Monday, June 02, 2014

Mr Darcy's Pledge by Monica Fairview - with giveaway!


I was very pleased when I was asked if I would review Mr Darcy's Pledge (Volume I) for the lovely Monica Fairview. (I was provided with a review copy but this is my honest, unbiased opinion.) And I was not disappointed as I really, really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the second volume to be published so I can see how this story is going to resolve! How I hate cliff hangers!

"Torn between his heart and his mind… Mr. Darcy must make a choice.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has always been able to keep his emotions under control. That is, until he falls under the spell of Elizabeth Bennet and surprises himself by blurting out a proposal to her like a moonstruck youth. Stung to the quick by her rejection, his pride in tatters, and left with no possibility that she will ever return his regard, Darcy determines to put all thoughts of Elizabeth behind him. But not even Town with its boundless opportunities for amusement can keep the image of Elizabeth Bennet from pursuing him everywhere he goes.
By the time Darcy leaves Town to travel up to Pemberley, he has learned one thing. There is only one way of overcoming Miss Bennet’s bewitching hold over him and Darcy is desperate enough to try it. The solution is to get married. And this time, he is not going to choose a wife by allowing his emotions to lead him by the nose.
His choice will be entirely rational…
In Volume I of this Pride and Prejudice variation, Monica Fairview traces Mr. Darcy’s journey as he struggles to come to terms with the upheaval Elizabeth Bennet has caused in his life…and his heart."
   


First off, this was another very well written variation. The writing style was excellent; it was easy reading, flowed very well and the language was very good. Another thing which I loved about her writing was her talent for description and painting the picture of the surroundings and the scene, creating a really strong image of what's going on - it is perfect for readers who see the story play out like a film in their head as they read, like I do! So for me it was so much fun to read, for with the brilliant descriptions it made the images even stronger! (She also made Pemberley sound even more idyllic than it already was to me, if that is possible!)

As you can probably guess from the blurb, this story is going to have some angst and will most likely annoy you at times! It did me - Darcy can't give up on Elizabeth and go after ANOTHER WOMAN?! But although frustrating at times, it was a fun story.

Elizabeth's blunt rejection of Darcy has hit him hard. Really hard. As he comments himself, "he had been unlucky enough to fall in love with one of the least practical woman in England." As a result, Darcy reverts back to head over heart attitude, not allowing his actions to be ruled by passion. He realises he needs a wife, and he will find one, and go about finding one in the most business-like manner he can - he even starts writing lists of what he requires in a wife! He WILL be organised and make a rational choice, for being controlled by his romantic impulses in the past didn't go well...

Seeing Darcy in this state and truly seeing into his thoughts after the rejection was heart breaking! I felt so sorry for him and I wanted to jump into the book and hug him! (There were also times when, because of his decision to try and forget Elizabeth, I wanted to jump into the book to either shake him or slap him round the face!) I am finding that the more and more variations I read, the more we see into his thoughts, and I pity him and love him more and more! But this was particularly true with this book, as the description of his inner turmoil was so powerfully written! He is so sweet and so very confused as he struggles with the battle of his head vs. his heart!

I really, really fell for Darcy all over again in this variation. As well as seeing him in his dejected state and watching his bumbled attempts to move on and his search for a suitable, appropriate wife, we also get some sweet glimpses into his past and I loved hearing of Darcy's childhood antics!  (He also has a great valet, Briggs, who is a forward, but funny and cheeky, servant and has a good relationship with his master, even if Darcy has to throw a cushion at him to keep him in check sometimes! I always love what I call Darcy 'behind the scenes' moments, when he abandons his master of Pemberley mask.)

We are also privy to the journey he experiences after the painful rejection as Elizabeth's words really start to sink in and the humbling and realisation begins. This is also sad to read as he reviews his past behaviour and replays Lizzy's harsh comments in his head over and over and starts to see that she was right.

Another reason why I fell for Darcy in this book was thanks to Georgiana. This book is written completely from the Darcys point of views, and it switches between both Darcy and Georgiana throughout which I really, really enjoyed. It meant we got to know both Darcy and Georgiana really well, as well as see plenty of them together, and I always love to see more of their strong brother and sister relationship which we see glimpses of in the original.

Before I talk more about the siblings together, let me start with Georgiana. She has always been one of my favourite secondary characters so it was very nice to read the sections where we see her thoughts and feelings. We really get to know her well and she goes on her own journey in this story, as she grows more confident (and even teasing, especially of her brother!) and it's fantastic to see. She really made me smile through the story, and there were many times when I was willing her on as she battled certain unwanted visitors - but I won't ruin it for you! 

