Greetings, friends! Are you ready to see an exciting and new cover reveal today? I am once again excited about this cover reveal because it is for a new author and it is for a book being published by Quills and Quartos! 🙌🏼 Hasn’t there 2022 been amazing so far?! I’m struggling to keep up! #NotComplaining
Anyways, I’m so happy to extend a welcome to author Wade H. Mann who is visiting Austenesque Reviews today to share the cover reveal and an excerpt from his upcoming release – A Most Excellent Understanding! We hope you enjoy! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
I would like to thank Meredith, not only for hosting me and A Most Excellent Understanding, but for all the reviews you have done. I recently went through the whole list, and found them super-helpful, so hats off.
The inspiration for this story mostly came from my appreciation of how small mistakes in understanding can push the characters in new directions. P&P is almost entirely a story about how Lizzy and Darcy gradually come to understand each other. They were sunk by misunderstandings until long after Hunsford, and I wanted them to see it resolved sooner. Lizzy in canon is really kind of hard-headed and impervious to reason, so I wanted to lean into that idea and make her even more stubborn to force the issue.
~ Book Description ~
The first time I rejected a proposal of marriage, my suitor would not take ‘no’ for an answer, so I have resolved to be more forceful in any future ones.
ELIZABETH BENNET IS A LADY of decided opinions—especially about a certain Mr Darcy. When Colonel Fitzwilliam reveals that gentleman as the cause of her sister’s romantic woes, Elizabeth does not become angry or distraught. Instead, the news offers some relief, because it allows her to finally understand everything that happened in Hertfordshire the previous autumn. With this new knowledge, she acts to remove herself from the disagreeable company at Rosings.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY FINDS HIMSELF thoroughly confused by Elizabeth’s abrupt departure on the very day he thought to propose. Surprisingly, his cousin is reluctant to offer enlightenment as Darcy pursues Elizabeth to London, where he encounters a less than forgiving pair of Bennet sisters. Darcy must overcome his own reserve to explain himself, which is not easy as others require their share of conversation—especially as it concerns the Bingleys and any future alliance between Darcy and Elizabeth.
IN THIS HARD-FOUGHT BATTLE of wits, can Darcy find the words to prove himself worthy of Elizabeth’s good opinion and win her heart, or will she remain firm in her most decided opinion of the master of Pemberley?
~ Excerpt from A Most Excellent Understanding ~
Darcy will have my head.
Colonel Fitzwilliam cursed himself for bringing up the topic of Darcy’s goodness to his friend. He thought his cousin might be partial to Miss Bennet and imagined a rousing story of a rescue from a fortune-hunter might raise him in her esteem, but far from congratulating him on the success of the endeavour as expected, she seemed deeply angry at Darcy—apparently with cause.
The colonel did not know whether to be more offended at Miss Bennet’s characterisation of his cousin as a black-hearted villain, or her insinuation that she herself was somehow to blame. Everything about their exchange had him wanting to defend both parties.
“Is there anything else, Miss Bennet?”
She looked as though she might laugh. “Allow me to ask a question you can discern with your own eyes. Have you ever witnessed a single interaction between Mr Darcy and me that showed anything beyond the barest of civilities? How much time does your cousin spend staring out of windows when not in my presence? How often does he call on people out of the barest civility required of a gentleman, yet refrains from saying more than half a dozen words for the entire visit? How often does he leave the entire burden of conversation to you?”
He had to admit the lady had a point. Darcy had been much more taciturn during this visit than usual. Although it pained him to admit it, the presence of a lady for whom he had a strong but thoroughly unreasonable aversion might explain his silence. Darcy had been hunted by the most viciously determined ladies of the ton for a decade and had the strong instincts necessary to survive such a hostile environment. He often remarked that his good opinion once lost, was lost forever. If Miss Bennet had lost his good opinion, it would explain everything.
Thinking further, the colonel reflected that he had no idea if Darcy ever called on the parsonage alone. He certainly made no effort to be even minimally sociable when they visited together. Miss Bennet’s assertion held together with logical consistency if nothing else. Darcy was even polite to their aunt’s idiot parson, and George Wickham was still breathing air instead of worms. Darcy tried—but apparently failed— always to maintain his good manners, no matter how much he disliked someone. He was even polite to Bingley’s youngest sister, which required preternatural levels of self-control.
The colonel finally admitted defeat. “Although I can find no fault with your argument, the entire situation leaves me begging for another explanation. Please do not consider this forward, but I find it impossible to dislike you. I have a difficult time thinking so poorly of my cousin. It is most perplexing!”
“You are begging for an explanation over a question of a few moments’ entertainment with your cousin, sir. My sister, on the other hand, is begging for the man who courted her for six weeks and abandoned her without a single word on Mr Darcy’s instructions. My sister, the best person in the world, has already suffered months of my mother’s harangues, and continues to suffer her own broken heart and the neighbourhood’s derision for her disappointed hopes.”
