Hi friends! I’m so excited to welcome back the lovely Mary Smythe to Austenesque Reviews today! Mary has several fabulous releases under her belt which you may recognize – Dare to Refuse Such a Man, A Faithful Narrative, and Pride Before a Fall.
And today Mary is here to share the beautiful cover of her beautiful new book coming out next month. Her upcoming novel is titled Prevailed Upon to Marry – and it sounds like a Pride and Prejudice variation with a surprising new path for Elizabeth and Darcy!
Welcome, Mary! I am so glad to have you visit! 🤗
~ From the Author ~
Hi Meredith! Thank you for inviting me back to your blog once again, it’s always a pleasure to be here.
I wrote and posted the original version of Prevailed Upon to Marry—then known as “Last Man in the World” on the boards—during the pandemic. I distinctly recall this fact because I had to stop in the middle because I caught COVID-19 and wasn’t able to finish it for six months. I wasn’t sick for all of that time, thankfully, but the lingering cognitive deficit (what I not-so-lovingly referred to as “brain fog” at the time) had me struggling for the words I needed to write it for several weeks. I wonder if that’s how Mr Collins feels all the time? In any case, I suppose it makes sense that the writing of this book was such a bumpy journey because that’s exactly what Darcy and Elizabeth experience within its pages.
Our story begins with Elizabeth trapped between a rock and a hard place. Her father’s health is rapidly declining and her family is on the verge of destitution—unless she consents to marry Mr Collins. Since he won’t consider another Bennet bride, it’s either meet him at the altar or end up in the dreaded hedgerows! Luckily for her, she has a secret admirer waiting in the wings to rescue her. When Darcy hears that Elizabeth is on the point of marriage to an unworthy suitor, he dashes back to Hertfordshire just in time to offer her another choice. From there, things get more and more complicated with a jilted Mr Collins, an incensed Lady Catherine, and a long stretch of road upon which Darcy and Elizabeth come to understand one another better. Will they learn to love—or to loathe? I think we all know the answer, but they say a story is all about the journey, not the destination, so pick up a copy of Prevailed Upon to Marry and follow Our Dear Couple to Scotland.
Isn’t the cover just so whimsical and romantic? It’s like Elizabeth is gazing out into the
distance and seeing a better life for herself on the horizon. Or maybe just the border crossing
into Scotland, haha! In all seriousness, Susan Adriani has done a marvelous job and I really
feel Elizabeth’s desire to strike out and find her own happiness with Darcy.
~ Book Description ~
To love and be loved in return—what more could any rational person wish for?
THE NEWS OF ELIZABETH BENNET’S ENGAGEMENT hits Fitzwilliam Darcy with all the force of a runaway carriage. That she is set to marry her toadying cousin, Mr Collins, only makes the travesty worse. But what can he do?
ELIZABETH BENNET DOES NOT wish to throw herself away on Mr Collins, but with the hedgerows looming ever closer, she has not much choice. When Mr Darcy arrives at Longbourn just in time to present her with an alternative, she has to ask herself—is he truly the last man in the world she could be prevailed upon to marry? Or is it Mr Collins? The answer is a simple, if surprising, one.
HOWEVER A JILTED BRIDEGROOM is not so easily put aside, particularly not when it is Mr William Collins, and so Darcy and Elizabeth are required to flee to Scotland, taking the daring step of eloping together. With conflicted feelings between them and determined pursuers hard on their heels, the road to matrimony has never been bumpier but the happily ever after promises to be sweeter for it.
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: June 12th)
It is gorgeous and so romantic! I love the woman’s expression – it is clear-sighted but maybe a little wistful too. She does indeed have fine eyes. 🤩
I love the elegance of this painting – how we almost see the brushstrokes, the moody background, the exceptional detail with the woman’s hair and dress. 🖼
Elizabeth said yes to Mr. Collins? Darcy and Elizabeth elope to Scotland!?! There are some surprising events unfolding here! 🫢
I cannot wait to see Darcy and Elizabeth traverse this divergent and challenging path together! 💗
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
~ About Mary ~
Mary Smythe is a homemaker living in South Carolina with a rather useless BA in English collecting
dust in a closet somewhere. Mrs Smythe discovered the works of Jane Austen as a teenager thanks to the 1995 BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and has since gone on to read everything written by Miss Austen at least once yearly, always wishing that there were more. She has been writing since 2001, but only discovered Jane Austen fanfiction in the summer of 2018.
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of Prevailed Upon to Marry to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Mary below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends May 12th.
~~~
Okay, well this sounds AMAZING.
Aw, thank you! I hope you enjoy it.
