The Best Part of Love in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2017

Jun 23, 2016 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

A reading of the published book after having read the unpublished story twice.

For those readers who like more than a straight forward romance, this is so very deliciously enthralling. It incorporates not only romance and mystery, twists and misunderstandings but also treason, betrayals, double and false identities, murder, salacious scandal and the rescuing of a certain lady in the night. We meet many of our familiar friends but also a young boy named Henry, his dog, Annie, and a titled family w A reading of the published book after having read the unpublished story twice.

For those readers who like more than a straight forward romance, this is so very deliciously enthralling. It incorporates not only romance and mystery, twists and misunderstandings but also treason, betrayals, double and false identities, murder, salacious scandal and the rescuing of a certain lady in the night. We meet many of our familiar friends but also a young boy named Henry, his dog, Annie, and a titled family with twin sons and an unassuming man named Hanley.

Elizabeth, just out in society, had gone to Bath with her Aunt Gardiner who is taking the waters after two miscarriages. There in a whirlwind courtship she marries a Lord Courtenay and is taken to Italy for a honeymoon where she becomes pregnant. They return to England and while on a trip alone to his estate Henry is murdered but buried quickly as his body is not found for several days.

Thus at the Meryton Assembly dance our Elizabeth is wealthy, titled and still mourning the loss of her husband at the hands of a murderer two years prior. However as the crime is related to a plot against the crown, she must be protected until the last of the criminals have been caught and dealt with. So a decree has been issued that no one can reveal her true identity. She is presented as Miss Elizabeth Bennet with a mother who, for some reason, looks down on any suitor for the hands of her daughters who does not possess a title. Sorry, Mr. Bingley – you don’t qualify.

So all that prejudice Darcy has against lower classes, against those without connections and pride in one’s own status are in reality laughable and in the end so ironic! With a title Elizabeth would be perfect match but he makes his classic faux pas and in an instant as she turns and passes him and looks him in the eye with a quirk of her eyebrow, Darcy is smitten. Oh, he fights it as we know from canon…BUT as you can imagine when upon returning to London and learning of her true identity and then thinking that he will immediately propose as she is “meant for him” she tosses his proposal in his face. (Sounds familiar?)

What you may find so very amusing is the fact that at one time or another in this tale both Darcy and Lady Courtenay have given permission to Lady Matlock to find a spouse for them. He needs an heir and a woman to guide Georgiana, while she needs a man to guide the next Lord Courtenay as he grows into his title. Thus as Darcy goes off to Netherfield with Charles Bingley, both Lady Matlock and her son, Colonel Fitzwilliam know whom he will meet there but say not a word. When they learn of his insult… “Oh, Darcy, what have you done?” “Fix this!”

Oh this story has so much angst and the lines delivered are so gut wrenching at times. I was warned to have my tissues at hand…so be prepared. Love gained, love lost, clues that turn up unexpectedly, and much anguish over accepting what seems to be the hand of fate to separate forever Darcy and Elizabeth.

A book to be read but at about 300 pages carve out some time.

First review was posted after reading the unpublished book from June 22 to 23, 2016. Even in rereading this the tears came and the angst had me glued to the pages. This is such a good story with some great surprises.

From the book...so sweet, "For while my experience in Hertfordshire taught me to believe in the notion of loving someone at first sight, it was not until I knew you in full that I could apprehend the notion of the best part of love." ...more

33 likes · Like · see review

Dec 16, 2016 Nicole Barton Sasser rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites, p-and-p, jaff, physical-library, review-on-amazon, 2017-austenesque-lovers-challenge, author-amy-dorazio

Status: Read January 10-11, 2017

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)

Review:
I was a little worried to start The Best Part of Love. I really wanted to love it, as the author is a highly-rated, beloved online fan fiction writer in the JAFF community (I tend to be a more critical reviewer and I genuinely did not want this to be all hype). As I am not keen on reading online, The Best Part of Love, as the author’s first published work, is my introduction to Amy D'Orazio.

And I was not disappointed! I thoroughly enjoye ...more

25 likes · Like · see review

Dec 24, 2016 Sophia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: review-requests, historical-romance, jane-austen-austenesque, historical-mystery-suspense

He is still proud, she is still prejudiced, but that is not even the deepest conflict of this story.

It was the stuff of the classic gothic romantic suspense-style storytelling. This was a Pride & Prejudice variation that Catherine Moreland of Northanger Abbey might have appreciated. I know I enjoyed it- every emotional, passionate moment of suspense and exquisite pain of heartbreak for this pair.

A plot to bring down the British Empire is foiled, but the traitors aren’t all in custody so a grie He is still proud, she is still prejudiced, but that is not even the deepest conflict of this story.

