Austenesque Lovers TBR Challenge 2019 discussion
Challenge Levels
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Colonel Brandon Level 101- 199 Books
Marlene wrote: "Jeanne... I'm not reading my friends' reviews just yet. I'm keeping up on my own reviews - reviews in a modified format, and I'm pretty pleased about that. :-) "I have to laugh at the note above, because just this evening, I decided to start reading reviews again. Although, I'm not necessarily going to read every single review, as I was before. I'll just stop when I think it's time to stop. :-)
J. W. wrote: "Now this year, I have hubby not feeling up to snuff. Is that a term that is universal or is it strictly southern? Anyway... no offense to anyone. I'll still be here. "I'm definitely familiar with that phrase, though where I know it from, I don't know. My father? Books? Both? :-) That's one thing I love about books - learning words and phrases. :-)
Thanks, everyone for your thoughts and cyber hugs.
J. W. wrote: "Thanks, everyone for your thoughts and cyber hugs."Jeanne, i'm late i comenting and just caught up. Many hugs to you and Marlene. i hope you both find some escape time in a fantastic read.
it's not P&P but the best book i read lately is The Bride. Seriously, amazing! Think of Darcy and Elizabeth in a force marriage during scottish highland days. of course, Nefarious is on my list but i have to listen more often then read so I haven't gottent to it yet. i still need my sleep and know I likely won't if in the middle.
Surprisingly, Sara, I have that and another of Garwood's in the series on my Amazon wish-list. It looks like it would be good. Thanks for the rec. I appreciate it. Glad Nefarious is on your to-read list. Nicole is working on getting it to audible. The narrator she wants to use is very busy so it will be later in the year.
Thanks for the cyber hugs from everyone, Marlene I feel for you. Hope all goes well with the remodel. Our weather has had 9-straight days with rain sometime during the day. Some of those have been severe storms with a tornado in the surrounding areas. We were missed but our neighbor county was hit. Thank goodness it was only an F1 but that is bad enough when it drops a tree on your car or house. Blessings everyone.
Time for me to shelve some more read books!145. The Power of a Sword: a Pride & Prejudice Varation (unpublished) - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gem of a short story where Lydia's maniacal traipsing through the Netherfield ball wielding a sword has unintended consequences.
146. Never Mind!: A modern Pride & Prejudice-Comedy - 2 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Funny to start but too long with increasingly annoying characters. The joke just plain gets old.
147. Darcy Steps In: A Pride & Prejudice Variation - 3.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Not bad. Just not great.
148. Mrs Bennet is Dead / Charlotte's Gambit (unpublished) - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Another impressive short story by P.R. Hood
149. The Letter: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 3 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Such potential to be a LOT better, but it's marred by various errors
150. Young Wickham - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Great P&P sequel set 15 years after the original about Wickham's son. Short story.
Debbie wrote: "Time for me to shelve some more read books!145. The Power of a Sword: a Pride & Prejudice Varation (unpublished) - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gem o..."
Excellent progress Debbie. I agree about #147. I'm now avoiding #146 becuase it could be hit or miss. Same for 149, seems not worth it.
Mod
I need to read Young Wickham. I love her short stories.
Great progress Debbie! Several 5* as well, I must check out The Power of The Sword as it sounded unique and creative. 141 Never Mind!: A modern Pride & Prejudice-Comedy, Nicky Roth, K, epic, M, Hilarious! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46... 5*
