Happy Friday, friends! The day we’ve been long waiting for is soon to arrive… 📆
What day is that, you ask?
Well, the day we will have a new release from author Jessie Lewis! (Which is March 18th by the way!) 🤗
A new Jessie Lewis Pride and Prejudice variation novella with the title The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct. 🤩
I can hardly wait, can you?
Jessie is here to share more about her new book, her fabulous new cover reveal, AND an excerpt! 🙌🏼
Who is ready to learn more about The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct?!? 🙋🏻♀️
~ From the Author ~
Thank you, Meredith, for hosting my cover reveal for my new novella. I’m particularly excited to share it because, unlike anything else I’ve ever written, with this one, the cover came to me before the story.
I was invited by the lovely Amy D’Orazio at Quills & Quartos publishing to write a novella inspired by a cover—a wonderful project designed to keep the creative juices flowing between other works. There were a bunch of covers to choose from, but the moment I set eyes on this delicious design, the title popped right into my head. Anyone who’s read any of my other books might notice that, contrary to my usual naming convention, this title has more than one word—many more! But once I’d thought of it, I couldn’t forget it, so off my mind went, trying to figure out how I could weave a story out of three such disparate things as a cad, a couch, and a cut direct…
The couch became the lynchpin of the whole story, situated in a public art gallery and providing the setting for a series of rendezvous, confrontations, overhearings, confessions and more. The resulting tangle twists all the usual culprits—Darcy, Elizabeth, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and in this story, Kitty—as well as a few new faces, into a veritable spider’s web of mistaken identity, misdirection, and mayhem. Of course, it all gets ironed out in the end, but you’ll have to read it to discover the identity of the mysterious cad and the recipient of the dreaded cut direct.
The Cad is a breezy, light-hearted tale, which I hope your readers will find entertaining. Thanks again for having me here to talk about it!
~ Book Description ~
He does not love me, and my heart will never mend if I am constantly reminded of it
A year after his hopes of securing Elizabeth Bennet’s heart are dashed, Fitzwilliam Darcy brings his sister Georgiana to London for her first Season. Believing he could never make Elizabeth love him—for so she emphatically told his aunt—he is mortified to come upon her while visiting an art exhibition with his sister. He makes a hasty escape before he can be seen. Or so he thinks.
Having survived a disastrous confrontation with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth Bennet is devastated, yet not surprised, when Mr Darcy never returns to Hertfordshire, for she had just come to understand her love for him. Determined to put him out of her mind, she accedes to her mother’s instruction to go to London and find a husband.
The highlight of the London Season is an art exhibition, where everybody who is anybody is determined to be seen, Elizabeth and her aunt included. Alas, it is also the location of a couch upon which much gossip is shared, confidences are overheard, and misunderstandings and mischief are created in abundance, as Darcy and Elizabeth soon discover first hand. Will they be able to untangle the web of misapprehension they are tangled in before one of them accepts someone new?
~ Excerpt ~
With a quick, sideways pirouette, Elizabeth ducked into the nearest hiding place—the empty space behind a large pillar to one side of the couch—and there found sweet sanctuary. A private area, out of sight, with just enough room to lean against the cool exterior wall while she collected herself. A space where she could—and presently did—laugh silently but heartily at her own ridiculous compulsion.
Miss Darcy was one of the gentlest, most mild-mannered young ladies Elizabeth had ever met; to hide from her was wholly unnecessary, she was sure. Yet, they had not been in company since the previous summer at Pemberley, and any conversation was likely to include news of her brother’s comings and goings in the intervening months—his inevitable preference for some new lady, perhaps even his marriage. Considering which, Elizabeth did not blame whatever part of herself had decided to bolt like a startled animal upon seeing her.
She had long ago acknowledged that Mr Darcy would eventually marry someone else, but she could not say that she was yet reconciled to the idea. It made her feel rather bilious, in fact. Although good sense told her one must exist, she could not imagine another woman who, in disposition and talents, would suit him as well as she. A woman of the same unbending and fastidious temperament as Mr Darcy would not do at all! He needed liveliness such as hers to improve his manners and soften his heart. She fancied there were few, if any, women of his acquaintance willing to be sportive with him in the way she was.