Back to Darcy and Georgiana. I think their relationship was my favourite thing about this book. We really get to see just how close these two are and it was delightful, and really touching. They are just how I imagine them to be; Georgiana running to the window when she hears what she hopes is her brothers carriage, Darcy giving her a real brotherly welcome and swinging her around (picture the scene in the 2005 film!). Their bond is just brilliant. There are many instances throughout with sweet scenes between the pair, as Darcy begins to involve his sister in his search for a wife. It really was fantastic.

Unsurprisingly, as this is only the first part of the story, Elizabeth doesn't come back into it until after half way through. But I didn't find this a problem as I thought I might (as I love to see Darcy and Lizzy together) because Georgiana and Darcy were just brilliant together and could really hold the story and my interest in it without the need for Elizabeth. But, she does come back into things and it is sweet when she does, for then comes the charming and gallant Darcy!  There are some fun, cute - and slightly awkward! - scenes (including a wet shirt scene!) which take place during Elizabeth's time at Pemberley (why she ends up having to stay there I will not reveal!) and I cannot wait to see them more in company in the next volume. Georgiana and Elizabeth also get on very well, as would be expected, and I look forward to seeing their relationship develop too.

A few other interesting relationships to read about, as it is from Darcy or Georgiana's point of view, was that between the Darcys and the Bingleys.
Caroline shows up, of course, her sights still set on Darcy, but as I said earlier, Miss Marshall makes her seem the better option and I even felt sorry for Caroline at one point - unheard of I know!

There are some tense moments between Darcy and Bingley as the issue of the separation of him and Jane has to be sorted, but also some funny scenes and a nice insight into their relationship as good friends, as well as heartbroken, disappointed lovers!

All I can say is, when is the next instalment coming out!? I really cannot wait to read the next volume to see how it will all resolve, for of course the story leaves you with a few cliff hangers and unanswered questions! The ending was brilliant though, as you learn just why the book is called Mr Darcy's Pledge! 

I am completely drawn into this wonderful story and will be reading volume II as soon as it comes out!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am very lucky to be able to offer a giveaway of an ebook copy of this story (internationally)! 

To enter please leave a comment below and include your email address so that I can contact the randomly selected winner and which format you would like if you are the winner.

The giveaway will end on the 8th of June.

Good luck!

I wish Monica all the best with this story and with the final touches for volume II, as well as any other stories in the future!


Your affectionate friend,
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58 comments:

  1. Patricia Finnegan2 June 2014 at 16:14

    I would like it in nook format please. email is patkf2007 (at) Hotmail (dot) com

    The cover for the book is beautiful!

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    1. Thank you, Patricia.
      Yes, I'm very pleased with the cover.

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    2. The cover is gorgeous!

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  2. After weeks and weeks of holding out in my determination to wait for volume two until I read this first one - I caved. My print copy should be delivered tomorrow. So, please do not call me, visit me, email me, or in any way interrupt my reading time. My breath is baited, my stash of chocolates is in the bowl next to my most comfortable chair, and the time is almost upon me. (Back of hand to forehead, eyes closed, breath held and then, deep sigh!)

    Great review, Sophie. You are thorough without giving anything away. Please do not enter me in the giveaway as I GET MY COPY TOMORROW!!!!

    Best of wishes for the continued success of volume one, Monica, as you complete the much awaited second book. We are waiting!

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    1. J Dawn -- Glad you decided to buy it, after all! Have fun with it!

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    2. Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it! I am glad you caved - you will love it! Thanks for commenting anyway :)

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    3. The saddest news. When I got to the post office it was not there. Instead I got an email from Amazon that shipping has been delayed for a week. More waiting! Big, big sigh!

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    4. Oh how sad!!! :( silly amazon!!

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    5. I got it. I read it. I LOVED it!

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  3. Oh really great review, I'm so looking forward read this book...I love the Darcy/Georgiana relationship, and I always want to see more of them in the sequels and variations...And, well, I want a hard copy, but I don't know how it'll get me...I live in Argentina...Well, my email is tully.deolliveira@gmail.com ...

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    1. Tully, I admit I, too like to see how Georgiana interacts with her brother.

      You could always download the Kindle or Nook app onto your computer, tablet or phone. That works for me.

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    2. Thank you! I love the Darcy and Georgiana relationship as well, which is why this was so good! Good luck!

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  4. OMG what a beautiful book cover, can not wait to see it. Let cool to do this draw is exciting but good luck to all would be a great birthday present for me the physical book if you can ... ♥
    email: vainillalover@hotmail.com

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    1. Thank you Liliana! I do think the cover is very evocative. Good luck!

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    2. The cover is brilliant! Good luck!

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  5. That was a wonderful review. I can't wait to read it! My email is akdotter@yahoo.com and I would like it in Kindle form please.

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  6. I would love to get this book!! I don't care whether in ebook or hard copy!
    emma.g.99@hotmail.ca

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  7. This sounds so amazing!
    emmagracelynn@hotmail.ca

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  8. Brilliant review, Sophie. I was lucky to win a copy of this recently so please DON'T enter me for this giveaway. It's everything you've said it is. I'll only add one teensy-weensy little spoiler - watch out for a wet shirt!