The colonel kicked a rock out of the path in a show of contrition and thought for some time. “I can see no fault with your logic, but Darcy cannot possibly be that stupid.”
Miss Bennet laughed. “You apparently take a dim view of your cousin since your assertion logically opines that he is at least reasonably stupid.”
He joined in her laughter and wondered whether Miss Bennet had any fortune to speak of. Unlike Darcy, he was not a blind fool. Of course, it was not ideal to try wooing a lady when she was furious, but he still had three days in the county to talk to her again, and it would not be at all hard to locate her later.
“In that surmise, you are entirely correct. My cousin is a man of extremes. He is either the cleverest man I know or the stupidest, depending on context.”
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: June 6th)
Such a fun and inviting cover! The facial expressions on these characters is just perfect – I love Lizzy’s arch look! 😍
This sounds like such an interesting premise to explore, I like the combination of Elizabeth speaking her mind and the story diverging before Mr. Darcy could propose. 🎩
I wonder if we will see more of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Jane Bennet and if their roles in this story traverse a different course... 👍🏼
I’m curious to see if Mr. Darcy’s actions are any different than his post-Hunsford actions. ✍🏼
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
~ Connect with Wade~
~ About Wade ~
Wade H. Mann is the pen name for Wade Hatler. Wade is a retired software geek, living near Seattle with his lovely wife Amalia, whom he met in Spain, halfway through a 12,000-mile, 18- country, recumbent bike trip.
He has been writing JAFF since 2017, and has produced 1.4 million words about Darcy, Elizabeth, and the whole P&P family.
Wade spent 30 years making software to improve the lives of cancer patients. His software is currently used to treat two million patients a year globally. The capstone of his career was building an independent medical-software company that was successfully acquired.
He grew up in a sawmill, so he can probably claim the mantle of the only lumberjack-geek-romance writer around.
Wade posts as WadeH on the fanfiction forum. His travel writings can be found at www.wademan.com.
~~~
A Most Excellent Understanding is currently available for pre-order!
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of A Most Excellent Understanding to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Wade!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends May 14th.
~~~
Great cover and great storyline! I’m all for the misunderstandings ending sooner rather than later! This Elizabeth seems to speak her mind which is good, I look forward to how Darcy manages to soothe the savage beast! Thank you!
Oh that is a great cover! It looks fun and serious st the same time. I look forward to reading this book. The Fee Entail is one of my favourite JAFF so I know I’ll enjoy this one as well. Congratulations on the release if this book!
Laura J, Quills & Quartos just announced on FB that you are a contest winner for an ebook of this story! Please email me, the Promotions Manager, at abigail@quillsandquartospub.com for your copy.
Wade, congratulations on your new release with Q&Q! Your excerpt is so promising – I love a good Colonel Fitzwilliam 🙂 Cheers!
Best wishes on the release of this book. Plus, thanks for a chance to win a copy. I look forward to reading it one way or another.
Sheilalmajczan, Quills & Quartos just announced on FB that you are a contest winner for an ebook of this story! Please email me, the Promotions Manager, at abigail@quillsandquartospub.com for your copy.
I love this cover and the excerpt was great. I always love it when Colonel Fitz gets involved. It will be interesting to see how Darcy handles it all. I look forward to reading this. Congratulations on the upcoming release!
Excellent cover can’t wait
Love the Cover, Congrats on the book!
I look forward to to reading this. Congratulations on being published! Wishing you every success.
I love Wade’s work and eagerly look forward to this new one. I just hope he will write faster! 🙂
An interesting premise – a war of wits.
Absolutely great cover! Love the fun it promises!
Just the way I like them – misunderstandings solved faster and if that means Elizabeth is speaking her mind sooner… Well that means he would have to answer, right?
Congratulations !
Fun cover. Please enter me in the giveaway!
I eagerly anticipate this new tale.
Thank you.
Fun cover and can’t wait to read it. I’ve loved your stories for years. So glad you’re starting to publish them. Congratulations on your first book release!
Love the cover and the premise. It is always exciting to see a new writer in the Austenesque world. Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on your debut book!
Sounds great! I love the cover – adorable! Good luck with your sales!!
Great cover, can’t wait to read the story! Congrats!
Oh, Meredith, thanks for hosting Wade and his new launch. I have absolutely adored Wade’s writing and followed him on fanfiction. I’ve read I don’t know how many of his stories and tried to comment and encourage him [nicely, of course, unless provoked – he’ll understand, LOL].
Blessings, Wade on this launch and its success. I wish you all the best. Give my regards to your lovely wife and I applaud you for all your hard work for cancer patients. I’ve walked that path with my husband. It is such a stressful time and your helping patients is such a blessing. Thanks for the generous giveaway and good luck to all in the drawing.
