Cover Reveal + Giveaway for Without Vanity or Pride!!!

April 15, 2024 • Author Features, Giveaways • 103 Comments

Hi friends! What could be better than ONE entertaining and enticing short story from the pen of a talented Quills and Quartos author? ✍🏼

Well, how about TWO entertaining and enticing short stories from TWO different talented Quills and Quartos authors?! 📗📘

Double the Darcy, double the fun! 🤩

Authors Amy D’Orazio and Lacey Romano are stopping by to share the beautiful cover of their upcoming release – Without Vanity or Pride! We hope you enjoy! 🙌🏼

~ From the Authors ~

Meredith, thank you so much as always for hosting the cover reveal of Without Vanity or Pride at Austenesque Reviews! We hope the readers will enjoy this little two-story project that began when Lacey Romano—who is very busy at home these days with an adorable baby girl—sent in a short story titled Insufficient Vanity. I had a short story titled No Improper Pride that had been lingering around on the hard drive for a while so it seemed like a great fit to put the two together into one novella-length compilation! We hope the readers will enjoy both stories!

Special thanks to Evelyne Labelle of Carpe Librum Book Design for our gorgeous cover!

~ Book Description ~

Without Vanity or Pride is a collection of two short story variations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

Insufficient Vanity by LM Romano

All I have ever desired—what I long for and crave with every fibre of my being—is that one day you would love me as fiercely and constantly as I love you.

When an unfortunate accident results in a prolonged, and somewhat torturous, visit by the recently wedded Wickhams at Longbourn, Elizabeth Bennet is miserable. Despite knowing all that Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy has done to save her family’s reputation, Elizabeth cannot believe that the gentleman could ever bring himself to renew his offer of marriage to her, not when she is now sister to Mr George Wickham.

When Mr Darcy returns to Hertfordshire, the romantic hopes of Darcy and Elizabeth are rekindled–but hope can be a very fickle thing indeed. Will it be enough to afford them a second chance at love?

No Improper Pride by Amy D’Orazio

Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable.

Following his disastrous proposal at Hunsford, Fitzwilliam Darcy is resolved to giving up on his hope of winning Elizabeth Bennet’s heart and hand. His cousin, Viscount Saye has a different view of the matter; he believes that in handing her a letter and disappearing from her life, Darcy has done no more than assure himself of the last word in their argument.

A chance meeting of Darcy, Saye and Elizabeth in Hyde Park in London proves a second chance for Darcy to prove he has been humbled. He offers her a chance for her own last word in the argument, to say to him whatever truth is within her heart. It turns out that the truth is a surprise to them both, but where will their candour lead them?

~ An Excerpt from No Improper Pride ~

Saye gave Darcy a little tap on the chest. “I want to meet her.”

“Absolutely not. We must avoid her notice at all costs.”

“Avoid her notice? I could not think of it.” Saye rubbed his hands together delightedly. “Which is she? My money is on the one in green.”

“Half the park is wearing green, and I refuse to introduce you.”

“Dark hair, curls at the nape, straw bonnet, Pomona green pelisse.” Saye lifted one brow in triumph. “I see by your face that I am correct.”

“Nevertheless, we are not meeting them. She wishes to speak to me as little as I would like to speak to her.”

“Ah! But I daresay you would like to speak to her, so that assertion is sheer puffery.”

Saye had him on that point. Against everything, Darcy did want to speak to her, even if it would be awkward and painful and dissatisfying. Even if Elizabeth wished to upbraid him again, he would endure it for the sheer enjoyment of the time spent in her presence.

“I would not impose myself upon her. I am certain it could only bring pain to us both.”

Saye had stopped in the middle of the path and regarded the ladies with a cocked head and one hand on his hip. “Perhaps not. Perhaps she would like to see you again. What did she say after she read your letter? What did she think of it?”

“After the letter?” The ladies had moved from the path and were making their way towards the bank of the Serpentine. His eyes followed their progress. “I do not know.”

