What if Elizabeth Married for Convenience?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy form Author
What if, before Darcy had a chance to propose at Hunsford Parsonage, Elizabeth received word that her father was seriously ill? What if Darcy offered Elizabeth assistance in returning home to her father, instead of offering his hand in marriage? What if Elizabeth, caught somewhere between infuriation, gratitude, and necessity, agrees to an unwanted arrangement to save her family?
In similar style to Abigail Reynolds, Susan Adriani, and Linda Wells, debut author Susan Mason-Milks pens a Pride and Prejudice variation that explores an untraveled road in Jane Austen’s classic novel. In this variation, Susan Mason-Milks shows readers what would happen if Elizabeth married Darcy before she fell in love with him, before she understood him, before she realized how prejudiced and misguided are her perceptions of him. As you may guess, this path to true love has a whole lot more more ruts and turns for our hero and heroine…
I just adore this premise! I love the idea of Lizzy marrying Darcy before they work out their differences. Although Darcy disclosed his past dealings with Wickham and made amends with Jane and Bingley, Lizzy still thinks him proud, arrogant, and controlling. The tension and conflict between Darcy and Elizabeth is considerable. With distrust, resentment, jealousy, stubborn temperaments, and a lack of open communication, it is only a matter of time before this relationship become volatile!
My heart went out to Darcy in this variation. He knows he took advantage of the situation to achieve his own desires, he knows his love isn’t returned, and he is paying dearly for it. Seeing Darcy suffer and so vulnerable was heartrending. I loved witnessing his longing for Elizabeth. *sigh*
My one small quibble with this variation is with Elizabeth. For a large portion of the book she was uncomfortable receiving any kind of physical affection from Darcy, which is understandable because of her inexperience and lack of feelings toward Darcy. But her behavior changed a bit abruptly once her feelings for Darcy altered. I felt it was a little out of character to have her initiate intimacy between them. In addition, I did sort of feel that it took her a little long to see what a great guy Darcy was and realize she was in love with him.
Overall, I found Mr. Darcy’s Proposal to be a well-crafted, entertaining, and compelling variation. I adore Ms. Mason-Milks writing; she had me so wholly engrossed with her characters that I could not put the book down! I dearly hope to read more novels by Susan Mason-Milks in the future!
Note: Due to the references of intimacy in this novel, I’d recommend this novel for audiences over the age of 13. There are no explicit or graphic scenes.
GIVEAWAY!!! Author Susan Mason-Milks has kindly donated a brand new copy of Mr. Darcy’s Proposal for me to giveaway!!
All you have to do is leave a comment on this review. (To save inbox from unwanted spam, please don’t leave your email address.) Just check back to see if you win! Fortunately for our international friends, this giveaway is open worldwide! Thank you, Susan!!
This contest will close November 22nd. Good luck and thank you for entering!
Oh, I like the premise of this one! Please count me in for the giveaway.
Very interesting. I want to read more.
This book sounds wonderful! I love the idea that Lizzy marries Darcy before she falls in love with him. Thanks for the giveaway!
thanks for the chance to win
sounds like a great read
will add it to my TBR list
StephAnnee
This plot sounds delicious! Fingers crossed! Thanks!
This sounds like a great read. This type of variation is always deliciously angsty. Thank you for the giveaway!
I actually bought the kindle version of this and love it. I have read it more than once. It was a very good variation and she had some really nice ideas that I had not seen in other books. I agree about the Elizabeth issues. She has Darcy down well but Elizabeth was a bit less “spot on” but still well done and thought through. I appreciate the author letting me use my imagination for “how” it all happened between them and for showing us a different side of Darcy. Sure would be nice to win a real live copy!
Oooh, this does sound great! Can’t wait to read it. 🙂
Thank you, Meredith for the wonderful review! You’ve made my day! Just after the book went to print, I overheard Elizabeth telling Darcy, “I had always wished to find a man I could love deeply and have the privilege of marrying him. I just did not think it would happen in reverse order – the marriage first and then the love.”