142 Choices, L.L. Diamond, AHA, 2,5k, All. Separation, E married to someone else, child out of wedlock. Angsty
http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show... 4,5*
143 Emma Bee, WadeH, FF, 52k, M.
https://m.fanfiction.net/s/12935410/1... 5*
144 Dawn at Netherfield, WadeH, short, FF, K. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35... 4*
145 Havenswood, babsy1221, FF, 71k, T http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36... 4*
146 Before the Kiss, prequel freebie to Once Upon a Kiss. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21... 3*
147 A Dishonorable Offer, Timothy Underwood, FF, M, 100k, horrible story with Darcy as a shameless flirt, E contemplating to be his mistress (yuck), Bennet's in reduced circumstances and I, the idiot, read it through. Lydia married to a blacksmith, Jane- B's mistress. Disgusting story. Sigh! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30... 0*
148 To Teach the Admiring Multitude, Eleanor Wilton, K, Chaste sequel. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45... 4*
149 Mr Darcy and the Runaway Bride, modern http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46... 4*
Mod
125-The Viscount Who Loved Me Audible, non-Jaff 5 stars126-The Viscount Who Loved Me: The 2nd Epilogue Audible, non-Jaff 4 stars
127-An Offer From a Gentleman Audible, non-Jaff 5 stars
128- Fitzwilliam Darcy Elopes 4 stars
129-An Offer From A Gentleman: The 2nd Epilogue Audible, non-Jaff 4 stars
130-Mr Darcy and the Runaway Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation 4 stars great fun! think runaway bride meets P&P.
131-The Royal Treatment Audible, non-Jaff 4 stars
132- An Accidental elopement on FFnet. Do not recommend unless you want a good laugh. The plot was unique but massive grammatical errors. For instance, colonel was spelled "colonial" EVERY TIME! Was old after the 2nds time. Sigh. But here, georgiana and lizzy accidentally get into the wrong carriage. rumors exist so voila, elopement. But, the story is not finished and I doubt it will be as last posted in 2015.
And, I'm finishing up the Bridgerton series and now the royal series. Hopefully will have time to read some quality P&P soon.
Elin wrote: "Great progress Debbie! Several 5* as well, I must check out The Power of The Sword as it sounded unique and creative. 141 Never Mind!: A modern Pride & Prejudice-Comedy, Nicky Roth, K, epic, M, H..."
Great progress Elin. yeah, dishonorable offer was not a favorite of mine either. your # 145 was also unique. I think we had the same rating. good but not knock it out of the park!
Mod
I have a friend who always puts 'rouge' instead of 'rogue' whenever she reviews and I always picture a red caped gentleman twirling his mustache- the Rouge Rogue. I have a few myself that I always screw up even when I know which word I meant to type (its like a form of dyslexia, I swear). :)
Way to go getting through all those books, Sara. You'll be ready for when the Bridgertons hits the small screen soon.
Sophia wrote: "So, are you saying that in the Accidental Elopement that he's a Colonial Colonel? LOLI have a friend who always puts 'rouge' instead of 'rogue' whenever she reviews and I always picture a red cap..."
What was odd, is his name was just "Colonial" so when the reader read the sentence it made me pause, a lot. yeah, it's funny how we all have those quirks. I'm a horrible speller but that's why i edit edit edit unless its just personal stuff. I am hoping to be all prepared for the Bridgerton small screen debut. Plus, they are part of my Audible Escape package, so why not!
Mod
Sophia wrote: "That is really great that you're making the most out of the Audible package. I keep thinking those packages are a great deal especially compared to getting those books individually. Sounds like the..."There is quite a bit of P&P and regency content. Mary Balough, Julia Quinn, J. Dawn King are examples. I found that considering the price per book the subscription was much better. Considering i commute over 2 hours a day, it was essential to get a package deal. But, I ran through most of the free P&P subscription content and now have to pay. So, waiting for my 1 credit a month has me listening to less P&P. But, enjoying new worlds!
Debbie wrote: "Time for me to shelve some more read books!145. The Power of a Sword: a Pride & Prejudice Varation (unpublished) - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gem o..."
Halfway to Pemberley, Debbie. Great going! Thanks for taking what looks to be three for the team with 146, 147 and 149. Totally agree with you about 145 and 148 - two little gems there.
Elin wrote: "Great progress Debbie! Several 5* as well, I must check out The Power of The Sword as it sounded unique and creative. 141 Never Mind!: A modern Pride & Prejudice-Comedy, Nicky Roth, K, epic, M, H..."
Elin, you're another who's halfway to Pemberley! Shame about 147 though - sounds a real no-goer.
