Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016 discussion
Challenge Levels
>
Mr. Bennet's Library 101+ Books
Sheila wrote: "Here's my reading challenge list so far::1.) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls 3.5 stars
2.) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies 3 stars
3.) [book:Pr..."
WOW! Good Job
Wow, Sheila! I wish I could read them as quickly as you do, and you still manage to write such good reviews of them too.
Thank you, Ceri, for the compliment. It is so much easier to devote hours to reading when the children are grown and you retire. : )
Sheila wrote: "Here's my reading challenge list so far::1.) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls 3.5 stars
2.) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies 3 stars
3.) [book:Pr..."
My goodness, Sheila, you have been a busy reader!
So agree. Spent 42 years reading 4th grade to 12th grade books for my students. To pick and read something I wanted to read was once in a blue moon! Being retired, I can read what I want, when I want!
Amen, sister, amen. I was a teacher for a short time plus having 3 of my own so I used to make sure I read Newberry and Caldecott winners books and checked the books the local library recommended. So I also spent a lot of time reading at that level but not as much as you I am sure. Now I still try to read some of what my grown children read, i.e., Twilight, Game of Thrones, The Hunger Games, Shannara series, Star Wars... books and/or movies and I do enjoy those but give me Jane Austen or a good historical romance any time now.
Currently Reading #10 of the year - Accusing Elizabeth: A Pride & Prejudice Variation. So Far...
1. Lucky 13: Matchmaking and Misunderstandings - Rated 4 Stars
2. That Girl, Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Story - Rated 2 Stars:
*** Received a copy in exchange for an honest review ***
This was just okay for me. I could not get invested in the characters. Goodreads defines “it was ok” as two stars. Many probably think that a two-star rating is really bad, but I use a literal interpretation for my ratings. “it was ok” = 2 stars.
3. Less Proud and More Persuasive: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella - Rated 3 Stars:
~ Enjoyable Novella ~ The author did warn us that this was written in third-person present tense, however, I just need to say that the story and the flow would have been much better served if written otherwise.
4. Thoroughly Modern Charlotte: Romance, Third Millennium Style - Rated 3.5 Stars:
*** Gift from author - provided with no expectation of, or promise of a favorable review. ***
5. Darcy's Denial: A Pride and Prejudice variation - Rated 4.5 Stars:
Okay...
So I WAS going to say: Glad I waited until Book 2 is out, or I would have been one unhappy girl!
... Then I realized I read Book 1 too fast and have two days to wait for the release of Book 2 :(
ARRRGH!!!
6. Honeymoon at Pemberley Cottage: Sultry Austentatious Tales - Rated 2.5 Stars:
I enjoyed the previous one due to it being hot and having more of a/better plot then similar type stories. This, it's continuation, was all heat with a lackluster plot unfortunately. Still fun though.
7. Darcy's Deliverance: A Pride and Prejudice variation - Rated 5 Stars
8. A Will of Iron - Rated 4 Stars
9. A Little Whimsical in His Civilities - Rated 2 Stars:
I realize this was suppose to be clever, but it just did not come across as entertainingly clever... Like it was tying too hard to be clever. I do not know. Just okay for me.
Can view my bookshelf for this challenge at https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
Mod
I like Nicole's format, too. (And her list!) I previously posted my first 9 books. I've been busy reading since then. I did reviews for most of them and some are quite long. Anyone who's interested can just go to the book description and mine will be one of the reviews. Here goes:10. Lydia Holds Her Tongue: A Pride and Prejudice Sequel- 5 stars
11. Mr. Darcy's Brides: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 3 stars
12. Sway - 5 stars
13. Thoroughly Modern Charlotte: Romance, Third Millennium Style - 4 stars
14. Sense and Sensibility - 5 stars
15. Pride and Prejudice: Stage Version - 5 stars
16. Unleashing Mr. Darcy - 5 stars
17. A Little Whimsical in His Civilities - 5 stars
18. Echoes from Pemberley - 5 stars
19. Decisions and Consequences: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - 3 stars
20. Accusing Elizabeth: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - 5 stars
21. Love Lasts Longest: Alternate Short Tales of Pride and Prejudice - 4 stars
22. Surprises At Rosings - 2 stars
23. Killing Wickham: A Pride and Prejudice - Novella - 2 stars
24. Pride & Prejudice... & Shakespeare - 5 stars
25. Darcy's Denial: A Pride and Prejudice variation - 5 stars
26. Darcy's Deliverance: A Pride and Prejudice variation - 5 stars
27. Undeceived: Pride & Prejudice in the Spy Game - 5 stars
28. Rosings Park: A Novel - 4 stars
Sophia wrote: "Amazing, Nicole! I love how you did your update."Thank you :)
Mod
Another one going to town. Looks like a blend of fantastic and just okay. I am so curious about that Lydia one just on the title alone. Haha!