“What do you mean you do not know? You handed her the letter, she opened it to read it, and then…?”

“I handed her the letter, then I left. I did not stay to see if she read it, nor can I imagine what she thought of it.” He swallowed, watching as Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, and the other lady joined a group of two small girls and what appeared to be a governess or nursemaid. “She might have thrown it directly into the fire for all I know. It occurs to me now that the letter was written in a dreadful bitterness of spirit. I am ashamed of what I said.”

“Whatever you wrote regarding Wickham could not be said with sufficient vitriol.”

Darcy nodded. “Yes, but the other things about…her family and—well, I am wholly persuaded that there is every possibility that the letter only angered her more.”

Saye turned his scrutiny from the ladies to Darcy and screwed up his face in a parody of bewilderment. “You insulted her family verbally—which may have been forgiven as we are all intemperate when angry—but then repeated the offences in writing?”

“Yes, and as I have told you repeatedly, I am ashamed of my conduct and certain she despises me for it. So we certainly should not plague her with my presence here.”

“How very like you that is!”

“To wish not to pain her?”

“To have the last word,” Saye retorted. “You must have the last word in any argument, and that is exactly what you have done to Miss Elizabeth Bennet—handed her a packet full of insults and then ran off before she could reply.”

“I did not run off.”

“Should she not have been permitted to have her say?”

“I assure you,” said Darcy, “she said quite enough.”

“She likely thought you had said quite enough as well, yet she paid you the compliment of hearing—or rather reading—your final words on the matter.”

“We do not know what she did with my final words,” Darcy reminded him.

“I think this Miss Elizabeth Bennet deserves her chance to give you a final proper set-down too.”

“My letter was not meant to be a set-down, it was merely—”

“You just said you wrote it in a dreadful bitterness of spirit!”

“I did but…well, yes.”

“So perhaps she too deserves the opportunity to unburden herself of whatever bitterness of spirit she may possess.”

“Let me understand you. You wish me to approach a lady, in full view of her sister and friends and nearly every person of fashion in this park, and give her the opportunity to upbraid me?”

“And maybe once she has,” Saye teased him with a grin and shake of his finger, “just maybe she might then be willing to entertain the notion of giving you another chance to woo her.”

“Impossible,” Darcy scoffed.

“It certainly will be impossible if all you ever do is skulk along behind her, avoiding her notice.” Saye punched his arm. “I am going over there.”

“You do not know them!” Darcy cried to Saye’s departing back.

“I shall introduce myself.”

“You cannot! Every rule of polite society forbids it!”

Saye turned and grinned lazily, walking backwards with his eyes on Darcy. “Why should I care two straws for that? I am rich, devilishly handsome, and titled. I make my own rules. Now, either you come along and introduce me or I introduce myself, and she will know your relations are as abominably rude as you are.”

And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!

(expected release date: May 13th)

Ooh! How bucolic and romantic! 🌷

I love the scenery, the beautiful clothing, the intimate and intriguing poses of the couple. 💘

The titles for this pair of short stories is absolutely perfect! It sounds like there will be plenty of focus on Mr. Darcy! 🎩

And Lord Saye, yes please! We need him in our lives “making his own rules.” 😁 

What do you think, friends? 🤔

~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering  3️⃣ ebook copies of Without Vanity or Pride to  3️⃣  lucky readers who comment on today’s post!

 

  To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Amy and Lacey below.

  • This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos! 
  • This giveaway ends April 22nd.

~~~

 

You can preorder Without Vanity or Pride now!

My sincere gratitude to Amy, Lacey, and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together! 

~~~

Disclaimer: The Amazon links used in this post are affiliate links. 

103 comments

  2. Love the cover, what a lovely old house in background!
    Sorry folks,but I’m a bit concerned at just where Darcy’s eyes are drawn!!
    Surely I’m not the only one to notice!