Stupid girl! she chided herself. Patently, it was not liveliness Mr Darcy wanted, otherwise he would have come back.
She sighed heavily in an attempt to dispel the disagreeable reverie—and when that did not work, she leant to peer carefully around the pillar to determine how easily she might slip away without being noticed by the pair on the couch. Miss Darcy and her gentleman friend appeared to be deep in conversation about the exhibition. The only people in the entire place genuinely interested in the paintings, Elizabeth mused.
“It never occurred to me to consider it in such a way,” Miss Darcy was saying. “It would be wonderful to hear more, but I must go. My companion and I have another engagement this afternoon.”
“What a shame,” the gentleman replied.
“It truly is. I declare, I could come here every day and always find something new to appreciate.”
“Then, what do you say to doing just that?”
“My lord?”
“Pardon me—I recognise that our acquaintance is of exceedingly short duration, but I have enjoyed it enormously. I wondered whether you would consent to meeting me back here again tomorrow, at the same time. I shall tell you everything I know about whichever paintings you choose.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks flush with heat, mortified to have trespassed on such an intimate discussion. If she knew her at all, she imagined Miss Darcy must also be blushing fiercely in the face of such marked attention.
“I should like that very well indeed,” Miss Darcy replied, and her breathless voice did indeed reveal all the awkwardness of overt flattery.
“Excellent,” the gentleman said. Elizabeth jerked backwards to avoid being seen as he began to stand up, thus she could not see him as he said, “Until noon tomorrow, madam.”
Neither could she see Miss Darcy as she replied, “Until noon tomorrow, Lord Rutherford.”
Then, despite all her efforts to remain out of sight, Elizabeth could not help but thrust her head around the pillar to gape at the pair in disbelief.
If that was Lord Rutherford, to whose arm was Kitty clinging?
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: March 18th)
Ooh! The colors and style of this cover are so fun and bold! I really love the coordination and complimentary colors chosen. 🎨
I love the idea of an inanimate object playing a key role in this story – it provided Elizabeth with some comfort and refuge in the excerpt, I wound what other scenes it will appear in. 🛋️
I have so many questions – why didn’t Mr. Darcy come back, who is Lord Rutherford, is Georgiana in danger, who gives who the cut direct!? 😯
And lastly…who is the cad? 🫢
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct?to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Jessie below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends February 23rd.
~~~
You can preorder The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct now!
My sincere gratitude to Jessie and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
Wow, very bright! Congrats on the new book!
Bright and breezy, just like the story. Thanks for dropping by to check it out!
I look forward to reading this. Thanks for a chance to win a copy. I have read 7 of this author’s stories – all 5-star reviews from me.
You’re such a sweetie, Sheila! Thank you so much for your support 🙂
Congratulations on the new book! I always look forward to your books, and this excerpt has me anticipating this release.
Thanks so much, Amanda! It was a really fun story to write, so I hope you have as much fun reading it 🙂
Congratulations on your book. I can’t wait to read it.
And I can’t wait for you to, either. I hope it gives you a smile 🙂 Thank you Elaine!
What fun! I have loved all of Jesse’s books, and this novella sounds intriguing. It sounds like Lord Rutherford (which everyone he is) is the cad, and I hope that Elizabeth informs Darcy. Thank yo for the excerpt and generous giveaway.
I’m so happy to hear you’ve enjoyed my other books, thank you Eva. Let’s hope this one doesn’t disappoint!
I love the bright colours and the idea. So who is the cad? Is it the Lord Rutherford trying to arrange meetings with Georgiana? Or the one evidently escorting Kitty? Does one of them get the cut direct? Or could that be reserved for someone like Caroline Bingley? Or maybe Lady Catherine as it’s obvious she didn’t tell Darcy about her conversation with Elizabeth? Soooooo many questions!
I tell you, Glynis, there were points during the writing of this when I had all the same questions, LOL! It was really good fun to write, and I hope it will be good fun to read. Thanks for stopping by!
Love the bright colors and the somewhat abstract art that grace this cover. I greatly prefer art-based covers over covers that feature real people (find those sometimes a bit creepy). This cover feels like an invitation to an intriguing, interesting and fun party and says ‘come on in!’ I look forward to reading it.
