Unexpected Encounters in London

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: A few months after the Netherfield Ball

MAIN CHARACTERS: Elizabeth and Jane Bennet, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Bingley, George Wickham, Amy St. John (new character)

SYNOPSIS: While visiting their family in Cheapside, a couple of errant deliveries from the modiste bring the Bennet sisters into the path of Mr. Darcy and his sister Georgiana. Unable to deny himself the pleasure of her company, Mr. Darcy continues to call on the Bennet sisters and encourage their friendship with his sister and his friend, Mr. Bingley. Through all these meetings, Elizabeth begins to see another side of Mr. Darcy that she  admires. But do his gentlemanly and chivalrous actions towards another woman mean his heart is already engaged?

WHAT I LOVED:

• London Setting: I love seeing Elizabeth and Jane in London with the Gardiners. It just feels so right for them to be in that household all together! Also, I love seeing Elizabeth take part in society events like balls and dinner parties, and travel to London landmarks like Hyde Park. In addition, it was lovely to see this story take place in London because it drew our characters away from some overbearing/impeding forces such as Mrs. Bennet, Lydia, and Lady Catherine! 😉

• Elizabeth Seeing Some Green: I really enjoyed the new character – Amy St John – introduced in this story. She isn’t one you might expect to be Elizabeth’s rival, with her unassuming nature, timidity, and unremarkable looks. But I think it does Elizabeth some good to feel envious of Darcy’s possible affections for someone else! I enjoyed this twist since Amy is so different from Elizabeth and is of lower consequence than Elizabeth.

• Confrontations and Cooperation: I love when Darcy and Elizabeth have a tumultuous relationship with each other. It was fun to witness Elizabeth go from loathing Mr. Darcy to seeking his advice. And then flip-flopping some more! 😉 Mr. Darcy, is of course, very constant and fervent with his love, which is adorable to see!  He was a little maddening though because he would do such a good job of masking his feelings!

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Fast Developments: Some things do progress a little abruptly in this story. I would have appreciated a little more falling action and a slower resolution. While it might be expected for a fast-paced story to have swiftly formed romances, I always prefer to see a more developed romance that evolves and blooms leisurely.

• Some Quibbles: Some parts of the story did make me quirk my eyebrow up a time or two; like Georgiana’s actions, the unexplained acquaintance between Mary King’s uncle and Mr. Darcy, and Elizabeth frequently referring to Mr. Darcy as ‘Darcy’ in her head and even once to his face (that is something vulgar Mrs. Elton would do). In addition, I couldn’t help but notice that there were several times where Bennet was spelled Bennett. :/

CONCLUSION:

For readers looking for an engaging and light tale to help the pass a few hours, Darcy Revealed, will definitely fit the bill! A diverting adventure in London filled with unexpected encounters, scandalous schemes, and romance!

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