It's fairly short, and you can read it for free if you have Kindle Unlimited. I really liked it - well, I guess that's obvious since I gave it 5 stars! You should check it out.
Mod
I read A Father's Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation yesterday. Even though the story is a bit nutty, I enjoyed it very much. I love how much support Elizabeth received at certain key points in the book. If you can handle outrageous premises, then I would recommend the book. I really liked it.Today I read My Beloved Betrothed. I have become a fan of this author for her crazy, extreme plots. This one was less intense than others and had a lower body count which left me kind of sad. I love seeing most of the characters killed off. It is so much fun. Although, this book reads better than some others by this author, there was some key elements that I felt needed to be expounded that were simply left out or hurriedly explained away in a couple of sentences. I was hoping for scenes of Darcy lying on a rock, holding Elizabeth's token, clinging to life, etc. but not a wet-Darcy in sight. Sigh.
The other book I read today was My Beloved Betrothed. Clueless Darcy. The anticipation of waiting for him to truly understand what happened that night. It was all so worth it. Loved it!
Mod
Body count? Oh boy, I'll have check out this curious story.
Nice job of finishing off a few more books for the challenge, Talia.
Hi everyone! I must admit to being a little intimidated to join this 101+ thread, but I've already read a bunch this year--and I wouldn't mind having some others around me who share my insanity--so here I am. :-) My favorite variations are Pride and Prejudice where Elizabeth and Darcy are forced to marry before they have resolved all of their issues, so any recommendations are welcome!I liked the format others have used for their lists, too, so I'm gonna go with that. The ones I've read so far this year are:
1. Remembrance Of The Past - 4 stars
2. A Death at Rosings: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - 3 stars
3. Compromised! - A Pride & Prejudice Variation - 3 stars
4. A Most Civil Proposal - 3 stars
5. Pirates and Prejudice - 4 stars
6. Mr. Darcy's Promise - 4 stars
7. When They Fall in Love: Darcy and Elizabeth in Italy - 2 stars
8. An Arranged Marriage - 4 stars
9. Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man - 3 stars
10. What Would Mr Darcy Do? - 4 stars
11. Mr. Darcy's Rival - 4 stars
12. Poor Mr. Darcy: A Pride & Prejudice Novella - 4 stars
13. A Constant Love: A Pride & Prejudice Continuation - 4 stars
14. The Last Man in The World - 5 stars
15. Accusing Elizabeth: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - 4 stars
16. One False Step: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 3 stars
17. Rumours & Recklessness: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 4 stars
18. Mr. Darcy to the Rescue: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 3 stars
19. Mr Darcy's Reluctant Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 2 stars
20. The Second Mrs. Darcy - 1 star
21. Earning Darcy's Trust: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - 3 stars
22. Even More Ardently - 4 stars
23. Sketching Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice alternative journey - 3 stars
24. Mr. Darcy's Persistent Pursuit: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 4 stars
I see your only 5 star is one of my favorites by Abigail Reynolds. I have read all of hers at least once if not more and sometimes it is just parts of the book.
I'm with Sheila. Abigail Reynolds is definitely an A+ author, and I've often reread all or parts of her various books. Great list, Eliza. I think you're more intimidating to us than we are to you!