Mod
Sounds like its a perfect fit for you. :)
Thank you, Sara, Sophia, Mary, Elin and Anji! Sara and Elin, you've got some pretty great lists there yourselves!
Elin, I'm sorry you didn't care for A Dishonorable Offer: An Elizabeth and Darcy Story. I really liked it and gave it 5 stars. It's dark, but I didn't find it OOC. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are in different circumstances because both their fathers died much younger than in P&P. Darcy's uncle encourages him to keep a mistress, and Elizabeth and Jane are basically in a Cinderella kind of situation since Mr. Phillips doesn't really want them in his home and treats them like servants. It's not for everyone. Timothy Underwood's writing is always very good, whether or not you like his plots.
I'm working on Emma Bee right now, which I plucked from your list. I can see this one is turning pretty dark, too!
Sara, congratulations on your progress.
And you, also, Debbie...good progress I had to check but I gave that one by Timothy Underwood a 4.5 so we are close in our rating.
Sara wrote: "125-The Viscount Who Loved Me Audible, non-Jaff 5 stars126-The Viscount Who Loved Me: The 2nd Epilogue Audible, non-Jaff 4 stars
127-[book:An Offer From a Gentleman|94..."
Moving on nicely, Sara. I might just have to check out the Bridgerton series, especially if it's coming to the small screen sometime in the not to distant future.
I blame my own stupidity for The Dishonourable Offer Debbie. It grated on me from the first few paragraphs and if I had had any sense I would have abandoned it but obviously I do not. lol. I usually like dark and Timothy Underwood is a favourite of mine.
Sometimes we're just not in the right mood for a particular book, Elin. And then, sometimes a book just doesn't hit us right. Period. I've occasionally re-read a book I didn't care for that others loved and, just as often as not, I still dislike it on my second read-through!
Debbie wrote: "Time for me to shelve some more read books!145. The Power of a Sword: a Pride & Prejudice Varation (unpublished) - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gem o..."
I'm definitely checking out your 5 star ratings! Nice progress.
151. At Death's Door by Shaelenina (unpublished, 16 chapters) - 4 stars https://m.fanfiction.net/s/10958304/1/
This is a very interesting Pride and Prejudice variation that begins about a week after the Netherfield ball. Elizabeth receives an impassioned note from Georgiana (whom she has never met) begging her to come to the Darcy Town home. Her brother has become seriously ill and, in his fevered state, is calling for Elizabeth. When she gets there, Mr. Darcy is, indeed, very ill and likely not to survive.
Elizabeth gradually gains an understanding of Darcy's true character and his opinion of her from his sister, his servants and, most especially, by reading the letters Georgiana received from him when he was at Netherfield.
The story needs some polishing up, including getting rid of a lot of non-Regency language and modern slang, but it's quite good.
Yes, it is good - I read it also and enjoyed it.
Mod
Okay, I finished writing my reviews, so here's the rest of my latest reads:152. Somebody's Natural Daughter (unpublished) - 4.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
P&P's Elizabeth Bennet in a similar position as Emma's Harriet Smith throughout a tweaked P&P storyline.
153. Emma Bee (unpublished) - 3 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Controversial story with Elizabeth raising a child alone that would've been MUCH better (IMO) if the author hadn't done it in an all-dialogue format.
154. Emma and the City - 3.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This Emma is even more unlikable than the original, but otherwise it's a pretty good modernization.
155. Darcy in Hollywood: A Modern Pride and Prejudice Variation - 3.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wide disparity between some serious subject matter and some silly subplots, plus there are some inconsistencies.
156. Mr Darcy and the Runaway Bride: A Pride and Prejudice Variation - 2.5 stars
Meh. Pretty stupid and unbelievable for a modernization. Not my kind of humor.
157. Infatuation and Independence: A Modern Austen Short Story - 4.5 stars
Very good modern short story featuring Kitty Bennet in the lead role.
Debbie wrote: "Okay, I finished writing my reviews, so here's the rest of my latest reads:152. Somebody's Natural Daughter (unpublished) - 4.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"
Fantastic!!!