I agree with you 100%. I love Wade’s stuff on fanfiction. I was so excited when I realized he was publishing something. Woohoo!!!! 🙂
I read tje excerpt and it is wonderful Wade!!! I cannot wait to read the complete book. Great writing and I am going to look for your other books
Hollis, Quills & Quartos just announced on FB that you are a contest winner for an ebook of this story! Please email me, the Promotions Manager, at abigail@quillsandquartospub.com for your copy.
I love a good P&P variation. I can’t wait to read this one!
I can’t wait to read A Most Excellent Understanding!”
I love this premise and also love Wade’s stories! Wonderful cover! I really hope I get lucky!
I love the cover, bright and catchy. The story sounds intriguing and I can’t wait to read it. I found it funny how Colonel through Darcy under the bus and laughed. Wonder how Darcy gets out of this one.
Have read Wade’s stories at Fan Fiction.net and they are always very entertaining.
Wade: that was an amazing excerpt. Thank you so much for sharing. I love witty repartee. I was drawn to Georgette Heyer for her witty dialogue. Your discussion between the Colonel and Elizabeth is very similar. Of course anything with more Colonel interaction is usually something we look forward to. Your book sounds fascinating. I sure will enjoy reading it. (As a review above said – one way or another) I was intrigued reading about you the author. My family lives by Tacoma. Your skills used to help others is truly commendable. We appreciate it. My Austen library started over 20 years ago but a huge part of it was due to a grandchild in the hospital several months. Reading was/is a great pastime.
Oops I forgot to say I love the cover. Darcy’s face has many emotions conveyed.
WOW!! The cover is amazing — both Darcy and Elizabeth’s expressions are simply perfection!! And the excerpt definitely piqued my interest!! Hoping very much to win a copy!!
Congratulations on the release of A Most Excellent Understanding!! 😀
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
I love the cover!!!
Wade, congratulations on finally getting published! I have already pre-ordered your book. I can’t wait to read it! The cover looks awesome, and I am already laughing at Darcy and the Colonel. I know that everyone will be on a merry-go-round before it’s all over. With Jane standing next to Elizabeth, it’s going to be a hoot because she will give Darcy the cold shoulder and the cut direct!
I love that excerpt! Can’t wait for this one to release!
I like the cover! I haven’t read anything by this author, but would love to.
This sounds very fun and the cover is so cute. Looking forward to the read. Best Wishes.
I love the cover and can’t wait to read this version.
Sounds great, congrats on the release!
Congratulations on your new book release! I loved the cover art, so delightful and unique. The premise is interesting and the excerpt was great banter with Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam. I look forward to reading more. –Leslie
So happy to see your wonderful stories published at last. Looking forward to many laughs and chuckles.
It is a fun cover & what you shared now has me adding this to my must read list!
A promising excerpt. This one will be on my must read list.
The cover is cute! It is certainly different from the other Q&Q covers. May I know who is the designer that you used this time? I cannot wait for the variation to be released judging by the entertaining excerpt.
Thanks Meredith for facilitating the meeting of so many authors this year.
This one looks very interesting so I preordained it
Thank s again.
Congratulations on publishing a new work. This story sounds like it will be a test of the stubbornness of Elizabeth against the determination of Darcy. I’m anxious to see how the plot unfolds until we get our HEA.
Darcy would appear so confident; however, his eyes glance sideways to Elizabeth to see what her reaction is. A picture always says a lot. Elizabeth is certainly speaking her thoughts to Colonel Fitzwilliam! Thank you for the giveaway and congratulations on your new book.
A fun cover that matches the tone of the story and writing. Well done!
And big congratulations the WadeH on his first publication and release!!
Congratulations, Wade! I’m always interested in Austen variations written from a male point of view – I look forward to reading this.
I love the cover, especially the pink dress! I don’t think I have read a book with this premise before, so I am looking forward to something unique!
I’m a big fan of Wade’s work on the fanfiction site. Looking forward to reading this one!
Congratulations on your new book!
I love the cover and the story sounds delightful so it will be on my ‘must read’ list.
I have really enjoyed Wade’s stories on fanfiction, and when I heard that he was getting a story published I was so excited. This story sounds like a bit of a roller coaster, and I’m looking forward to it. What a cute cover. Congratulations and all the best to Wade.
Thank you Meredith, for bringing Wade for a visit and for all the great authors you’ve brought to our attention.
nice excerpt
I love that excerpt! Yet another title to add to my ever-growing TBR hoard of JAFF books.
Love the cover, it does characterize our couple. Seems a smirk and one who seems he doesn’t have a clue. Looking forward to reading this new variation. Thankyou for the chance to win a copy