What If Colonel Fitzwilliam Fell In Love at First Sight?
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation featuring Colonel Fitzwilliam
THE PREMISE: After overhearing Elizabeth’s heated refusal of Mr. Daracy’s proposal, Colonel Fitzwilliam takes it upon himself to disclose what he knows about Wickham. While paying a call at the Gardiners he finds himself utterly bewitched by the beauty and sweetness of Jane Bennet. Knowing of her recently broken heart, he wonders if that heart could heal, could love another, and could that another be him…?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Main Character Energy: First off, I love that this is a Pride and Prejudice variation that places our dear Colonel as the main character! (Darcy and Elizabeth are still featured, but their storyline is secondary and Darcy is shown up a little by his cousin 🫢). Secondly, as always, I loved spending more time with the Colonel. He is a man of action, and that is true for all areas of his life – including his romantic relationships. While I don’t typically love “love at first sight” premises (definitely a slow-burner here!), I loved seeing the surety, awareness, and confidence with how Colonel Fitzwilliam pursued this relationship. It proves to be an interesting contrast from other characters such as Bingley (weak, doubtful) and Darcy (expectant, inconsiderate).
- Healing from Heartbreak: Jane Bennet’s experiences with love and heartbreak is in the process of changing her, and she is learning more about herself and what she wants. When considering a future with a new suitor or reflecting on her feelings for a past suitor – our dear Jane is contemplative and analyzes her feelings with introspection and insight. I loved this journey for her! 😉 I appreciated this new depth to Jane – she is more aware, she is practical, she protects herself, yet sheds some of her reserve. I also enjoyed how she measured the two suitors pursuing her and dissected the differences between them to discover her own preferences.
- Colonel Fitzwilliam, Again: Yep, I got more to say about our hero. C.P. Odom gives our Colonel a different family history – one that explains his close brother-like relationship with Mr. Darcy, and also shows his own experience with pain and journey to be independent. This added such an interesting dynamic to both Colonel Fitzwilliam’s character and the story overall. I appreciated how his childhood and hardships shaped his character. Speaking of, I really admired the selflessness and integrity Colonel Fitzwilliam displayed while pursuing Jane. He saw and understood her emotions and was always so patient with her.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
- Fast Developments/SlowTelling: Colonel Fitzwilliam’s feelings aren’t the only ones that change or develop rapidly. I wouldn’t have minded seeing some more gradual groundwork or introspection for the Bennet sisters’ journeys to love. And while a lot of feelings developed swiftly, some of the action of the story seemed to drag. This was mostly when there were characters retelling scenes/conversations to other characters. While sharing information is necessary, it felt redundant to the reader since they also previously witnessed the same scenes/conversations that are being retold.
- That Escalated Quickly!: This might just be a personal preference, but I thought a few scenes felt a little outlandish or maybe out of proportion for the time period because they were quickly escalated to such high intensity. Two that stood out to me were Colonel Fitzwilliam’s encounter with Wickham and after Elizabeth’s declaration.
NOTE: With a few scenes and allusions to intimate encounters, I’d recommend this book for mature audiences.
CONCLUSION: I’m so happy to have read a story that features Colonel Fitzwilliam as a romantic hero! His rugged, masculine energy, fervent constancy, and considerate actions in this story will definitely make many readers swoon!
I read and enjoyed this story. Good review, Meredith.
I absolutely loved this story. It’s one of my favourites. I too wished for slower development of love but in part that was because I wanted more/didn’t want it to end. Col. Fitzwilliam is superb in this.
interesting twist
I would give this a 5 star rating. The development and insight into the characters involved is outstanding. Bingley was shown as the wimp he is. Jane learned the value of a true man. Loved, loved Wickham’s come-upance.
Oh you have me intrigued.
One of my favorites stories of the year it came out and I’ve read it several times since. I’m definitely a rereader. Great review Meredith. I rated this a little higher myself, but you have some great insight into the writing and the way the plot comes about. I hope lots of JAFF readers will give it a chance.
This novel is waiting for me in my kindle and I was so lucky to win it in a giveaway so I´ll put it on top of my reading list. I´m very curious about the couple Jane-Colonel: at first sight it seems they don´t have nothing to do with each other but… all is fair in love and war so, bravo for them!
Thanks for your review, Meredith: very helpful as always
I am pretty sure this book is in my library but am yet to read it. I will dig it out and open it on your recommendation Thank you Meredith again.
Clever of this author to realize Jane needed an alpha male.