Eliza wrote: "Hi everyone! I must admit to being a little intimidated to join this 101+ thread, but I've already read a bunch this year--and I wouldn't mind having some others around me who share my insanity--so..."You mentioned liking "forced marriage" scenarios. Have you read Suddenly Mrs. Darcy by Jenetta James?
Eliza, I'm in awe! So many already this year. Like Debbie and Sheila, Abigail Reynolds is one of my favourite JAFF authors too and I think I have all of her books on Kindle and/or audio. There are 9 on your lost that I've already read and another 3 on my TBR list. Must check up on the other 12.
Abigail Reynolds so far has been love or hate for me. I've read 4, with 2 2-star and 2 4/5-star. I've been avoiding some of hers that have pre-marital sex in them, because I'm not usually fond of that for Elizabeth and Darcy...but I may end up giving in and reading them eventually anyway, because I like her writing style even when the story is not my favorite.Debbie - Yes! I loved Suddenly Mrs. Darcy. I read it first last year and actually reread it (well, skimmed to the good parts...) recently.
PS - Believe me, reading this many books in such a short period is actually really unusual for me. I've been on an addicted binge, and I haven't been able to help myself! Plus, some of them are relatively short compared to other genres I read, so it feels like I fly through them.
I know what you mean about pre-marital relations between E & D, I'm not a fan either. I love Abigail Reynolds' books aside from that aspect though. In fact m, my two favourite Austenesque reads are by her, The Last Man in the World, and Mr Darcy's Obsession. If you like forced marriage scenarios, have your tried An Arranged Marriage by Jan Hahn? It's not quite a forced marriage but it's a very reluctant one :)
Fan fic: His Choice of Wife by Dolly. Great story with premarital relations. But well done, IMO. I'm not usually a fan either, but when it makes sense... I can go with it.
Mod
I enjoyed pouring over your list remembering some and seeing several I need to still read. I'll think about the forced-marriage scenario. I've read a few, but I'm bad about titles. :)
Ceri - Yes, I've read An Arranged Marriage, and it was great. I'm afraid I'm starting to run out of stories with that trope, which would be a shame! (I guess I'll just have to reread all the ones I've found. Darn.)Claudine - I haven't explored the non-published fics much, and obviously the ones with premarital sex even less, but I'll bookmark that one to try. Thanks!
Sophia - Thanks! I'm bad at titles, too, and I've read so many of these now that I'm entirely dependent on the reviews I wrote to remember which was which. I'd love to hear any recommendations you can find! :-)
Do you read fanfic at all, Eliza? One of my favourites on A Happy Assembly website is a forced marriage scenario. It's called 'Being Mrs Darcy' and although there are sex scenes there is nothing pre-marital. It's a forced marriage on both sides, as Elizabeth intervenes in Georgiana's near-elopement in Ramsgate and ends up marrying Darcy to stop scandalous talk. It's very long but it's good, and an unusual premise.
Is it this one, Ceri? https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... I haven't read a lot of the non-kindle stories...mostly because I simply haven't run out yet! :-) I don't mind sex in stories, but just have a hard time imagining that Darcy would ever risk Elizabeth's reputation by doing it before marriage. I'll add this to my list--thanks!
Yes, that is the one. It's very long, which I think is probably because it was initially posted in installments. It's a favourite of mine because it's just such an interesting take. They meet under such unfavourable circumstances, so he goes into the marriage feeling really resentful at the situation and very disappointed and it takes him a looooong time to realise that she felt the same way and wasn't thrilled at landing herself a husband whose social standing was higher than hers. We know he has the potential to change though :)I agree with you re. the pre-marital sex; I don't think he'd risk her reputation, and I don't think she'd risk her sisters' reputations, they are not Wickham and Lydia!
It's amazing, Being Mrs. Darcy, IMO, and I can email you as a word doc if you want to then email and read on your kindle. Message me if you want it.
I am a little late to the party because I couldn't decide what level to pick. I only read 50 JAFF last year but managed 99 total books for the year and that was with an almost three month hiatus due to work craziness. So I am shooting high and opting for the Mr Bennet level :)I am currently reading #12 Unleashing Mr. Darcy since the Hallmark movie came out, which I just watched today actually.
