Mr. Darcy's Proposal in Explore the Many Genres of Jane Austen Spinoffs 2012 Reading Challenge

Dec 11, 2011 Erlynn (BooksHugBack) rated it it was amazing

If you love being tortured by Darcy and Elizabeth the way I do as the pair misunderstand each other and you truly enjoy having your heart ripped out every time these two fight, you will love the depression this story creates as much as I did! Be prepared to read 90% of the novel before coming to the happy reconciliation!

Mr. Darcy's Proposal is a what-if version that has Mr. Bennett ailing and Darcy coming to the rescue as he proposes marriage to Elizabeth. Despite her feelings of at best indiffe If you love being tortured by Darcy and Elizabeth the way I do as the pair misunderstand each other and you truly enjoy having your heart ripped out every time these two fight, you will love the depression this story creates as much as I did! Be prepared to read 90% of the novel before coming to the happy reconciliation!

Mr. Darcy's Proposal is a what-if version that has Mr. Bennett ailing and Darcy coming to the rescue as he proposes marriage to Elizabeth. Despite her feelings of at best indifference towards Mr. Darcy, she agrees to marry him in order to find protection for herself, her mother, and her sisters. Darcy knows Elizabeth is not in love, but he hopes to win her affection by changing and proving to her his worth and character.

I found it a little similar to Abigail Reynolds what-if version of Mr. Fitzwillam Darcy: The Lat Man in the World, but I loved that book, re-read it often, and pass it on to everyone, so I enjoyed the similarities. If you enjoyed that one, you too will love this one too!

I something wrong with me? I have no idea why I love having my heart wrenched inside-out every time Darcy and Elizabeth misunderstand or verbally abuse one another, but I love it and this novel provided plenty of it! I also loved that Lydia and Wickham were still included and used to progress the plot. So often in what-ifs these two are left out, or they don't end up being married, because they don't fit in the story any longer. I really enjoyed the author's version of this, as it brought Darcy and Elizabeth back together and it was reflective of the Jane Austen original.

Those who struggle with the Regency style and get bogged down or frustrated, may find this to be a good introduction or alternative. So many times people tell me they are hesitant towards Pride and Prejudice because you have to get use to the pace of the language. To be honest, I find the thick language addicting and seeking out difficult diction on purpose, but I understand others' hesitation. I found this writing style more simplistic and although the book is lengthy, it flies by because the dialogue is fast paced and aggressive.

Susan Mason-Milks has just recently posted an excerpt from her new book coming out. You can view it here on http://austenauthors.net/please-mr-darcy. I can't wait for it!
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Oct 03, 2011 Charlene rated it really liked it

This alternative start at Hunsford, but instead of Darcy proposing he realises that she has an ill opinion of him and he statizes on how to marry Elizabeth and win her love. As usual there are lots of misunderstanding and Darcy uses her father's illness to his advantage. Though it is a different premise I really don't feel that Darcy would be taking advantage of Elizabeth this way. That was really the only thing I was not comfortable with. Having said this I still enjoyed the journey. And as alw ...more

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Sep 23, 2011 Candy rated it really liked it

Shelves: austenesque

I always enjoy spending time with Darcy and Elizabeth. I especially like reading variations. This Pride and Prejudice variation begins in Hunsford, right before Darcy proposes to Elizabeth. Before he gets to the parsonage to propose, she receives a letter from Jane explaining that her father is seriously ill. He is not expected to live much longer and Jane pleads for her to come home quickly. In her distress, Elizabeth tells Darcy, who then offers her the use of his carriage. She questions why h ...more

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Oct 18, 2011 Jakki rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What if Mr. Darcy didn’t get a chance to make his dreadful proposal at Hunsford? What if Elizabeth’s father fell ill before any of his daughters were married? What if Mr. Darcy proposed a plan to save Elizabeth and her family? Susan Mason-Milks explores these questions in her debut novel, Mr. Darcy’s Proposal.

Throughout the book, Mason-Milks does a great job of showing rather than telling. Whether it’s tea stains on the carpet, horse riding or fun games splashing in the water and telling secrets What if Mr. Darcy didn’t get a chance to make his dreadful proposal at Hunsford? What if Elizabeth’s father fell ill before any of his daughters were married? What if Mr. Darcy proposed a plan to save Elizabeth and her family? Susan Mason-Milks explores these questions in her debut novel, Mr. Darcy’s Proposal.

Throughout the book, Mason-Milks does a great job of showing rather than telling. Whether it’s tea stains on the carpet, horse riding or fun games splashing in the water and telling secrets, the scenes are real, vivid, and memorable.

Watching Elizabeth slowly fall in love with Mr. Darcy was both entertaining and enjoyable. She may not have wanted her marriage to Darcy; however, Elizabeth realizes it is up to her to make the most of it. With each proffered handkerchief (as she is always finds herself without her own- and one of my favorite parts throughout the book), Elizabeth slowly begins to see a new side to Mr. Darcy, realizing he may not be as arrogant and dour as she first thought. Darcy, who still believes Elizabeth is a woman worth being pleased, is persistent in setting out to prove this. As their relationship progresses, each look, each smile, and each touch help build the passion and tension. For those who do not enjoy explicit amorous scenes, this novel will be one of interest as Mason-Milks allows the reader to sense the passion between the couple without the details.

Even though there are some intimacies, it takes quite awhile getting them there as they have to work through a myriad of misunderstandings. The roles of Master of Pemberley and Georgiana’s guardian have heightened Darcy’s authoritative demeanor. For a man used to giving commands and having his orders carried out without question, Darcy does not realize his motives could be viewed as anything but proper. However, suffering from trust issues, Elizabeth misunderstands Darcy’s reasons behind his actions. At times, Elizabeth feels she cannot approach Darcy with her problems, causing her to bottled-up her frustration until it cannot be contained any longer and explodes.

About the time I was tiring of all the misunderstandings, Darcy and Elizabeth finally get everything out in the open. Whew! With those problems behind them, they now must figure out how to make their relationship work. It was worth the wait.

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