Mary, i have enjoyed your other books and look forward to this one with pleasure. I like the idea of Elizabeth saying “why not”, grabbing Darcy’s hand and going for broke rather than settling for the awful Collins. It will be fun joining them for the ride.
I loved this when I read it on the boards, so look forward to reading the published story. And better still, I have the chance to win an e-book version.
Thank you so much, Sarah! I hope you like the published edition just as much. Good luck in the giveaway 🙂
It is hard to imagine Darcy eloping! Looking forward to reading this book.
I know, right? He strikes me as a strict rule follower. However, when love is on the line, people often do the unexpected. I hope you enjoy it!
I hate that Elizabeth is forced to sacrifice herself for the family who has let her down all her life. Luckily she gets to jilt Mr. Collins!!! And our staid Darcy eloping to Scotland – what an amazing storyline! I can hardly wait!
It’s an unfortunate situation, for sure, but I swear I don’t actually make her go through with the wedding to Mr Collins! Mr Darcy to the rescue. 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!
Beautiful cover. I love Darcy coming to the rescue. I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the giveaway.
Isn’t it just lovely? I hope you like the content of the book just as much as its cover!
Oh that sound lovely and so fun to read! Looking forward to it!
Lovely cover. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. Good luck with the release.
It’s absolutely beautiful! I adore it. Good luck with the giveaway!
I’ve added it to my Amazon book list. I’ve been on a P&P variation kick for months and am always thrilled to see a new title. 🙂
Thank you! I hope you like my book as much as the variations you’ve already read. 🙂
What I think is that I want to read this book. Eloping to Scotland is out of Elizabeth’s and Darcy’s character. It will be fun to read how Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine responds. Cover is beautiful. Thank you for the giveaway.
Aw, thank you, Eva. I hope you enjoy it! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in Mr Collins’s and Lady Catherine’s response. It’s…turbulent, lolz.
The cover is beautiful and the storminess of the clouds indicates there is trouble ahead. I love angst, and I am curious as to how this all plays out. Of course it will have an HEA but the journey sounds like fun!
I agree, the cover is absolutely lovely and suits the content perfectly. Trouble ahead, indeed! I hope you enjoy the journey. 🙂
Having read 3 of Mary Smythe’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them, she is on my list of favourite authors.
Can’t wait to read this new offering … Darcy eloping??? Whatever next?
Nice of you to offer the chance to win a copy free.
Aw, thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this book as much as my other three. Good luck in the giveaway!
I eagerly awaited each update to this story on the boards and love, love, love it! I am so glad this excellent story is being published. The cover is lovely, too!! Congratulations!
Aw, thank you! And sorry again about that six month hiatus. At least with a published version you can read it all the way through without any stops. 🙂 Thanks again!!
What a beautiful cover! And what a swoon-worthy Darcy…arriving just in time to save his fair lady from a horrible fate. But it sounds like it won’t be an easy task; usually nothing worthwhile ever is.
Isn’t it just lovely? And I promise some Darcy-inspired swooning; his entrance is suitably dramatic 😉 Definitely not an easy journey, but well worth it in the end.
Mary, from the moment I read the blurb on your back cover I have been itching to read this book – eloping to Scotland!!! Your stories are always so well written and lovely. I love this premise. Happy Reveal Day!
Aw, thank you so much, Susan. 🙂 🙂 🙂 You’re absolutely the sweetest! I hope it meets your expectations.
What a beautiful cover. Look at that hair, that dress, and her expression. The artist was able to capture a glowing complexion and such an air about her. What a great choice. She draws you into the picture. I love that dress. However, it is a bit low-cut for my comfort. LOL! Congratulations on the launch of this new book. I look forward to reading it. Wishing you much success. Thanks to Q&Q for the giveaway and good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings.
Isn’t it gorgeous! Maybe her gown is a little…adventurous, but it’s just so windswept and romantic that I adore it. Le sigh. Let’s hope she has a wrap, tho, because the story takes place in December. 😉 I hope you enjoy the book!! Thanks so much for your continued support. <3
Beautiful and romantic cover! No wonder Darcy has to save Elizabeth! 😉
Congratulations on your latest release!
Absolutely lovely, isn’t it? Who wouldn’t sweep in and carry Elizabeth off when she looks so winsome? Thanks so much!
This looks like it is going to be a fun story!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it.
Oh, this is most definitely my type of story! Elizabeth leaving the obnoxious Mr Collins at the altar and eloping with Darcy! I read the excerpt at Q&Q, typical of Lady Catherine to ‘shoot the messenger’. I suppose they will give chase so I do hope Darcy has his fastest horses and can convince Elizabeth to love him before they arrive! Please! 🙂
Oh, good! I’m glad you’re looking forward to it and I hope it lives up to your expectations. I promise that Darcy and Elizabeth prevail over Lady Catherine and Collins.
