Influence and Interference from Their Nearest Relations

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins the day after Darcy’s disastrous Hunsford proposal.

SYNOPSIS: After learning Mr. Darcy was soundly (and deservedly) rejected, his relations band together to lend him some much needed assistance in winning the heart of Elizabeth Bennet. And just when he is about to make a second (and much more desired) proposal, Elizabeth’s capricious and negligent father burdens her with responsibilities that force her to be elsewhere. While the distance and the delay is no deterrent to our determined hero, Elizabeth soon doubts that his affections can survive her family and all the damage they cause…

WHAT I LOVED:

• With A Little Help From Their Friends (and Family): Oh, I absolutely love it when Darcy confides in his cousins and they give him some much needed counsel and assistance! Anne de Bourgh plays a delightfully prominent and active role in this story and I loved her ingenious and perceptive plans for helping out her woefully misguided cousin! I really enjoyed all the lovely support and camaraderie that developed in this story between the principal characters and their siblings, cousins, and friends!

• A New Antagonist: In the Prologue readers are introduced to someone from Darcy’s past who has now resurfaced and is out for revenge. I really loved the premise and circumstances surrounding this new additional character – and how Kay Bea cleverly weaved her into Darcy’s history. I enjoyed witnessing the turmoil she caused and the surprising alliances she formed. I loved the fact that she was a new antagonist with different motives. I almost wish she played a bigger role in the story!

• Jane Bennet with Back Bone!: Slow clap for Jane…she stands up in this variation and it is brilliant to behold! I love seeing sweet Jane understand the depravity and contemptible behaviors of others and find her voice to speak out against it. I love it when Jane stands up for herself, for her sister, and for Charles. Elizabeth is always so fiercely protective to Jane, and it is lovely to see the symbiosis of her being likewise.

• Mr. Darcy Courting: Aww. I love when Mr. Darcy makes his attempts to court Elizabeth! Whether he is tongue-tied and awkward or boldly flirting, surprising Elizabeth with his considerate actions or confusing her with his single-minded officiousness – it is all adorable to me. 😉 And what was even more fun in this story was seeing Mr. Darcy court someone else in addition to Elizabeth – and that courtship was just as satisfying and entertaining to witness!

• Consequences: There are some downright vile and unrepentant characters in this story, ones that act maliciously and make unforgivable transgressions. I appreciated how Kay Bea treated these characters, and the harsh consequences she gave them for their actions. It was a powerful reminder that there isn’t always good in everybody and that there can be grievous consequences for your mistakes.

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Small Quibbles: I really loved the premise of Darcy’s past that was introduced in the Prologue, but part of me was expecting it to have a bigger impact on his future romantic outlook and relationship with Elizabeth. In addition, (and this might be just a personal preference) but I always get impatient when there are seemingly unnecessary delays with Darcy and Elizabeth finally coming to an understanding. Like when they are on the very brink of it happening and then move at a snail’s pace. 🐌 c’mon guys…get there faster!

CONCLUSION:

While Ms. Bea’s first release, Letters from the Heart, is a darker tale filled with heart-wrenching poignancy and painful realities, Love Unsought is a lighter and brighter tale with less shade – but still plenty of tension and tribulations! Both stories encompass beautifully-rendered characters, an array of diverse relationships, and thoughtfully-conceived premises. I think I quite love Kay Bea’s writing!

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A HAPPY COINCIDENCE!

Guess what just became available yesterday? The Audible audiobook for Love Unsought!!