Santa Darcy, Slip Yourself Under the Tree For Me! 😜🎄
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Modern-day Adaptation of Pride and Prejudice
SETTING: New York City, Modern-day
SYNOPSIS: On Elizabeth’s first day at Darcy Holdings she overhears her new boss, a distracted and beleaguered William Darcy, disparage her by inferring she only got the job through her connection to Charles Bingley. And after hearing that wholly untrue utterance, Elizabeth has formed an unmovable dislike of her boss ever since – especially since he is always staring at her. Meanwhile, Darcy knows he needs to apologize for his rude comment about Elizabeth and six weeks go by without him doing so. When Charles brings up organizing the annual Secret Santa gift exchange Darcy seizes upon an idea of how he can apologize to Elizabeth, make her holiday season a little brighter, and maybe see if she is willing to give him a chance…
WHAT I LOVED:
- An Original Slant: I love that this story didn’t follow the Pride and Prejudice mold scene for scene! Darcy’s rude comment wasn’t about Elizabeth’s looks, there is no conflict between Jane and Bingley, no Lydia debacle, etc. This story is very much its own and traverses its own course. I think after reading so many modern-day Pride and Prejudice adaptations I am preferring more and more stories like Unwrapping Mr. Darcy, All The Things I Know, and Lucky 13 (to name a few) that take some of Jane Austen’s characters (and their personalities) and tell a new story in a modern-day setting with originality and flair.
- Work Place Atmosphere: I really enjoyed the setting of this story and seeing an assortment of characters work together at Darcy Holdings. I liked the fitting and clever positions given to each character and seeing them interact in the professional world with each other. Darcy is CEO, Bingley is vice president, Elizabeth is a new company attorney, and Charlotte is Elizabeth’s assistant. Not to mention clever positions for Mr. Hurst and Mrs. Reynolds.
- A Besotted Darcy: I enjoyed Darcy’s evolution from his disparaging comment and belief that his attraction for Elizabeth will eventually run its course to a completely besotted man desperately hoping Elizabeth will give him a chance! I loved seeing how thoughtful, sincere, and considerate Darcy could be. Unlike Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy, he knows where he stands with Elizabeth and he often goes out of his way (or just plain goes away) to make Elizabeth happy or comfortable. I found it easy to fall in love with such a wonderful Darcy, and I love that Elizabeth isn’t completely indifferent to him! 😉
- The Little Things: I loved the little details of this story. Like how Darcy’s presents were thoughtful and specific towards many of Lizzy’s interests and needs. And I love that Lizzy’s character and interests were so nicely fleshed out – whether it is her favorite color, favorite animal, or her remodeling projects for her apartment. These little touches and detailed descriptions made this story even more enjoyable.
- Grunt: Umm, yeah…I’m such a sucker for cute animals and Grunt was no exception! Lizzy has a mischievous black cat that, until now, has been the only man in her life. I loved seeing Grunt’s antics and interactions with both Darcy and Elizabeth. Cats always have such personality!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- One More Obstacle: Part of me wouldn’t have minded if Darcy and Elizabeth faced some more obstacles after they resolved their initial conflict…maybe some issues with their new work-place romance or a jealous Caroline? However, I did love the wonderful happily ever after portrayed in the last chapters of this story. And since this is a Christmas read, perhaps it is best to have more cheerfulness and love and less drama.
NOTE: A few scenes towards the end include some slightly mature content, I’d recommend this story for readers over the age of fourteen.
CONCLUSION:
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, an adorable and sincere gift-giving Mr. Darcy is a present every reader should receive this holiday season! Unwrapping Mr. Darcy is a delightful, inventive, and festive homage to Pride and Prejudice that held me enthralled! Another splendid read from L.L. Diamond!
I read and enjoyed this wherever it was posted previously and want to read the expanded (?) version. I have found many modern variations which I have enjoyed, included the ones you named. Great review, Meredith.