It was the stuff of the classic gothic romantic suspense-style storytelling. This was a Pride & Prejudice variation that Catherine Moreland of Northanger Abbey might have appreciated. I know I enjoyed it- every emotional, passionate moment of suspense and exquisite pain of heartbreak for this pair.

A plot to bring down the British Empire is foiled, but the traitors aren’t all in custody so a grieving young, widowed countess is sent into hiding to protect her and her newborn child. A whole village is sworn to silence. And into their midst comes an arrogant yet stalwart gentleman who falls in love at first sight with what he believes is a country miss whom he cannot have because her family’s status is beneath him. Only, it isn’t and he must make amends if he wishes to beat out all the other suitors for the wealthy young countess’ love.

I don’t really want to spoil the effect of a reader experiencing all the delightful surprises for themselves so I kept my summary short, but I will say that the story is altered from the very beginning. Best Part of Love asks what if Lizzy had married into the aristocracy, but must hide in plain sight while traitors and killers are still being rounded up? How would that change her personal and that of her family’s circumstances before Darcy comes along? How does this change Darcy’s courtship of Lizzy or Bingley’s for Jane? It was fun to see the new path of the story.

The story was a longer piece, but it needed that for plot and character development. The pacing never lagged. It had natural rises in tension to plot twists and a really intense climax with a nicely done denouement giving full satisfaction.

Now, this one does get emotional and has a doomed romance. There is angst, but I appreciate that it wasn’t spread on too thick. Just as the romance pair have their explosive moments, but it didn’t drag on. I loved that they were adults and acted like it. Darcy was quick to right a wrong and tender an apology just as Lizzy could do some self-evaluation and realize she wasn’t as adept as character analysis as she thought. Their courtship was a friendship first and then grew to something deeper and enduring so it could stand the test they were put to.

All in all, this was a fantastic story of love that stood against strong adversity. I can easily recommend it to historical romance fans who like a touch of the classic Austen and the gothic.

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

21 likes · Like · see review

Jun 16, 2016 Les rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austenesque

What I truly adore about the author is her imagination is just so creative. This is a P&P what if ... mystery, thriller, spy, love story.

In her 18th year Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn traveled to Bath with her Aunt Gardiner. There she met a man and fell in love. Incidentally this man was an Earl. They were quickly wed then off to continent so he could show her the pleasures of Italy. When Lizzy fell with child they returned to England. While off to visit his estate the Earl is killed; Lizz What I truly adore about the author is her imagination is just so creative. This is a P&P what if ... mystery, thriller, spy, love story.

In her 18th year Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn traveled to Bath with her Aunt Gardiner. There she met a man and fell in love. Incidentally this man was an Earl. They were quickly wed then off to continent so he could show her the pleasures of Italy. When Lizzy fell with child they returned to England. While off to visit his estate the Earl is killed; Lizzy is left a pregnant, teenage widowed, countess. And there is a plot afoot to over throw the crown - so Lizzy and her unborn potential heir are in danger. With the aid of the Earl & Countess of Matlock a plan is made to hide away Lizzy and if necessary the heir.

Two years later she is hiding in plain site in Meryton as plain old Lizzy Bennet while her child is raised by the Gardiners. When the Bingleys arrive Mrs. Bennet is as you have never seen her - while she cannot speak of Lizzy's grand marriage she has no interest in a man in trade for her daughters. I laughed outloud at some of her pronouncements. Further the Bingley sisters are baffled by Mrs. Bennet's airs. And Darcy is just as disdainful of Lizzy as Miss Austen recounted.

The author does an amazing job of chronicling the feelings of a young widow who was only married a short time. Her guilt and forgetting, her conflict as to whether to live her life or remain in mourning. And this Darcy is such a tool. That he seems to go out of his way to make Lizzy hate him.

When they meet again in London he is gobsmacked to discover that plain old Lizzy Bennet is the stunning, wealthy and influential Countess Courtenay. Thrilled that all his objections have been removed he hies off to propose to the Countess only to be slapped down But as we all know Darcy & Lizzy are fates for one another and soon they are betrothed.

But this course of true love is about to be disrupted when Lizzy's beloved first husband is found to be alive and she is returned to him. Yet we aren't done yet. There is drama, intrigue, and terror to come.

In this book Georgiana isn't the sweet, dear girl we have come to know and love; but a bold, brash flirt in the style of Lydia Bennet.

I cannot praise this book enough, it is truly unique. ...more

16 likes · Like · see review

Jul 09, 2016 Mary rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2020

Dear Reader,

Some stories just capture your imagination,entangle your heart and play havoc with your senses!! This is a prime example!!!

18 year old Elizabeth Bennet,young,charming and married to a peer of the realm!

20 year old Elizabeth Bennet,melancholic,grey and in need of a particular someone to refresh her memory of her youthful,spirited,forgotten self.