1. A Constant Love: A Pride & Prejudice Continuation - I gave it 4 stars but it was probably more like 4.5 stars if I had been able to read it with less interruptions.
2. Sketching Character - 4.5 Stars
3. The Unthinkable Triangle: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 5 Stars
4. Yours Forevermore, Darcy - 4.5 Stars
5. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins's Widow: An Elizabeth and Darcy Story 3.5 Stars
6. The Last Waltz: . . . another pride and prejudice journey of love - 4.5 Stars
7. Longbourn's Songbird - 5 Stars
8. Villa Fortuna - Pride, Prejudice, and a Haircut - 5 Stars
9. All Hallow's Eve - 4 Stars
10. The Longbourn Will: A Pride and Prejudice variation - 4.5 Stars
11. Sway - 5 Stars - I need more Persuasion JAFF :)
Mod
I definitely vote for more Persuasion JAFF. :)
Welcome, Shannon! You read way more books than me last year, so now I'm intimidated! ;-) But like Elizabeth, it just makes my courage rise!I added Sway to my list last night, and I'm hoping it's good. Persuasion should get more JAFF love than it apparently does.
Claudine wrote: "It's amazing, Being Mrs. Darcy, IMO, and I can email you as a word doc if you want to then email and read on your kindle. Message me if you want it."
That would be awesome. I'll message you. Thanks!
I'm sad to say that the books I've read the last couple of days weren't my favorites. Crossing my fingers that the next one will be a keeper.25. The Resolute Suitor: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 2 stars
26. Rainy Days - An Alternative Journey from Pride and Prejudice to Passion and Love - 3 stars
Mod
Adding to my list:29. Obsession: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 4 stars
30. First Impressions: A Modern Retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice - 5 stars
31. Second Opinions: A Lizzy and Dr. Darcy Story - 3 stars
Mod
First Impressions went to my wish list. ;)
Obsession: A Pride and Prejudice Variation is on my short list of books to read next. Curious to see how our impressions match up!
Trucking along and finally broke my drought. :-)27. Mr. Darcy's Struggle: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - 1 star
28. Haunting Mr. Darcy - A Spirited Courtship - 3 stars
29. The Longbourn Will: A Pride and Prejudice variation - 4 stars
Mod
I definitely want to read Haunting Mr. Darcy and The Longbourn Will. Ouch, looks like Mr. Darcy's Struggle was an Eliza struggle, too.
Yes, both of those were enjoyable and I would recommend them. The one I started today shows promise, too, though I'm only at 17%.
I read Teatime Tales: Short and Sweet Austen-Inspired Stories. Very short but enjoyable. No one story stood out to me or was memorable but it was good.
Shannon wrote: "I am a little late to the party because I couldn't decide what level to pick. I only read 50 JAFF last year but managed 99 total books for the year and that was with an almost three month hiatus du..."Shannon, you said you're interested in more Persuasion JAFF - The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen definitely qualifies if you haven't read it yet.
Debbie wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I am a little late to the party because I couldn't decide what level to pick. I only read 50 JAFF last year but managed 99 total books for the year and that was with an almost three...":)
I'm getting to the point where I'm having a hard time deciding what to read next because my list has gotten so large!30. His Uncle's Favorite - 5 stars
31. A Sense of Obligation: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 1 star
32. Assumed Engagement - 3 stars
Taking a brief break from JAFF after these:33. The Carriage Ride: a Pride and Prejudice short story - 1 star
34. Spells Spoken Lightly: Pride and Prejudice Witches - 3 stars
35. An Heir for Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Short Story - 4 stars
Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016
Books mentioned in this topic
North and South (other topics)My Pride, His Prejudice (other topics)
Dear Father Christmas: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (other topics)
From This Day Forward - The Darcys of Pemberley (other topics)
An Inconvenient Courtship (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Michele Paige Holmes (other topics)Penelope Hughes-Hallett (other topics)
Penelope Hughes-Hallett (other topics)
Juliet Archer (other topics)
Jane Odiwe (other topics)
More...
1.) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls 3.5 stars
2.) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies 3 stars
3.) [book:Pr..."
Awesome list, Sheila!