You’re so kind, thank you Martha! I have to agree–when I saw this cover, it just looked FUN. And fun is what I had writing this story. I hope you get the chance to read it!
This book sounds so interesting! Can’t wait to read it.
It’s definitely a lively story, that is for sure! Can’t wait to hear what you think. Thank you Elaine 🙂
Well of course one wonders if Lord Rutherford is the cad and is he doing a Wickham on Georgiana? How did Lady Catherine represent—or misrepresent—what Elizabeth actually said? I thought she had ‘frankness of character’ but apparently not!
Ha ha! Yes, a frankness of character that allowed her to tell Elizabeth that Darcy was engaged to Anne when we all know he wasn’t really. Tsk tsk, Lady Catherine. Very tsk tsk. I hope you get the chance to find the answers to your questions, Kate. Thanks for dropping by!
Congratulations, Jessie! I’ve been waiting for this…and waiting….and waiting… 🙂
Thank you Susan! Yes, it’s been a busy year of writing, but 2024 will bear all the fruits of my labour, beginning with this one! Thank you for your support 🙂
I can’t wait to find out who the cad is!
I can’t wait for you to read it! I hope you get the chance 🙂
The bright colors on the cover are fun! I was granted an arc copy of this delightful book. You’ll love it! The couch is important . The CAD is … well, you’ll have to read to find out but it’s super cute ☺️
I’m so chuffed to hear you enjoyed the ARC Chris! Thank you for your kinds words 🙂
I love Jessie’s books, and looking forward to this new one!
What a lovely, comment, thank you Tiffany! I hope The Cad gives you a smile 🙂
The cover AND the overall feel of this storyline seem so different from the wonderful stories you usually share with us…and I’m so excited to read how this goes! I have no doubt you’ll hit this out of the park as well! Thank you!
Thank you, Patty – and you’re right, the Cad is quite different to my other stories. Lighter, faster, but I hope still lots of fun–it was certainly lots of fun to write! And rest assured, Darcy and Elizabeth are still very much their wonderful selves 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Beautiful cover!!!
Aw, thanks Karen 🙂
Sounds fun and love the colors on the cover!
It was SO much fun to write – I hope you have fun reading it! 🙂
I definitely want to read this one. I always enjoy your books. Thanks for a chance to win a copy, but even if some others are the lucky ones, I will read it when it’s released. My question is for Mr Darcy. Did you misunderstand Elizabeth’s answers to your aunt’s grilling or did Lady C? Or for Lady C, Did you not ask the questions that would have lead your nephew to return to Hertfordshire after his disastrous proposal?
Guaranteed, every question you asked is asked a dozen times by each character as well 🙂 It’s a Gordian knot for a while, but rest assured it’s all sorted out by the end. Thanks for your kind words!
Congratulations on yet another release, can’t wait to read it
Thanks Sarah! 🙂
Oh, I am so ready to read this book. Release date is just perfect for me to take to London for my sisters 80th birthday trip. The description and book cover make this book very enticing. Good luck
Ooh, birthday trips to London are FUN! Just be careful that if you visit any galleries, be careful what you say whilst sitting on couches 😉 Happy birthday for next month!
Congrats on the new book! I very much look forward to reading this one! Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Thank you Jean, good luck in the draw!
I’m very excited! The cover is so bright and cheerful, I have a feeling the story will be too. I just finished rereading “Speechless” by this author and was blown away all over again with how well it was written.
That means a lot to hear, Aimee, thank you. Speechless has a special place in my heart to I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed it. The Cad is indeed a bright and cheerful story – I hope it gives you some cheer!
It looks like a fun book. I can’t wait to see who exactly hides behind the couch to hear things they shouldn’t. 🙂
And it’s not just the person who has past history of skulking around drawing rooms listening to people’s conversations, either! Can’t wait for you to read it and find out the fun way who’s up to what!
This will definitely be added to my “Cover Love” bookshelf on Goodreads! Looking forward to reading 🙂
Thanks so much, Nicole! I hope you love the story as much as the cover 🙂
I want to enter the giveaway as the story sounds great! As for the cover … it’s garish, and the faces are unattractive. I’m not a fan of these cartoon covers. However, I don’t read or buy P&P variations based on their covers!