Thank you, Sheila! I’m so happy Leslie expanded this one and wrote another modern! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story when Leslie posted it on DarcyandLizzy.com. I had to get my own copy so I can sit down and read it all in one session! Such a fun read and I love Christmas stories at this time of year. Give it a try and I guarantee you will love it as much as I did! 🙂
That’s lovely, Brenda! Wasn’t it hard to put down? It was such a fun read and so well done too! Loved this Darcy and Elizabeth!
I loved this book. A totally caring romantic Darcy once he got over his frustrations with Wickham! Then there were the helpful Charlotte, Charles and Jane. Grunt tried his best to help 🙂 🙂
Sorry Meredith but you know me, I loved the mush at the end <3
Yes!! Darcy was definitely wonderful! And lol Grunt…I’m not sure he was “trying” to help. 😉 The must was lovely…I loved it too. 🙂
I also loved this story when I first read it. AND I loved grunt. A nice feel good story. Perfect for thus time of year.
Yes! So true! Grunt needs a sequel, he is so popular!
I’ll put it on my wish list! I like stories set in Christmas and, besides, this is a modern-day P&P adaptation so I think it will be my cup of tea!.
Being Grunt a cat I can imagine the strong personality it will show to Mr Darcy LOL
Thanks for the recommendation 😉
Awesome! It was such a great story, I know you will love it! <3
Loved this story. Great review Meredith. Say hello to Mr. Bingley. Enjoy the season.
So glad to hear that, my friend! I will! Hope you are enjoying a wonderful December!
Ah, this one looks like such a cutie. I look forward to it. 🙂
Hope you get to read it soon!
The real Grunt and I are thrilled to bits you loved it, Meredith! Thank you so much for having me for the blog tour and reviewing Unwrapping Mr. Darcy. I also appreciate the support of everyone who has read it and always stops by to comment and share how much they enjoyed it. This has been a fun book to write and release. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful seasonal story, Leslie!! It is a story worthy of lots of praise and I’m so happy to see that many readers feel the same way I do!!
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed my fave holiday JAFF read almost as much as I did, Meredith! This is a cute story with lots of action and of course, a furry little demon to add interest on the side. Anyone looking for something enjoyable to read for the holidays should check out this book. It’s true to L.L. Diamond’s high calibre of writing, yet very different from Leslie’s other stories. I especially love that perky cover that Leslie designed (she does all her own original covers), which hints of the fun inside.
Thanks for checking out my review, Suzan! I’m so happy to hear many people share their thoughts about this praiseworthy story!
I completely forgot that Leslie designed her own covers and you are so right about this one being fun and a good representation of the story inside…also, now I know why it is pink! LOL! 🙂
This is in the queue. It sounds fantastic!
Hope you get the chance to enjoy it soon! 🙂
I read the shorter version last year online and it was adorable. I’ll be looking forward to reading the expanded version! Leslie is such a talent. I’ve loved all her books including her other modern P&P story, A Matter of Chance. And just talking about them makes me want to reread (again) them. I too love her covers, whether they be just the right painting from that era, or her own artwork. And this Unwrapping Mr Darcy cover is so cute, eye catching, professional, oh everything. What a lady….and she swims too. 😀
Yes! Such a bevy of talents! 🙂 I love Leslie’s covers and this one is all the things you said. Hope you get the chance to read the expanded version soon!
great review!
denise
Thanks so much!
A wonderful review!!! And I appreciated a lighter read without so many obstacles for once! I think that Lizzy provided enough of an obstacle all on her own this time, LOL!! 😀
And I adored Grunt!! This was such a light and fun Christmas read; I truly LOOOOOOVED it!!
Thanks for a lovely review, Meredith!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
P.S. I spent all day yesterday and half of today reading Mr. Darcy’s Enchantment by Abigail Reynolds–it’s a must-read!! I read it so fast as events unfolded that I may have to go back and re-read it more slowly. Magic in Regency England?? Don’t miss it!! One of the best JAFF I’ve *ever* read, and I’ve read more than 1000. 😀
Thank you, Susanne!
Grunt is such a cutie! We need more Grunt!
That is so great to hear, Susanne! I’m delighted to hear you give it such high praise! I can’t wait to read it myself!