What If Mr. Darcy Fell in Love with his Cousin’s Wife?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation, Mature Audiences
TIME FRAME: Outside of Canon – begins with Elizabeth at the age of 17, Darcy at the age of 25
PREMISE: A younger Elizabeth gives up her dream of marrying for love and marries a duke to provide a better future for her family. And when her marriage turns into something she never expected it to be, she wonders what hope of happiness her future can hold for her…
WHAT I LOVED:
- So Audacious! So Inventive: L.L. Diamond is well-known for her daring premises and bold character deviations, and in this story she crafts together a most audacious and inventive premise – one I have never seen before! And I can’t really say any more about it because… spoilers! But I will say that there are desperate circumstances, scandalous schemes, and untenable situations. Readers should be prepared for some shocking and dramatic events!
- New Obstacles: There are a quite a few different obstacles for our characters to deal with other than their own prides and prejudices in this story. Elizabeth trapped in an unhappy marriage, Darcy in love with someone who is unavailable, detrimental secrets, and the quandary of morals when unprecedented situations are forced upon you. Exploring such unique conflicts with these characters was fascinating and unexpected to say the least!
- Mr. Darcy Senior: I love that Mr. Darcy senior was alive this variation and I absolutely adored and admired him as a character! He was everything I would want for Fitzwilliam and I immediately loved him for his loving support as a father and his compassionate understanding and wise council as cousin. And what he did for his tenants was so moving and memorable!
- Abiding Friendships: The tentative friendship that develops between Darcy and Elizabeth is simply beautiful and all kinds of heartwarming to witness. I loved how they cared for each other and the ways they would recognize each others’ feelings and needs. My heart glowed at all the quiet and subtextual moments where their actions revealed their hearts. In addition, I quite loved the other beautiful relationships displayed in this story – between Darcy and his cousin Lord Carlisle, Mr. Darcy Senior and the duke, Elizabeth and Georgiana, and Elizabeth and Jane.
- Lalande, Bishop, and Colin: I really enjoyed seeing these upper servants and the helpful roles they played in this story. Their relationships with their masters and mistresses was equally lovely and gratifying, especially between the duke and his valet, Colin.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Small Quibbles: While this story has ratcheted up the drama in many ways with its impossible situations and dangers, I did feel there were maybe some missed opportunities to create an even more spectacularly consuming tale. Such as Darcy and Elizabeth experiencing more turmoil and internal struggle with certain events before they yielded to acceptance and the villains coming onto the scene earlier and causing a bigger impact than they did.
NOTE: Some intimate and sensual scenes take place in this story, recommended for Mature Audiences.
CONCLUSION:
With Undoing, L.L. Diamond once again creates an impressively daring and imaginative Pride and Prejudice tale that will delight readers with its creativity, clever character alterations, and compelling romance. I highly recommend this variation to readers who enjoy outside-of-canon stories and love seeing these characters in surprising and dramatic situations!
Sounds wonderful Meredith from your review. I have read all of Leslie’s books and they you just cannot put them down once you start.
Thank you, Michelle!! 🙂
That is so true about Leslie’s writing, Michelle! I was extra excited about starting this story for that particular reason.
Sounds like a great read, Leslie! Thanks for reviewing a Meredith — will have to add to my TBR list for sure!
I have to admit that as much as I love being called “audacious,” I still hold my breath when it’s reviewed. LOL! Thanks, Jessie! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
lol! It definitely felt like the perfect word to describe your tackling such a premise…bold and daring were just too tame.
For sure, Jessie! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
I loved this book because it was so different and imaginative! This is a book that you cannot put down and it definitely will make an impression.
Why, thank you, Lady Vranes 😉 I don’t necessarily want every book I write to take 5 years, but it’s certainly a relief that everyone seems to love it!
Yes!!! I love the imaginative premises Leslie dreams up!! I loved YOUR part in this story!! It is always great to see Elizabeth have someone be so kind and supportive as a friend.
I loved this one too! I found it really similar to Elizabeth Adam’s “On Equal Ground” but I loved both premises. If you haven’t read On Equal Ground yet I recommend it! Although there’s probably even less tension than this one not quite the scandal there was with Alexander (if I’m remembering the child’s name correctly)
I agree, Kelly! Loved OEG – gah! how that one confused me tore at my heart!
Me! Me! I loved it too! I love the completely different storyline! I loved the main characters and their support of each other. And, sorry Meredith, I loved the low angst between Darcy and Elizabeth!
Definitely on my reread list!
Thank you, Glynis! You are wonderful for my ego 🙂
I am thrilled to hear it, dear Glynis! haha! I am well-aware that I tend to have a preference for high angst and drama (within reason!)
Thank you for reading and writing the amazing review, Meredith! Hope you and Mr. Bingley are doing well in your neck of the woods 🙂
Thank YOU for sharing this brilliant and imaginative story, Leslie! We are so thankful you returned to it after all these years and made it available!
Wonderful Review. Leslie did a great job! Thanks as always.
Thank you, Jen!!
I appreciate you checking out my review, Jen!
Great review. I read this twice plus I have an Audible copy which I will finish listening to when I am able to again walk outside. It’s too cold at present and I only listen to Audible stories while walking outside. I loved this story.
Thank you, Sheila! I’m so happy you loved it so much 🙂
That sounds like such a happy pairing!! Walking in the beautiful fresh air and listening to Austenesque – hope it warms up soon!
Oh, this sounds like a compelling read! Thanks for the review, Meredith, and congrats, Leslie!
Thank you!! 🙂
Definitely! Thanks for checking out my review, Christina!
I’ve been wanting to read this book, and your review just further whets my appetite for it, Meredith! Leslie always writes a great Regency plot.
Thank you, Jan!!
Same here, Jan! I hope you get the chance to read this gem soon!!
This book is just stunning, and I’m so glad you liked it too, Meredith. There’s nothing else like it in JAFF. Leslie is such an amazing author. Thanks for featuring her book.
Thank you so much, Suzan!
Thank you, Suzan!
So true! I have yet to see a premise like this one! I’m always thrilled to read anything Leslie writes!
Beautiful review, Meredith. I have this on my wish-list. I look forward to reading it. Stay safe and healthy.
Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Thank you, Jeanne! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
I will definitely look for this one after your review. Thank you!
I hope you love it as much as I did!
Happy reading!
Great review! I loved this book, and I anticipate another read soon.
I’m working on it! Thanks, Robin!!
Thank you, Robin! That sounds lovely!!
books sounds wonderful–enjoyed your review
denise
Thank you, Denise!
This sounded so good that I just had to buy a copy! Looking forward to reading it soon, sounds great. Congrats Leslie!
And thank you Meredith for sharing your thoughts. A wonderful review as always. 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Meredith, what a wonderful review! This is on my TRP and it makes me looking forward to reading.
That’s great, Shelley!! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!!
Meredith, thanks again for another great review. I have added this to my cart. Can’t wait to read, as I’m also a fan of the Author.
Happy Reading, Reta! Thank you!
Oh yay! I am sure you will love it!!
Leslie what a great story you’ve created, yet again!! Really enjoyed the review 🙂
Thank you, Charlotte!:)
So true, Charlotte!! I appreciate you checking out my review!