LOL! E-readers are the way to go 😉
I can’t wait to read it, Jessie! Congrats on the new book. 🙂
Thank you Lucy! 🙂
I love Jessie Lewis variations! I’m excited for this one. It sounds like a fun time.
Thank you, Monica! I really had fun writing it, so I hope you have as much fun reading it. Thanks for stopping by!
This sounds great, I’m excited to read it!
Hooray! Can’t wait to hear what you think 🙂
This looks wonderful. I love that the story inspiration came from the cover. I sure hope that woman is Caroline Bingley – only she is allowed to wear orange, lol! Thank you for the excerpt and the giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
Thank you, Robin, that’s really kind. I can’t reveal too much, obviously, but I will say that when I first saw the cover, I did not “see” Elizabeth Bennet. I reckon you’ll be able to guess what I mean once you’ve read it 😉
Looking forward to reading this. I always enjoy your stories and look forward to your new releases!
Thank you so much, Alyssa! I always look forward to sharing my stories with you lovely JAFF readers. 🙂
There is nothing quite like a story by Jessie Lewis. She creates interesting tales that are always well written and edited. I think the cover will have to “grow on me” before I can honestly comment on its effectiveness in conveying the heart of the story. Congratulations on publishing a new book.
Aw, Jeannette, thanks for your love for my stories! I hope this one gives you some smiles, too 🙂
The book, The Cad,the Couch and the Cut Direct sounds wonderful. I would love a copy! However, the cover looks like two country bumpkins in a cartoon. The cover would be okay on a contemporary romance (I guess), but doesn’t belong on a Regency romance. There’s no way to be able to tell which century it is, except sometime before 1900. Part of the romance of a cover is the era of the clothes and jewelry worn.
Glad you love the sound of the story, Holly! I hope it gives you a smile 🙂 (The cover probably shouldn’t be taken too seriously – and the story certainly shouldn’t 😉 )
I was intrigued by your idea. I can’t wait to read the story. And the cover is really eye-catching. I wish you all the best
Thanks Bosa! It’s really fun to try something new sometimes. Although that said, rest assured, Darcy and Elizabeth are very much still Austen’s gorgeous couple!
Enjoyed the excerpt and I agree with others that the colors chosen for the cover are very eye-catching. Congrats!
Thanks! It’s a cover that does not take itself too seriously, which very accurately reflects the story 😉
Sounds interesting!
Here’s hoping! Thank you 🙂
vibrant cover!
Buzzy and fun, just like the cheeky novella inside. Thanks Denise!
Looks terrific!
That’s kind, thank you Lesley 🙂
Eep, which one is Lord Rutherford?! Congratulations to Jessie on the new book.
Thank you Ceri! 🙂
That cover is fabulous. The excerpt had me holding my breath. What is going on? Did Lady Catherine tell Darcy about Miss Elizabeth refusing to refuse him? Or whatever it was that she said. Something had to happen to keep him from returning to Hertfordshire. What is that business with Lord Rutherford? Goodness, I can hardly wait to read this. Thanks, Meredith for hosting another excellent cover reveal. Congratulations to Jessie Lewis on the launch of this new story. I am so excited to see what happens. Special thanks to Q&Q for their generous giveaway. Good luck to all in the drawing. I have this on my wishlist. Blessings.
You’re such a sweetie, thank you! I will echo your thanks to Q&Q and Meredith, too. Good luck in the draw, I’d love for you to have the chance to read this one 🙂
Love the premise and can’t wait to read it!
Wonderful, thank you SAF! It really was a fun story to write. Sometimes great to sneak outside the bounds of the canon stage setting. But don’t worry, everyone is still very much in character 🙂
What a fun book cover! Looking forward to reading it. Thank you for the giveaway.
Instantly intriguing title with colorful cover!
Thank you Debra 🙂
Thanks Toni! It is a very fun, light-hearted cover for a story that is hopefully also a lot of fun. Good luck in the draw!
That cover is too cute! And of course I am intrigued by the premise — definitely have to put this in the TBR hoard.
Thank you, Christina 🙂
The cover makes the book look like a lot of fun. It reminds me of the Betsy-Tacy book covers from my childhood. And the excerpt has me eagerly anticipating reading the book.
That’s too funny! I agree, it’s a very fun cover. Nice to have something a bit different for a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. I hope you enjoy it!
