Excerpt + Giveaway with Author Monica Fairview!!!

January 7, 2022 • Author Features, Giveaways • 83 Comments

Hi dear readers! I’m so excited to welcome the first author to visit Austenesque Reviews in 2022 – Monica Fairview! And I know I say almost every time she visits, but Monica was one of the first authors to visit Austenesque Reviews when it was barely a month old in 2009. And her early support of my blog makes her especially dear to me. 💓

Monica is here today to talk about her newest release in her Mr. Darcy’s Magic series – Threads of Magic (which will be available January 25th.) Sidebar – I just started Dangerous Magic (Book 1) a few days ago and I love it so much – I love the departure from canon and the wonderful world of magic that is introduced. 🔮

Today Monica is sharing an enticing excerpt from Threads of Magic, we hope you enjoy.

I am really pleased to be here again, visiting Meredith’s blog which has been a fantastic resource for us for so many years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers who selected my book, Dangerous Magic, as a Readers’ Choice Favorite for 2021. It was a magical moment for me.

So finally, Book 2 of Dangerous Magic is back. I can’t say it was an easy book to write. My original concept had to be whittled down quite a bit, including a whole sub-plot with Lydia. And the characters refused to follow the plan I had for them, so I was constantly having to rewrite earlier sections to make them fit. But still, I loved escaping into Elizabeth and Darcy’s world. I hope you do, too.

Meanwhile, here is a short excerpt to give you a taste of the novel.

~ An Excerpt from Threads of Magic ~

“I am relying on you to maintain the utmost secrecy, of course. No one must know the location of the new Hall apart from the three of us. We will leave at night and take a circuitous route to reach it. If necessary, we will require everyone to be blindfolded.”

“Very well.”

Now all Darcy had to do was somehow, by tomorrow, find the ideal location. How on earth was he supposed to do that? It would need a miracle.

“I hope you do not think it presumptuous of me, Lord Matlock.” Elizabeth’s voice was a perfect antidote to his unhappy reflections. “But I may know of just the place. There is a large manor about three miles from our house in Meryton that has stood empty these past two years. It is called Netherfield Park. Its owner, Mr. Prescott, suffers from a protracted illness and he retired to Bath to take the waters. He is elderly and frail, and I do not believe he intends to return. The house is large enough for forty people, as well as household staff. It is situated around four miles away from the village, so you need not fear prying eyes, and it is surrounded by fields so it would be easy to Ward. It might be just what you are looking for.”

Matlock’s expression lightened.

“It might well be. The sleepy village of Meryton is well located for our purposes. It is close enough to London that it is only a few hours on horseback – useful to send express messages, and for mages to return to London if necessary. If we conceal our French captive there, it would be difficult for Napoleon’s Mages to find him.”

Drumming his fingers on the desk, Matlock mulled over her suggestion.

“If you do decide to pursue it,” said Elizabeth, “my father knows how to reach Mr. Prescott. Naturally, you may count on Papa to be discreet.”

“I do not doubt Mr. Bennet’s discretion, even if he has had some— disagreements—with us. Thank you for the suggestion.”

“I am more than happy to help.”

Looking satisfied with herself, she took up her book again. Darcy marveled that, once again, she had come up with a solution. He was sorely tempted to go and sit next to her, but thought better of it. He desperately needed sleep and being with her meant he was unlikely to have any.

“Did you wish to discuss anything else, uncle?

“Nothing at the moment.”

“Then I will take my leave.”

Darcy turned to Elizabeth. He did not want to walk away and leave her. He felt he ought to at least go and kiss her, but Royal Mages did not display their affection in public.

“Good night, Elizabeth.”

To his dismay, she put down her book and stood up.

“I will come with you. I have done quite enough reading for today.”

The last thing Darcy wanted was a repeat of last night. His magic today had been considerably weaker after his sleepless night. He could not afford another one. He had lain awake, thinking about what it would be like if she came with him to Pemberley. He would carry her over the threshold like a proper bride, take her by the hand and lead her up the stairs to the master bedroom. Then he would show her the depth of his love in the large poster bed.

The tension was thick as he strolled with her down the dark corridor, the light of their candles making overlapping circles around them, attraction sparking with every accidental brush of their clothes. As they reached their adjoining rooms, Elizabeth put her hand to his cheek. The touch sent a fire roaring through his veins.

He reached for her hand and gave her fingers a quick squeeze then released them, afraid that if he held onto them too long, he would not be able to let go.

💕 Oh, I love it! I wonder if and when Darcy will reach his breaking point! I love seeing the tenderness and longing! Sounds like the action might be coming back to Meryton? That should prove exciting! 😊

Threads of Magic is available for preorder now. (Release Date – January 25th)

. ~~~

~ Book Description ~

In a magical Regency England, two powerful magicians strive to find a balance between love and duty as they confront enemies who might well be their closest friends.

Elizabeth Bennet may be a heroine, but by defying some of the most powerful mages in England, she has made enemies who will stop at nothing to embroil her in scandal.

So when she is accused of endangering the Royal Mages through her reckless actions, she no longer knows who to trust. Even the gentleman she loves is taking their side. It seems the only person who believes her is the captive French mage who is imprisoned in the cellar at Netherfield.

Meanwhile, Fitzwilliam Darcy is willing to fight to the death to defend Elizabeth, if only she would stop getting herself into trouble. Why does she always have to break the rules? And why does even her sister Jane cause him so many problems?