I remember reading some the draft online, and it was wonderful! I would love to have my own copy of this book. Lady Catherine threw Collins out in the cold snow and made him walk! I forgot where she left him. This excerpt gives you an idea of just how much “fun” Collins is going to have as a “passenger” riding with Lady Catherine as they follow Darcy and Elizabeth to Scotland. She will put him through hell. I don’t know how the story ends; so if I don’t win a copy, I will have to buy a copy. It will be worth it to see how they thwart the hideous duo!
Lolz, spoiler alert! Just kidding, but I’m not revealing the ending here. 😉 Still LOADS of fun for Lady Catherine and Collins on the road to Scotland, haha. Good luck in the giveaway! I’m glad you enjoyed the original draft and hope you like the published version just as much (if not more).
Buckle Up!!! Sounds like Mr. Collins is going on a very, very long trip trapped in a carriage with Lady Cat. {I’d love to be a fly on the squabs for that tongue lashing!} The cover is wonderful. As someone else commented, the woman has a wistful look about her. That’s a perfect description. I’m looking forward to reading it. Thank you for your generosity in doing a giveaway!
Haha, the longest trip of his miserable life, for sure! That’ll teach him for running to Lady Catherine like a tattletale, eh?
So wistful and lovely. Le sigh. Good luck in the giveaway!
Can’t wait to read this one! I do love this kind of a story. Best of luck with the launch! Thank you for the giveaway!
I hope you enjoy it! And thanks so much. Good luck 🙂
Oh my goodness. I can’t wait to get this one added to my Kindle. The except, the cover, the premise. Everything looks and sounds absolutely amazing. Congratulations on your new book, I can’t express how excited I am to dive into the drama. No need to enter me in the giveaway since I have already pre-ordered on Amazon, but I just wanted to say congratulations on the new release and thank you.
Aw, I hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for your lovely comments and the pre-order. 🙂
What a gorgeous cover! And intriguing journey for all lovers of Our Dear Couple! Congratulations on the release, Mary!
Thanks, Julie! Susan does an outstanding job on all her covers, doesn’t she?
The cover is lovely and I am anticipating the release date!
Thank you so much!!
What a beautiful cover! I love the subdued tones of the background. I love a story where Elizabeth and Darcy get to know one another after they are committed to each other! I hope they make it to Scotland before anyone can stop them!
The cover is absolutely beautiful, I just love it. I hope you enjoy their journey to understanding one another better. It’s a long road to Scotland…:)
This looks absolutely riveting. The cover is so beautiful. Can’t wait to read the book!
Aw, thank you. I hope you enjoy it!
Love the cover, it is very romantic, muted tones of brown into the pinks. Yes very romantic and with what I can only guess is Longbourn village below. I look forward to reading about ODC on another adventure of discovery. Congratulations & Thanks!
So romantic and it suits the tone of the story very well. I hope you enjoy the book! Thanks so much. 🙂
Outstanding cover!!! I have always greatly enjoyed Mary Smythe’s writings – her mastery of the English language is a true delight, 5+ stars just for the cover and blurb – I am anxiously anticipating the release of this book.
Susan Adriani does absolutely fabulous work, as you can clearly see. Just gorgeous. And, aw, thank you, you’re making me blush! I hope you enjoy this book as much as my others. 🙂
Wonderful! I have already read this book so no need to enter me in the giveaway. LOVE the cover!!! Best Wishes Mary and thanks Meredith for featuring here.
Thanks so much, Jen! You’re so sweet 🙂
Love the premise! I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy! The cover is gorgeous!
Beautiful cover artwork– vintage, Regency paintings are my favorite.
Plot very intriguing; enjoyed the excerpt. A quivering, toadyish Mr Collins is easy to picture. Lady Catherine SHOULD thwack him with her cane!
I love the regency covers, too. They always get me in the mood for the contents of the book. I hope you enjoy my story! I think you’ll like what Lady Catherine does to Collins in the end…
Thank you! I hope you win 🙂
What a nice cover! Can’t wait to read this one!
Thank you!!
I love this type of variation! The cover is pretty. Please enter me in the giveaway!
I hope you enjoy the story, then! 🙂 Good luck!!
What a beautiful cover. Congrats to that artist and you on the new book. I love anytime Mr. Collins gets what is coming to him, plus an elopement! This is a must read
Thanks so much! Susan Adriani put together the cover for me, though I think the actual image is a historical painting. Either way, she did a phenomenal job. And, not to worry, Mr Collins definitely gets what’s coming to him in this book. 😉 Hope you enjoy it!