102) With Regards to Mrs Bennet 3.0Five Chapters incomplete. Difficult reading
With Regards to Mrs Bennet
103) Royals 4.25
Certainly not directly JAFF. However there are enough elements of Mr Darcy/Elizabeth Bennet in the story to include here. He a taciturn Scottish courtier who insults her honor at first, she an outspoken American who makes social mistakes when introduced to her sister's future in-laws...the royal family of Scotland. And direct references to JA as well!
"I tuck the blanket a little more tightly around me and start heading back the way I came. I'm not someone who's easily spooked, but this is all just a liiiiiittttle(actual spelling! -AiB) too Gothic for me, swanning around the dark halls of a castle at night. Plus, I'd also dealt with having a charming scoundrel in my room, and a fight with a stuck-up snob.
Not even a full two days into my trip, and I was already going full Jane Austen." -pg 97
"Haven't you read enough Jane Austen to see what just happened?" I ask. "Does she always treat you like that?" -pg 204
4.25 Regency Teacups! Our "Elizabeth Bennet" like heroine doesn't exactly tiptoe through the royal "minefield". :) Check out pages 117-118....hahahahaha!!!
104)The Regency Years 4.25
105) The Power of a Sword 3.0
fanfiction.net
106)The Propriety Fiction 5.0
The Propriety Fiction: a Pride & Prejudice Variation
Debbie wrote: "Okay, I finished writing my reviews, so here's the rest of my latest reads:152. Somebody's Natural Daughter (unpublished) - 4.5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show......"
Nice going, Debbie. 152 sounds an interesting take on the original.
Kirk wrote: "102) With Regards to Mrs Bennet 3.0Five Chapters incomplete. Difficult reading
With Regards to Mrs Bennet
103) Royals 4.25
Certainly not directly JAFF...."
And Kirk is off and running in the Colonel's library!
Anji wrote: "Kirk wrote: "102) With Regards to Mrs Bennet 3.0Five Chapters incomplete. Difficult reading
With Regards to Mrs Bennet
103) Royals 4.25
Certainly not d..."
Thx!! Lol...not exactly running...strolling with good pace? Ah, but can I keep the pace up to make it to the big library??? Cheers!
That's a pretty eclectic list you got there, Kirk! Any interesting factoids you can share about what The Regency Years: During Which Jane Austen Writes, Napoleon Fights, Byron Makes Love, and Britain Becomes Modern has to say about our JA?
Great progress Kirk. very curious about your #103. I recently read The Royal Treatment which i gave 4 stars. it was funny, but more cheeky than romantic. Curious how yours would be.
Debbie wrote: "That's a pretty eclectic list you got there, Kirk! Any interesting factoids you can share about what [book:The Regency Years: During Which Jane Austen Writes, Napoleon Fights, Byron Makes Love, and..."Reader fail... I finished it and returned to the PL on it's due date. The thought being that I would take it out again to mine it for quotes for here and Austen in Boston. Naturally, I forgot to do that! Until three minutes ago. Thx! Mostly JA is used to prove a point or put an explanation point to a topic. At the moment I don't recall any wow facts...but that is probably my fault not the author's fault!
Sara wrote: "Great progress Kirk. very curious about your #103. I recently read The Royal Treatment which i gave 4 stars. it was funny, but more cheeky than romantic. Curious how yours would be."Thanks Sara!!! Slightly more romantic than cheeky...maybe 60-40? It is YA. The Elizabeth/Mr Darcy angle is pleasantly handled. FYI...One of the minor characters in this book is a major character in Her Royal Highness(Royals #2)which I read first not knowing about this book.
After reluctantly giving my honest 3-star review of Wade H's Emma Bee, I picked up the last two of his works in the GR listings that I hadn't read yet. The planets are back in their proper orbit and the Earth's tilt on it's axis is back to normal -- they're both 5 sparkly star-worthy!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 158. The Propriety Fiction: a Pride & Prejudice Variation (unpublished - Wade H.) - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It all happens at the Netherfield ball. Mr. Darcy is one quick-thinking, clever, romantic guy!