I love ‘what if’ stories with P&P and your review has truly intrigued me to wish list this book. The cover is lovely and I think the idea of Darcy loving Lizzy enough to pursue her even though he knows she doesn’t love him is sigh-worthy.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Great review – I’m now looking forward to reading this. I was a bit apprehensive, as I’ve read some horribly angsty arranged marriage scenarios, which can sometimes leave me quite unsettled. But this sounds like it isn’t one of those. Instead, I gather from your description that the focus is on the two of them understanding one another’s character. This sounds like it’s going to be quite the captivating read! Thanks!
another Austen-inspired book!!! YAYS!!
thank you for this giveaway!!!
cyn209(AT)juno(DOT)com
Meredith, your lovely review has certainly piqued my interest in this book. I would love to have the opportunity to enjoy it. And many thanks for making this international.
Sounds interesting. I like the premise. Poor Darcy. Could be so sad….
I’d love to win it.
suzan
Unrequited love !
Great.
It sounds like a really new and interesting take on the fabulous story.
Please enter me and thanks for opening it to worldwide entries.
Much appreciated.
Carol T
That sounds very interesting and intriguing. I’d love to have the chance to read your book! Thank you for the opportunity.
This sounds like a wonderful book! I’ve had my eye on it since Susan joined AuAu!
Many Thanks!
Thanks for the great review and the giveaway! What if variations are a favorite of mine, and a Darcy longing for Elizabeth is always a fun read.
That sounds like a great story! I love the variations by Abigail Reynolds and Linda Wells, so I would love to get this one!
Thank you for the review of this book. It sounds great.
That sounds like a very fun read- thanks so much! 😀
Completely different circumstances but it sounds very intriguing! I’d love to read it! Thank you for the giveaway!
Margaret
Comment from Jillian:
“I’d love to try out a variation on Pride & Prejudice! I will be through all the original Austens by the end of next year, and I’m thinking I might enjoy exploring the sequels and modern takes. Thanks for hosting!”
I enjoyed reading your review. The book sounds good and should be an interesting read. I read Jan Hahn’s book, ‘An Arranged Marriage’ that has a similar premise. They enter into an arranged marriage after Mr. Bennet’s death. Although Lizzie does not realize she loves Darcy at the time, he is very much in love with her and willing to wait. I have read that book three times and loved it so know I will like this one too. The giveaways are always fun for everyone. Thanks for the opportunity.
I LOVE forced marriage and marriage of convenience stories! Love how the animosity slowly and gradually changes into affection between the characters. Can’t wait to read Mr. Darcy’s proposal!! 😀
Thank you for making this an international giveaway and not excluding us overseas reader and P&P fans! 😀
Sounds like a good read. Congrats and thanks for the giveaway.
This sounds really interesting! Thanks for the giveaway!
I really loved the book (read it in one day) and fell in love with Darcy more (didn’t think that was possible)!!
Hadn’t heard of this one. Thanks for the heads up, and for the giveaway opportunity!
Laura
Oh, wow! This sounds so amazing! I have been pining for a new Pride and Prejudice variation!
I love reading ‘what if’ stories and look forward to this one!
Another fantastic review from Meredith!
I love the premise of this one – – there can never be enough P&P variations/sequels to suit me.
Many thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to read this book. The “what if” variations have always been my favorite. Thanks for sharing the great review!
Joy
Thank you for review and for the possibility to participate in a giveaway. Mr.Darcy’s Proposal is promising book! I had the pleasure of reading an extract and liked it very much. I’m fond of Pride & Prejudice variations, and arranged marriage/marriage for convenience between Elizabeth and Darcy are my favourite. Love to see them struggle through misunderstandings when they are already married:) So I can’t wait to read this book till the end and enjoy it to the fullest!
I love the what if stories. Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the review!
Jennifer W
I’ve just started reading these pride and prejudice variations and I think I prefer the “what if” scenarios. I’m glad another author is doing them
I loved your review! I had never heard of this book before, but it’s sounds like an excellent book. I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the opportunity.
Thank you for the review and giveaway. I love Jane Austen sequels and I’ve not read this book before.
Great review! I love P&P alternate versions and this one sounds great.
I love the sound of this one! I would love to be counted for the give away!