Falling for Mr. Darcy in Explore the Many Genres of Jane Austen Spinoffs 2012 Reading Challenge

Aug 27, 2012 Jakki rated it really liked it

In KaraLynne Mackrory’s debut novel, Elizabeth Bennet is not the only one falling for Mr. Darcy. Before I even finished chapter one, I was falling for the gentleman from Derbyshire.

In Falling for Mr. Darcy, Fitzwilliam Darcy happens upon Elizabeth after she has injured her ankle. Rushing to her aid, Mr. Darcy almost forgets all propriety. Elizabeth, who finds the man overbearing and prideful, must submit to Mr. Darcy’s plea to assist her. After reluctantly allowing Mr. Darcy to escort her home, In KaraLynne Mackrory’s debut novel, Elizabeth Bennet is not the only one falling for Mr. Darcy. Before I even finished chapter one, I was falling for the gentleman from Derbyshire.

In Falling for Mr. Darcy, Fitzwilliam Darcy happens upon Elizabeth after she has injured her ankle. Rushing to her aid, Mr. Darcy almost forgets all propriety. Elizabeth, who finds the man overbearing and prideful, must submit to Mr. Darcy’s plea to assist her. After reluctantly allowing Mr. Darcy to escort her home, Elizabeth’s sensibilities are tested, as well as Mr. Darcy’s resolve to keep this unsuitable woman at bay. Despite his inner struggle to resist the temptation Elizabeth is providing, Darcy proves he is a gentleman of honor time and again.

Both characters face a multitude of inner struggles as they learn more about the other. While she cannot change her mind about Darcy simply after one pleasant morning, Elizabeth finds herself analyzing his behavior, only to conclude that first impressions may not always be accurate. Here, Elizabeth struggles to keep her growing emotions in check as she knows Mr. Darcy is significantly above her station in life. While Darcy’s emotions are growing beyond measure, he acknowledges his primary duty to his family. Marrying someone from the first circles is what must happen. Will Darcy and Elizabeth be able to disregard their feelings, or will they prove too strong and temping?

There are many elements I favor in Austenesque literature. I just melt at a protective, honorable Darcy and get excited at a villainous Wickham, who provides a perfect foil to Darcy. Mackrory gave me both without too much angst, maintaining the book’s lighthearted feel. Another facet I have a fondness for is playful and witty banter. Falling for Mr. Darcy is full of such dialogue. Finally, I find I can never get enough of a greasy Mr. Collins and a blind Caroline Bingley. I let out several unladylike chuckles from descriptions of Mr. Collins to Caroline’s pungent perfume.

While this book lends itself to being a light and pleasing read, there came a point when I wondered when we would get past the minor internal struggles and into some more tension-filled moments. It was about that time the characters’ deeper inner struggles began to take off as well as a few external ones involving Wickham and Lady Catherine. This shook up the plot just enough to keep it moving without losing the tone or cheery feel. Ms. Mackrory also added a few new and unexpected twists to the plot, furthering my enjoyment of this work.

With its lighthearted, heartfelt, amusing tone, Falling for Mr. Darcy is a perfect piece for an afternoon pick-me-up.

FTC DIsclaimer: Review copy provided by publisher

Originally posted on www.leatherboundreviews.blogspot.com
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Jun 24, 2012 Candy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: austenesque

Loved it! This is one to put in my top favorites! I love Pride and Prejudice variations and Falling for Mr. Darcy did not let me down!

Recognizing his feelings for Elizabeth, Darcy counts the days until he can leave Hertfordshire. Taking a morning ride, he comes across Elizabeth sitting on a log in a grove of trees. Suddenly a strong gust of wind causes a tree to fall over, nearly hitting Elizabeth. Stumbling backward to avoid being hit by the tree, Elizabeth injures her ankle. Unable to get hom ...more

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Apr 29, 2012 Charlene rated it really liked it

"Falling for Mr Darcy" was a wonderfully fun and light P&P alternative. In this novel Elizabeth literally falls for Mr Darcy and he comes along and rescues her and brings her back home to Longbourn. This alternative has many positives and though it does have some angst it was an easy fast read. Loved how we get to see the real Mr Bennet. Darcy was still the proud and duty bound hero we all love and Lizzy is still a little impertinant! And of course we cannot forget the rogue Mr Wickham!! This bo ...more

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