Enter stage left one Fitzwilliam Darcy. But,alas,the path that lies ahead of these two sparring individuals is one wreathed in doubt,myster ...more

15 likes · Like · see review

Dec 16, 2016 Claudine DiMuzio / Just Jane 1813 rated it it was amazing

My review and now giveaways too are up at Just Jane 1813. Thank you to all of my GR friends who visited today to check out my review!

Amazon also has the book available for purchase as an ebook and as a KindleUnlimited read.

http://justjane1813.com/2017/01/07/th... ...more

13 likes · Like · see review

Jan 20, 2017 Anna added it

Shelves: austenesque

Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric

The Best Part of Love by A. D’Orazio is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that is so very delightfully different from the original novel but maintains the traits of the characters we know and love. In this variation, Elizabeth Bennet is Lady Courtenay, widow of Henry Warren, Earl of Courtenay. The conspiracy surrounding her husband’s death force her to be separated from her young son, and after two years of hiding and mourning, Lord Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric

The Best Part of Love by A. D’Orazio is a variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice that is so very delightfully different from the original novel but maintains the traits of the characters we know and love. In this variation, Elizabeth Bennet is Lady Courtenay, widow of Henry Warren, Earl of Courtenay. The conspiracy surrounding her husband’s death force her to be separated from her young son, and after two years of hiding and mourning, Lord and Lady Matlock impress upon her the importance of finding a second husband, one who can protect her son and his inheritance. She returns to her family’s home in Hertfordshire, where she seeks refuge for a few months before the London season, coming to terms with the reality of her new life and finding comfort in simply being Elizabeth Bennet once again.

Then Mr. Darcy accompanies the Bingley party to Netherfield, and unaware of Elizabeth’s true identity, he immediately falls in love with her. However, his seemingly endless ability to insult her at every turn and his duty to marry someone of a higher social standing pose major obstacles to his happiness, and things aren’t made any easier when he learns she is Lady Courtenay, someone worthy of his notice. Darcy embarks on a mission to improve her opinion of him and become a better man, one worthy of her notice. Meanwhile, Elizabeth must learn how to move on with her life and understand the nuances of love. But soon the truth about Elizabeth’s marriage is revealed, and their newfound happiness is shattered.

Oh, how I loved this book! It is an emotional journey, and D’Orazio makes sure readers accompany Darcy and Elizabeth through all of the ups and downs. I teared up several times while reading this book, both tears of happiness and tears of sorrow. I felt like I was there as Darcy evolved into the best of men, accepting Elizabeth’s feelings for Henry and not expecting her to forget him — and when the truth left him tortured and alone. Elizabeth’s transformation from grief to sheer joy to despair was equally well done. D’Orazio also cleverly twists the characters to account for Elizabeth’s changed circumstances, with Mrs. Bennet looking down on Mr. Bingley due to his connections to trade and wanting Jane to make a better match, Jane storming off to Netherfield in the rain to follow her heart, and Darcy being accused of setting his sights on Lady Courtenay’s fortune.

The Best Part of Love hooked me from the very first page, and there was so much scandal, danger, romance, passion, and agony that it was hard to put down. D’Orazio takes her time developing Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship, especially given his bad first impression and Elizabeth’s need to process her loss, but the novel is perfectly paced. Some readers may have a hard time with Elizabeth having been married to another man and having his child, but I urge them to put those feelings aside and dive into the book head first. The Best of Love is among the best of variations, and I expect it will have a place on my Best of 2017 list!

I received a free copy of this book for review. ...more

12 likes · Like · see review

Jan 12, 2017 Madenna U rated it it was amazing

Shelves: rate-enjoyed-it, genre-jaff, 2022-austenesque-challenge, where-unlimited

Wow! There is so much wrapped up in this book. The mostly cannon Pride and Prejudice combined with a mystery and intrigue. Elizabeth and Darcy find their love and have to work hard to stay together. However, their issues are not the usual kind. I won't say much else as it would give away the story, but I would recommend it to others.

Apparently I like this story! Every few years it comes up again happily! ...more

11 likes · Like · see review

May 25, 2016 Dung rated it it was amazing

Shelves: austen-inspried, favorite-austen-inspired

Had the pleasure of reading this story when it was unpublished prior and now in the published format.

If you are looking for a P&P variation with mystery, intrigue, scandal, romance, love, humor, angst, adventure, and everything in between this is a story for you.

Definitely a page turner, the author has you turning the pages and keeping you up late to find out what happened next.

Although I had read it prior my memory was a bit fuzzy on the plot. It was driving me crazy not knowing why certain ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Jan 24, 2017 Talia rated it it was amazing

Perfection.

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 29, 2018 Teresita rated it it was amazing

An angsty but great story

Not a great fan of stories where Elizabeth and Darcy are in different pairings, this story captured my imagination and took me on a very interesting trip into misunderstandings, plots, intrigue and love.
Highly recommended!

2 likes · Like · see review