Does Mr. Darcy Mean to Frighten You?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
Be not alarmed, dear readers, on reading this novel, by the apprehension of its containing anything gory, monstrous, or violent, which might be repugnant to many an Austenesque reader. It is just a tale about a wealthy and illustrious gentleman, who, because of an unfortunate encounter with a werewolf several years ago, spends two days and nights each lunar cycle as a werewolf roaming the forests and howling at the moon near his ancestral home. Oh…and the gentleman just happens to Fitzwilliam Darcy!
Elizabeth got over her prejudice and her pride, now she must find a way to get over the fact that the man she is in love with is a werewolf. Before proposing, Darcy invites Elizabeth to Pemberley, and discloses his secret just before the full moon, giving her a chance to see him as a werewolf and determine whether or not she wants to remain by his side. Helping Elizabeth understand Darcy’s transformation and assuage her concerns are Georgiana Darcy and Anne de Bourgh, who earnestly hope that Elizabeth will consent to being Fitzwilliam’s wife!
As one of Mary Simonsen’s many admirers, I follow her wherever she goes! This time, instead of combining World War II and Jane Austen or creating a light-hearted spoof with Persuasion, she is dipping into the paranormal genre with a pack of werewolves. Similar to the novels by Amanda Grange, Regina Jeffers, and Ola Wegner, this tale is much more of a love story than a terrifying adventure that induces nightmares. My favorite aspect about this novel was seeing Elizabeth deal with Ms. Simonsen’s creation, Lady Helen – a beautiful and wealthy heiress/she-wolf who just happens to have her eye on Mr. Darcy! She was definitely a Caroline Binlgey sort of character and the added drama and rivalry between her and Elizabeth was fun to witness!
If you have read one of Ms. Simonsen’s other novels (The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy, A Wife for Mr. Darcy), you might have realized she loves to write about Georgiana, Anne, and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s older brother, Lord Fitzwilliam. In these novels, Georgiana and Anne are usually very instrumental to bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together, and Lord Fitzwilliam is usually causing trouble! I loved once again encountering these “regulars,” especially Lord Fitzwilliam, who is as eccentric as a Heyer character! In addition, I loved meeting a new Darcy family relative, Aunt Maguerite, a feisty old battleaxe, who isn’t afraid of speaking her mind. (Don’t worry, she is much more lovable than Lady Catherine!)
Mr. Darcy’s Bite is the perfect novel for those Austenesque readers who are wanting to branch out try a paranormal novel/Austen mash-up but not wanting something graphic or violent. An entertaining, light read – perfect for October!
I can’t wait to read this. I love the idea and also want to see this Lady Helen who dares to think she can steal Mr Darcy away from Lizzy. And I adore Lord Fitzwilliam, as well, he is a riot.
Great review, Meredith! I did love Mary’s creation of Lady Helen! And, like you I love(love, love) Lord Fitzwilliam! I never thought of him as you put it, “as eccentric as a Heyer character.” I so could see him as a Heyer character! I think Mary does a great job creating characters and carrying them through her other novels. As a result, I feel like I really know them.
After I just read Monica’s comment, I got a thought. Mary, so many of your readers love Lord Fitzwilliam. Have you ever considered writing a short story or novella about him? It would be such a fun read!
Thank you, Meredith. Glad you enjoyed my take on Mr. Darcy.
Hi Jakki and Monica. Thanks for stopping by.
Jakki, I think I am going to write a novella about Lord Fitzwilliam and how he met Lady Eleanor.
That would be great, Mary! I can just see him and his antics now! 🙂 I am very curious to see if Lady Eleanor is as bad as he makes her sound!
Mary used to have a story online about Lord F showing up at Lizzy’s first ball at Pemberley but it’s not there anymore 🙁 Darcy was a tad ferocious and the whole thing was hilarious.
I’d love to read more about him and Lady Eleanor.
Hhmmm…. Mr. Darcy as a werewolf??? Now THAT’s definitely a different take! 😉
Mary, it has to be Lord Fitzwilliam & Lady Eleanor’s wedding night!
Mary, I would love to read that scene Monica speaks of. Can I find it somewhere!
Yes, Angie! I would love to see more of that scene! Poor Antony clinging to the bedpost!
Great idea of combining fantasy with P&P. Look forward to meeting Lizzy’s new rival and her old friends from the other novels.
Thanks for the post.
Ooh what a great mix of my favorites: PNR + Austen. Can’t wait.
Thank you all for stopping by and reading Meredith’s wonderful review of Mr. Darcy’s Bite. The story Monica is referring to is The Fitzwilliam Brothers at the Pemberley Ball. It is available on the Austen Authors Writing Block:
http://austeninterlude.org/writersblock/index.php?board=2.0
I love writing about this rascal. 🙂