    Reply

    3. Haha YES I noticed as well!!!!! I am excited to read about Saye again, which says a lot since I normally don’t care about anyone but Lizzy & Darcy!

      I’m also interested to read from the other author as well! Congrats to both on the short stories, can’t wait to read them!

      Reply

    4. One could definitely imagine that although I personally see closed eyes and head down in a more romantic posture! Either way–the stories are clean romance! (although having Saye in mine just might have stretched the notion of wholesome a bit!)
      Thank you for commenting Mary!

      Reply

    5. I’d like to think that Darcy would remain the consummate gentleman (even on a book cover!), but I can see how it might look that way. I assure you that Darcy retains his manners in both tales (though Wickham completely discards his in mine!). Hope you enjoy the book!

      Reply

      1. Two of my fav JAFF authors. I’m always impressed with the skill it takes to write an entertaining short story or novella; the ebb and flow, story arc, and denouement– Compressed, quick, yet satisfying.
        Look forward to them both!

        Reply

  3. I have to admit that Lord Says has certainly taken over with calling Darcy out and egging him one. He is one of my favorite non-canon characters. I have been enjoying the short stories as a break from novels as they are a quick read but always focusing on our ODC. Thank you for the fabulous excerpt and generous giveaway.

    Reply

    2. Thanks, Eva! I love a short story, too – and there’s so many to choose from right now! I just read Julie Cooper’s fabulous new book, “Mr Darcy’s Abducted Bride”, in one sitting!

      Reply

  5. The cover is lovely, though I understand the concern someone shared over where Mr. Darcy is looking!

    Saye is my favorite JAFF character addition. I look forward to reading more!

    Reply

    1. Definitely no cause for concern–neither Lacey nor I write explicit, ogling kind of Darcys!

      Thanks so much for the comment Amanda!

      Reply

  6. I enjoy reading your variations and look forward reading this one. And I like your period cover with the real person, painting or colored photograph sets the mood for me. The recent surge in the garish style does not tempt me.

    Reply

    2. I’m glad you like the cover, Betty! I especially love the soft natural lighting in the background. Hope you enjoy the book!

      Reply

  8. What a beautiful cover! Both stories sound so intriguing, but I just gotta say…pun intended…I can never get enough Saye! Any story with him is worth the read with the bonus being ODC and a HEA! ❤️

    Reply

    1. I love the premises, ladies (and the excerpts!), and the cover is lovely. Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading this book!

      Reply

  11. Okay, I already love this cousin of Darcy’s. I own some Amy D’Orazio books but have not read them as yet – Saye sounds as wonderful as readers in the Facebook groups have painted him to be. Count me in for this drawing!

    Reply

    1. Best of luck in the drawing, Christina! My favorite book of Amy’s is an older one – A Lady’s Reputation. Saye has a delightfully hysterical inner dialogue – I highly recommend!

      Reply

  12. Saye is absolutely hilarious in this story–laugh-out-loud funny–and Darcy is, once again, the perfect foil for him. I also loved the deeply romantic tale woven by Ms Romano. This is the perfect pairing–light and dark, witty and passionate. Everything we love in Darcy & Elizabeth is found in these two tales!! Five stars!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Julie!! Your feedback during the editing process was invaluable! Btw – I loved “Mr Darcy’s Abducted Bride”!

      Reply

  13. I love the other comment about Darcy’s line of sight on the cover, though I think it’s a beautiful cover nonetheless! The stories sound amazing and I can’t wait to read them both. Love a two for one deal!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Melissa! I love the cover, too (and I agree with Amy – I always thought Darcy’s eyes were closed!). Hope you enjoy the stories!

      Reply

  16. Don’t you just love Saye? I do, almost as much as I detest Wickham! I’ve read both this excerpt and the one at Q&Q and both captured my interest. I do hope that Wickham gets his just desserts for importuning Elizabeth in Lacey’s book and I certainly hope Saye convinces Elizabeth to give Darcy a second chance if she isn’t already so inclined.

