What If, After Falling from a Horse, Mr. Darcy Immediately Declares Himself?
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation
THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy isn’t too disappointed to discover he has unintentionally declared himself to Elizabeth Bennet after falling from his horse. He is ready to honor the proposal he made – especially when he realizes it is truly his heart’s secret wish. However, Elizabeth has already formed an unlikable opinion about him. But she realizes that her character sketch of him may be a little wanting…. Can Mr. Darcy prove his worth to Elizabeth and convince her to accept his earnest suit by the Netherfield Ball?
MY THOUGHTS:
This was such a fun twist to explore! I love when Elizabeth sees another side of Mr. Darcy – especially early on in their relationship. And I love the change of Elizabeth being aware of Mr. Darcy’s interest and feelings, and Mr. Darcy being aware of Elizabeth’s dislike and disinterest. It’s a refreshing change to have most of the misunderstandings cleared up so early in the story-line!
What I loved most about this story was Mr. Darcy. Readers see a temporarily addled Mr. Darcy, a sincere and courting Mr. Darcy, and a vulnerable and irrevocably in love Mr. Darcy. All my favorites! 🥰 Mr. Darcy did so many things to win my heart in this story – with his determination to see Elizabeth during inclement weather, his ebullient joy after spending any time with her, his thwarting of Mr. Collins’s suit, his total acceptance of Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth’s embarrassing siblings, and his actions to protect others from Mr. Wickham. In addition, I loved seeing Elizabeth observe and ponder over all these admirable qualities about Mr. Darcy. I appreciated her gradual journey to understanding him better and falling in love with him. Special shout out to Mr. Bingley for his vital assistance with proposal coaching!
While I loved the first half of the book, I must admit I wasn’t as fond of the drama that sprang up towards the end. (SPOILER ALERT!) I understand with an engagement occurring 90 pages before the close of the story, maybe it felt like some new tension or conflict is needed. But I’m not sure if this scenario served so well. I don’t think Mr. Darcy would be so easily controlled and outwitted in his own home. I don’t blame Elizabeth one bit for thinking and acting as she did. Also, Mr. Darcy is a man of action…it feels implausible that he would have stayed away from Meryton as long as he did. He would have contrived away to somehow see and speak with Elizabeth. And while all is eventually resolved happily, the epilogue ended up being a little bit of a downer because it dwelt on the guilt and misery of all the antagonists in this story (including their deaths and downfalls) and not as much said about the happy couples.
Pride Before a Fall takes readers on a delightful and romantic journey that follows Mr. Darcy as he literally and figuratively gets back on his horse again after experiencing some falls! I greatly appreciated the unique premies, the satisfying character development, and the ardent love Mary Smythe brought forth in this novel! I cannot wait to read her upcoming release – Prevailed Upon to Marry.
I have this on my list so I’m delighted to read your thoughts Meredith. I do enjoy it when the misunderstandings between Darcy and Elizabeth don’t drag on for half the book so that is a definite plus for me. I’m wondering what the problem at the end of the book could be? At least they get their HEA!
I read and reviewed this story – loved it.
I enjoyed this story when it was on our forum and look forward to reading it again.
I also enjoyed this book when it was on the forum and hope that folks who have missed it will pick it up after your review. Thanks so much! We love Mary’s books!