    Joy, you're going to love reading this. I promise not to FB or Tweet or anything else for the next few days!

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    1. How lovely of you to say so, Anji! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it.

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    2. Thank you! And for commenting anyway even though you have one :) I am glad you loved it! How could I forget that!? as you may see I have now added a line about the wet shirt scene - how could I have forgot to mention it!

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  9. Great review, Sophie - superb!!
    Same as Joy, I keep telling myself I'll hold back till I can read the whole story, but the temptations are worse than chocolate :D
    Thanks for writing such a lovely story, Monica, and for the chance to take part in the giveaway!

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    1. A pleasure, Joana. I do love writing stories...

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    2. Thank you Joana! Good Luck!

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  10. Oh no, there's someone worse than Caroline? Yikes! I am one of those that find it hard to read about Darcy and other women, but really as long as there's a D&E happily ever after, it's all good. This was a great review. You said just enough to grab my attention but didn't really reveal much of the plot. I'll definitely be adding this to my list of books to read. :)

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    1. Amazingly, there is someone worse!
      I agree, Mrs. Darcy is amazing at throwing out tasty samples to tempt the reader.

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    2. I know - worse than Caroline! I am glad my review has caught your attention! Good luck!

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  11. Wonderful review. I haven't even read it and I am already anxiously awaiting vol 2. Thank you for the giveaway. I would love to add this to my kindle collection.
    Cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net

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  12. I loved the book and am eagerly awaiting volume 2. Am on pins & needles....they are very uncomfortable.

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    1. I can imagine, Deborah. Won't be too long now...

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    2. I know! I am so impatient for the second volume!

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  13. Great review, Sophie. You do a fantastic job telling about the book but not giving away anything! I really enjoyed it too. Please don't enter me in the giveaway. I am anxious for Volume II to arrive as well.

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    1. Thank you, Janet for stopping by. I loved your review as well.

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    2. Thank you for stopping by to comment! It really was wonderful! Bring on volume II!

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  14. Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. You honor me by writing about my novel. ;)

    Really enjoyed reading your thoughts on Mr. Darcy's Pledge, Sophie.

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    1. Thank you for asking for a review from Laughing With Lizzie! I am glad you enjoyed my review and I cannot wait for volume II!

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  15. Oh great review Sophie! Okay this getting ridiculous this book sounds so scrumptious and everyone I know is reading it! I said I would wait until the next instalment but Meredith and Joy have sold it to me, If I do not win this giveaway its my birthday in a couple of days and I know I will get a Kindle voucher and this will be my first purchase!!!

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    1. Thank you very much! And yes, if you don't win, buy it and read it! Have a great birthday! :D And good luck!

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  16. Another Amazing looking book to add to my list.
    kindle betta_grl@hotmail.com

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    1. Yes add it to the long long list! Good luck!

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  17. Yay! Another chance to win this book! :) Thank you so much, Monica. And Sophie, I loved your review, dear. I already wanted to read this one but thanks to your words now I know I must!!

    newyorkgirl82(at)gmail(dot)com Kindle format for me :)

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    1. Aww thank you so much! It really was a great read! Good luck!

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  18. Great review! I love reading books written from Austen male characters perspective. It always adds a new dimension to the story, which allows me to read Pride and Prejudice with yet another perspective. This book sounds interesting and nice "fix" for my Darcy addiction. My email is: wordynerdysarah@gmail.com

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  19. Great view and am anxious to read it. Love Jane Austen's works and love the P & P variation authors and look forward to reading this one. I don't have a kindle or nook so I have all my books and don't want to even think about giving them away. It will be a nice addition to my collection.
    Email is tollygal55@comcast.net

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  20. Honestly this sounds amazing so I would be ecstatic and delighted to win a copy in EITHER format. This just sounds like something I really, REALLY need to read! :) Thanks for the review, if nothing else--because I am jazzed about reading this whether I win it or buy it!

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  21. This one sounds really great and you wrote and amazing review!! Thank you so much for this! email is: i_lovenuk(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  22. Oh, am I too late to enter? :) brendapwood at gmail dot com

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  23. I loved this book - one of the best follow up P&P books yet and I can't wait for No 2 to come out and I was wondering when it is due out please

    SuzieJ

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    1. Isnt it brilliant? I believe Monica was aiming for Septmember but I don't know whether she is on track. I will ask for you :)

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    2. Susie -- how lovely of you to come here and say so!!!

      The next volume is scheduled for September but realistically I'll have to say it will be out in October. ;)

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  24. This an amazing reads, it shows that you actually know what you are talking about, thanks a lot for sharing the elucidate contents. 온라인카지노

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