The cover is really beautiful. I like it very much. I like the idea of Darcy eloping with Elisabeth, that’s something I had thought Darcy never capeable of. I’m looking forward what they have to endure during their escape.
I can’t wait to read it.
We all do surprising things for love. 🙂 Hope you enjoy the journey!
Wonderful cover! Congrats on the new book, Mary. I look forward to reading it.
Thanks, Lucy! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy YOUR books (though I’m not sure that’s possible, haha).
That’s a lovely cover, and I’m excited to read this new book. I’ve seen a number of variations lately where ODC are very definite about NOT eloping, so I’m intrigued that it’s going in that direction right now. Can’t wait!
So beautiful, isn’t it? I wrote another one in which Darcy and Elizabeth decided against eloping (my first book, Dare to Refuse Such a Man) and wanted to explore the exact opposite scenario in this one. It was a fun challenge. Hope you enjoy it!
I look forward to reading this one! And the cover is just lovely!
Thank you! 🙂
It’s a lovely cover and the story is very interesting. I’m now on my first travel to scotland and I have a question. Why is it called to marry in Gretna Green over the anvil ? I couldn’t find an explaination for anvil, the translation in german means Amboss. Today the little town is only for tourists.
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
They call it “over the anvil” because the marriage laws in Scotland are traditionally far more lax than those in England, hence the reason so many wayward couples eloped there. In Scotland at the time (I think it’s different now), all a couple needed to do was swear before witnesses their intent to marry and the deed was done. This led to an enterprising blacksmith in Gretna Green setting up a price list for eloping couples who crossed the border. They literally married “over the anvil” at the blacksmith shop. I hope that answers your question.
What a wonderful cover and the chosen image is perfect for this story! I can’t wait to read it again – there is the thrill of writing chapter after chapter …but having it in one go is even better! I do not doubt its success;-)
Isn’t it? The cover really evokes the mood of the story. I know you’re excited to look for a certain cameo in the book…it’s still there, promise. 😉
Oh, an eloping Darcy and Elizabeth! I can’t wait to read it, Mary! This cover is stunning—what a beautiful piece of artwork, and Susan did an amazing job incorporating it into a fabulous book cover. I’ll be counting the days!
Aw, thank you, Marie! I hope you enjoy it. Stunning is an excellent word for it; Susan Adriani has outdone herself yet again.
I enjoyed this story on the boards, and I am so happy you are publishing it. Lovely cover! Thank you for the giveaway. Best wishes and congrats on the new release!
Thank you, Robin! I hope you enjoy the published version, too. All the good stuff is still there. Good luck in the giveaway!
Hi Mary!
When I read “Scotland ” , I felt magic in the air LOL. Will Darcy and Elizabeth travel to Gretna Green?
This premise is promising but I think Scotland is not far enough when Mr Collins is involved LOL
I can’t wait to read it. Congrats on your release and thanks for the giveaway!
Nothing like an elopement story, eh? LOLZ, perhaps there’s no distance far enough from Mr Collins, but Scotland will have to do. Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it.
Gorgeous Cover! Congrats on your book!
Thank you so much!
If this one (which I missed on the boards) is half as good as the others you have published, you have another winner! ….can you handle it? LOL What I am really wondering about is you have experience in leaving cliffhangers at the ends of some of your chapters. Did you do it again with this one? I know for forum readers, such as myself, when you only get a chapter a week (or even less frequently) chapter ending cliffhangers really add to the angst. Nonetheless, congratulations on the release and choice of a beautiful cover!
Aw, thank you! That’s so incredibly sweet of you to say. 🙂 I hope you enjoy this one as much as my previous ones.
Cliffhangers are something of a habit of mine, I admit it, but I don’t think you’ll suffer unduly in the published version. If nothing else, all the chapters are collected together in one place!
Lovely cover! Your new book sounds wonderful, and I can’t wait to read it.
Isn’t it gorgeous? Thank you! I hope you enjoy it.
Beautiful cover! Great storyline. Can’t wait to read it.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
I love her eyes too. I love this time period and the cover reflects it well.
Oh yes, her eyes are wonderful. So full of wistfulness and longing…le sigh.
This has been on my “To read list” since I saw it on amazon’s “coming soon” list. Can’t wait to read it. Beautiful cover!
Aw, thank you! I hope it meets your expectations. 🙂
Lover the cover and can’t wait to read it!
Thank you!!