159. Conversations with Mr. Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Novella - 4 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Extra dialogue between Elizabeth and Darcy helps change her opinion of him sooner.
160. Letters from Cheapside (unpublished - Wade H.) - 5 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Elizabeth writes to her sisters (and occasionally to others) from her self-imposed exile living with the Gardiners.
Kirk wrote: "Reader fail... I finished it and returned to the PL on it's due date. The thought being that I would take it out again to mine it for quotes for here and Austen in Boston. Naturally, I forgot to do that! Until three minutes ago. Thx! Mostly JA is used to prove a point or put an explanation point to a topic. At the moment I don't recall any wow facts...but that is probably my fault not the author's fault!"That's okay, Kirk. I still love ya!
Debbie wrote: "Any interesting factoids you can share about what [book:The Regency Years: During Which Jane Austen Writes, Napoleon Fights, Byron Makes Love, and..."I love the title of that book.
Kirk wrote: "Reader fail... I finished it and returned to the PL on it's due date.... At the moment I don't recall any wow facts...but that is probably my fault not the author's fault!
I completely understand! I feel that I have failed by not writing a review - or even rating - about 20 books or so!
Mod
I was curious about Emma and the City so glad to get your thoughts on it. Hmm... now I'm not sure. I sit on that one a bit.
Mod
Fun that you found some Austen flavoring in the Royals book. That could be an option when I get in the YA mood.
Debbie wrote: "Kirk wrote: "Reader fail... I finished it and returned to the PL on it's due date. The thought being that I would take it out again to mine it for quotes for here and Austen in Boston. Naturally, I..."Ahhhh....thanks!!!!! :)
Sophia wrote: "Way to go, Kirk. Fun that you found some Austen flavoring in the Royals book. That could be an option when I get in the YA mood."
I hope so! The author is currently visiting Scotland...so maybe a third book in the future.
Marlene wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Any interesting factoids you can share about what [book:The Regency Years: During Which Jane Austen Writes, Napoleon Fights, Byron Makes Love, and..."I love the title of that book...."
Thx!!!
Austenesque Lovers TBR Challenge 2019
Books mentioned in this topic
Mr. Darcy's Enchantment: A Pride & Prejudice Variation (other topics)A Mother's Favorite Wish (other topics)
The Green Ball (other topics)
The Trap (other topics)
The Bell: A Pride and Prejudice Novella (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Robin M. Helm (other topics)Lady Jaeza (other topics)
K Scott Wood (other topics)
Wendi Sotis (other topics)
Laura Hile (other topics)
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I hope that meeting the contractor went well. Dare we ask?
I HOPE that no/sink/stove/dishwasher thing doesn't last very long.... At least you have a fridge??? ..... And God Bless you and your dear family.
Our schools back in New York State got out of school that late and where we lived, it was still barely 'summer' by then. It could be cold all summer some years. It could also be a lovely 70 degrees and 99% humidity, coff coff. "
The meeting with the contractor went well. We all agreed that we all want the work to go forward. We asked questions about the different sewage options and made a decision. We told him what we didn't think we should have to pay for as per the contract. He had a different POV, but didn't argue. Made a note of what we said we didn't want to pay for and what we felt was a shared responsibility. We're waiting for a final plan for what we need to pay on top of the initially agreed upon cost.
I hope I won't be without a kitchen for long also. I'm thankful that I still have it. I'm trying to cook my frozen foods that require the stove and am not purchasing more cook-able foods unless I need it to complete a meal, if that makes sense. My understanding is that they will keep my refrigerator available.
Thank you for your well wishes!
We're in New York. The temperatures have been pretty comfortable this month so far. COLD in the morning (no heat either!) and slightly warm in the afternoon. The last couple of days have been definitely icky, but we've managed so far. Phew! I can't relate to some of my kids who like running around outside in 80-degree weather. Ugh!