Join us in this magical Jane Austen Regency variation. Set mostly in Meryton, with familiar beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice, you will once again be enchanted by Elizabeth and Darcy’s struggle to find true love against the backdrop of England’s war with Napoleon.

~~~

~ Connect with Monica ~

Website    ❧   Pinterest    ❧   Twitter    ❧    Facebook    ❧   Austen Variations

~ About Monica ~

Monica Fairview writes Jane Austen sequels and variations as well as Regencies. Her biggest claim to fame is living in Elizabeth Gaskell’s house in Manchester, long before the house was restored. After studying in the USA, she taught literature, then became an acupuncturist. She now lives near London.

Monica loves anything to do with the nineteenth century, and obsessively follows every period drama she can find. Some of her favorites are ‘North and South’, ‘Bright Star’ and ‘War and Peace’, and a dozen others that she couldn’t possibly list here. Of course, she has watched Pride and Prejudice (1995 and 2005) more times than she could count on her hands and toes.

In addition to her love of Jane Austen, Monica enjoys reading fantasy and post-apocalyptic novels but avoids zombies like the plague. She loves to laugh, drink tea, and visit National Trust historic properties [If Covid allows it!], and she is convinced that her two cats can understand everything she says.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

In conjunction with Monica’s lovely visit today, she is giving away  2️⃣ ebook copies of Threads of Magic to 2️⃣ lucky winners!!

To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Monica below!

  • This giveaway is open worldwide.  Thank you, Monica!
  • This giveaway ends January 14th.

 

Thank you so much for the lovely visit, Monica! I wish you all the best with your lovely new release of Threads of Magic!! 

~~~

Disclaimer: The Amazon links used in this post are affiliate links. 

83 comments

  2. I’m loving the new book only with this excerpt! Now I have to go back and re read Dangerous Magic, oh bummer!
    I’ve loved all if Ms Fairviews books so far, do very much looking forward to reading Threads of Magic.

    Wishing you all a great and safe 2022!

    Reply

  4. I began reading your books in 2009 and have enjoyed everyone since, except the Steampunk(?) ones. In fact, in the early days, before I discovered fanfic, I read it at least half your first one at least six times.Thank you for sticking with me.

    Reply

  6. Congratulations to both Meredith and Monica on so many levels! I am also reading Dangerous Magic and would love to continue with The Threads of Magic. I could feel the connection between Darcy and Elizabeth. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Monica always writes incredible imaginative stories.

    Reply

  8. I really loved Dangerous Magic, so I am really looking forward to Book 2. Monica, do you know how many books will be in this series?

    Reply

  9. Dangerous magic was one of my very favorite reads of last year! I am so very very excited for this book to come out!!

    Reply

  15. Wow! Poor Darcy! He definitely seems to be suffering here! Hopefully this will soon be resolved? I have book one ready and waiting!

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  16. I read the first book and have been looking forward to the second one so count me in. Thanks so much for featuring here!

    Reply

  17. Ooooh! I’m so excited. I loved the first book and have been eagerly (and just a little impatiently) waiting for this one! The excerpt has built my excitement even more!

    Reply

  19. Congrats on a well-deserved Readers Choice pick and looks like you’ve got another gem coming out, Monica. Loved the excerpt!

    Please do not enter me, Meredith.

    Reply

  21. Oh, that sounds soooo yummy. I’m really looking forward to this one! Best luck on the new book’s launch, Monica. It sounds like a winner already.

    Meredith, remember my reply to a post just yesterday where I said I was madly trying to read (in December) every highly rated book before the end of the year, well, before I was forced to submit my top 10 for your poll. And that I was so torn because I knew I just couldn’t get to all of the chief contenders? Dangerous Magic was the book I couldn’t get to. 🙁 But I’m on it now. Next in line. And I’m really excited about it, too.

    Reply

  28. I’m so looking forward to Book 2! I love Lizzy and Darcy in a magic Regency setting. Congrats on the upcoming release!

    Reply

  29. I loved the excerpt and I am intrigued to read more. Congratulations on Dangerous Magic becoming a 2021 Reader’s Choice Award Winner! Thanks for the giveaway. –Leslie

    Reply

  31. I absolutely LOVED Dangerous Magic; in fact, I distinctly remember having to stay up very, very late grading essays because I couldn’t put Dangerous Magic down after promising myself to read “just one chapter” during my lunch break!!

    Definitely hoping hard to win a copy of the continuation!!

    Thank you, Monica, for the excerpt and the giveaway!! And thank you, Meredith, for hosting!! 😀

    Warmly,
    Susanne 🙂

    Reply

  33. Thank you so much for this sweet excerpt. Looking forward to part two of the magic between ODC.

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy

    Reply

  36. What a beautiful cover for the book. I really enjoyed Dangerous Magic, so I’m looking forward to reading the sequel. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book

    Reply

  39. First of all, a quite late Happy New Year!

    Thank you for posting this romantic excerpt. Truly seeing in my head the sparkles and smolder with their clothing and brief skin contact as I read just amazed me. Also thank you for the giveaway and all the fun of this page!

    Reply

  40. Congrats, Monica, on your newest release! I’ve had book one on my wish list for a while — really need to pick it up.

    Thanks so much for the excerpt and the giveaway!

    Reply

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