The cover is gorgeous. I love the detail in the dress and shawl and the drama of the sky. I just love painted covers! Can’t wait to read the book, Mary, and congratulations!
So, so gorgeous! And I think “drama” perfectly suits the story, lolz. Thank you and I hope you enjoy it!
The story sounds great. I love the stories that they run away together. The cover is a beautiful painting.
Thank you! I love a JAFF adventure, myself. I hope you enjoy it.
Gorgeous cover! Such fine eyes! Such intriguing expression! Oh… a… and…Scotland! Mr Darcy and Elizabeth eloping! (My nerves! ) The storyline sounds interesting. I wonder what has prompted Mr Darcy and Elizabeth to take such drastic action. I couldn’t wait to read the book. (The beautiful cover has increased my curiosity as, after seeing the cover, I couldn’t help but wondering what’s on Elizabeth’s mind.)
Congratulations on the new release and the beautiful cover. Best wishes.
Haha, hang onto your smelling salts, because this will be a bumpy ride! But seriously, I hope you enjoy the story as much as the lovely cover. Thanks so much!
sounds intriguing!
denise
Thank you!
This cover is one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen! Absolutely gorgeous! And I would love to read this story. Congratulations on your new book!
Isn’t it just so compelling and beautiful? I absolutely love it! Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story inside. 🙂
Beautiful cover, and a story line I’m looking forward to reading.
Thank you!!
The cover is so interesting. It appears to me that she is looking forward (and not back) to a future that holds promise and perhaps happiness. Congrats on publishing a new book. I look forward to reading it.
Oh absolutely, she’s looking out towards that horizon with hope shimmering in her fine eyes. Thanks so much!
What a lovely cover, the story sounds intriguing. Look forward to reading it soon. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks so much! Good luck in the giveaway. 🙂
Thank you Mary for your wonderful work.
And I am very glad to hear of your recovery from brain fog my daughter still suffering 10 months after contracting Covid.
I have already preorder your book and really looking forward to reading it.
Aw, thank YOU, Terry. You’re so sweet!
Oh my goodness, I hope your daughter recovers completely soon! I was only down and out with the brain fog for about two months and that was more than enough, I can tell you. It’s just awful, like constantly walking through, well, a thick fog.
A beautiful cover for an equally amazing and beautiful story! Looking forward to adding this one to my (very small) collection!
Aw, thank you, Cat. You’re the best. I’m so honored to be part of your collection.
Aw, thank you, Cat. 🙂 You’re the best. I’m so honored to be part of your collection.
It is a beautiful cover and I am excited to read your newest book! Mr. Collins needs to be jilted!!!!
This is very interesting plot. I look forward to reading it.
Sounds wonderful.
This sounds good. I think early attachment variations are interesting as this early in canon although Elizabeth has been insulted by Darcy and has heard Wickham’s tale of woe, she doesn’t have Jane’s disappointment to hold against him so it’s easier for the relationship to recover!
Congratulations on your new book. It is such a lovely cover. Eager to read the events that follows this …. Wonder who is siding with who when it comes to the Bennets…
Thank you for this giveaway
Looks great! Sounds like a fun chase. can’t wait to read it.
I’m so excited to see this story come out for publication. I read the very beginning of it and lost track when you became ill, (oh! I felt for you. Not because I was missing the story, but a mom with two young children and the mom sick with COVID!) But the opening of this story has stayed with me…such a romantic gesture from Darcy.
The cover is gorgeous. She looks pensive but very determined. She looks like she’s been through a lot already in her young life an has learned some eye opening lessons. Oh, boy. I cannot wait.
I believe that’s going to be a great story. Congrats, Mary Smythe! The cover is one of the best I’ve seen.
Darcy and Elizabeth eloping to Scotland?! I want to join the ride too! This book sounds great. I love a gallant Darcy stopping Elizabeth from marrying her obnoxious cousin. The cover is beautiful and very romantic, too. Congratulations on the upcoming release! 🙂
Oh my! The hedgerows! Can’t wait to read it!
Darcy to the rescue! And an elopment! My kind of book.
Beautiful cover! Very lush. Looking forward to reading this. Unlike others I see eloping as Darcy’s way. Of controlling and arranging matters for what he considers optimal results. After all, he is so upright that the absence of a premarital marriage contract would never have a negative impact.
Will Mr. Hurst be offering any poetry?
The cover is a beauty, Mary. I adore all of Susan Adriani’s covers for Q&Q. The plot is very fascinating. I wouldn’t have dream that Elizabeth would have agreed to elope with Mr Darcy. But her circumstances sounds quite dire from the blurb. I can’t wait for the release of this new variation.