth is of age to make her choice, I am glad Darcy proved himself. I enjoyed meeting the new character Travis, as he has an important role at the beginning of the story. A few old and new characters show up to cause mischief. I enjoyed haw ...more

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Apr 01, 2019 Teresita rated it it was amazing

Great ending!

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

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