CONGRATULATIONS Jessie Lewis on the new book!! Oh that is some bold colors for the cover & stands out to catch your eye. ~ Glory
Thank you Glory! Good luck in the draw 🙂
What a fun idea for a novel novella, executed as only the great Ms Lewis can! Adorable cover, my dear, and for sure another bestseller!
Julie, you’re a sweetie, as ever. Thank you for your support 🙂
I love Jessie Lewis P&P variations, especially “Speechless”. I reread the book regularly together with “Breathless”, each time thinking those are so well written and wishing to see more from Elizabeth’s point of view.
The Cad, the Couch, a the Cut Direct sounds so interesting. Really looking forward to reading it.
It’s always wonderful to hear when someone has enjoyed one of my stories – and I am very fond of Speechless, so I’m thrilled to hear you love it. I hope this one gives you a smile, too. Thank you!
Well, this sounds like fun. Now, if Elizabeth is hiding behind a pillar, hiding from Miss Darcy then does Darcy witness Elizabeth doing this hiding and spying? I love your writing, Jessie Lewis. I know I’m going to love this.
Very cool cover. And what an interesting and clever idea to come up with a story written around a unique book cover.
Thank you, Michelle 🙂 It isn’t something I’ve ever done before, and honestly, it was really good fun. A great way to get the creative juices flowing and find new ways to spend time with Darcy and Elizabeth – which is what we’re all here for, right?
What fun this story is sure to be! I too, like that the couch has such good “resting” spots to remain out of sight in. Too bad you also have to hear what is being said on that darn couch!
I can’t wait to read it! Congrats!
Yes, indeed, not all overhearings are what the listener wants to hear, that’s for sure! I hope you enjoy the story 🙂
Congrats on your new book. Can’t wait to read it. Love Jesse’s books so much. Would love to win a free ebook.
Thank you, Helma, it means a lot to hear you enjoy my stories. Good luck in the draw!
First, congratulations on the new book. Second, the cover is amazing and beautifully done. Third, this little tidbit sounds intriguing and so interesting. I will definitely bring reading this. Best of luck with your new work. Your a great author
What a lovely comment, thank you Marsha! I’m delighted you like the cover and really hope you enjoy the story. 🙂
Ooh can’t wait to read! Little intrigue going on, but so hoping Miss D didn’t find another cad. Congrats on the new release and thanks for the giveaway chance!
Ahh, I really hope you get the chance to read it and find out the answers to your questions, Colleen. Good luck in the draw!
A very bright cover with avatar-like figures, bringing a modern look to the book
Thanks Helen – I agree, it’s fun and funky, and perfect for the story. Thanks for stopping by to check it out!
Sounds amazing!! This is my favorite trope? sub-genre? – stories set between Pemberley and the engagement, when they’re both in love with one another yet some kind of misunderstanding/fear keeps them apart. Mutual pining. ❤️ Swoon.
Yes, I love mutual pining. It’s less painful than one-sided pining, for sure! It rest assured I don’t make ODC suffer too long 😉 Thanks for commenting!
Intriguing excerpt!
Thank you Audny 🙂
Always glad to see a new book by one of my favorites!
Thank you, Louis, that’s a lovely thing to say. I hope you get the chance to read it!
Jessie is in the top 5 of my favorite JAFF authors — and I’ve read hundreds of Jane Austen vagaries. “Mistaken” is a favorite I’ve re-read many, many times (love me some bad-girl Jane, hoo-boy!)
Very much looking forward to this new novel.
Thank you LJP, I’m super chuffed to hear you love Mistaken! Thank you for stopping by to comment — I really hope you enjoy The Cad as well 🙂
I seldom hear authors come up with the idea of a story after the cover is chosen. It’s usually the other way around. That is a bold move (at least to me) to come up with the title first before the story takes root. I salute you for it, Jessie. Nevertheless the cover is super cute and I like that is quite different from the usual covers for Q&Q. The excerpt has also piqued my interests to know who is Lord Rutherford and how did Kitty get entangled with him.
Thanks Luthien. It was a novel approach for me, too (excuse the pun) – but it gave me a chance to take ODC into a completely new setting, which was a lot of fun. Here’s hoping you’re still saluting after you’ve read it! 🙂