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Glynis! I’m glad you liked the excerpts – Saye is always fabulous! I enjoyed writing a dastardly Wickham with a peevish Lydia thrown into the mix!

      Reply

  19. Lovely cover. Great authors. I can hardly wait for publication.
    Thank you for presenting such a good gift.

    Reply

  20. I love this cover! And the excerpts are wonderfully drawing me in! I can’t wait to read this duo! Thank you for the opportunity!

    Reply

  22. Oh My goodness! Can’t wait to read ! I love the cover, and the matching colors of Lizzy’s Ribbons with Darcy’s coat. Love it. Lydia & Wickham…those two…I look forward to seeing how Lizzy & Darcy fend them off. As for Saye…I love Saye! He calls them as he sees them…a spade is a spade and is nobcock of a cousin knows it. Thanks Lucy and Amy, another book for my library, Congrats!

    Reply

  23. This sounds like a wonderful novella and the excerpts that I have read from both stories will lead me to put it on top of my TBR pile as soon as it is released. I adore the look of the female model on the cover–she looks like a tease! Congratulations on a new publication. One can always count on Q&Q publishing for great stories.

    Reply

  24. Woohoo Saye to the rescue! I just love it when he makes mischief. A two for 1 book and Saye! Come on now, it does NOT get any better than that! Two great talents brought together. This reader is ridiculously excited! Bring it on!

    Reply

  26. Seems pretty universal – we love Saye! Looks like a great couple of short stories. Thank you for the cover reveal and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!

    Reply

  29. CONGRATULATIONS on the new joint book!! I love the description of both stories & the cover is beautiful. Oh and how can you NOT want to read what Saye will do next?

    Reply

  30. Not only is the cover so amazing, but the excerpts have me ready to devour these two stories the first chance I get. I’ve always been a fan of Amy D’Orazio, her work, and her delightfully humorous original character of Saye, just him alone would have sold me. However, the excerpt from LM Romano’s story has me so intrigued it makes me want to go back and re-read her book “Forgotten Betrothal.”

    Reply

  31. Love the cover. This is a great 2 for 1, can’t wait to read the published book. Plus Lord Saye to boot, what more can we ask for.

    Reply

  34. I love the cover and look forward to reading both stories in full! The idea of a protracted visit from the Wickhams makes me cringe and I am sure Elizabeth would have a harder time of it and might be more open to anyone’s, and especially Darcy’s, company. I will be interested to see how the story plays out.

    I love Saye and think all shy, reserved people need a Saye-like person in their life to push (or pull) them forward at times. I could certainly benefit from a Saye character in my life at times. I am hopeful that Saye will push Darcy enough to get him over his fears and hesitation and back to Elizabeth. I and eager to see how the story flows.

    Thanks for sharing both excerpts with us!

    Reply

    1. I can definitely confirm the Wickham visit will have all of us wanting to hit something! Hopefully Saye’s bit will take the edge off!

      Thank you Catherine!

      Reply

  36. I am reading and immensely enjoying For Love Apart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Duology right now. Looking forward to this duology! Any chance of an Audible Edition being released?

    Reply

  38. What a great cover! Elizabeth looks like she is about to laugh at the man Darcy. 🙂
    Congratulations on the new book! Both stories sound terrific.

    Reply

  41. Well hate be a naysayer but that boy looks why too young to be Mr Darcy. IMO.
    And the women has blonde hair and looks about 15.
    Does not mean I won’t read this book because I absolutely will.
    2 short stories by 2 great authors I am really looking forward to it.

    Reply

  42. While I love any story by you, Amy, I have to say I miss your loooong ones! Never too much for me! But a little taste will have to do as long as there’s a dabble of Saye too! xoxo

    Reply

  44. I loved the excerpt. Saye is up to his usual antics and goading Darcy. I always love Amy’s stories and look forward to reading from Lacey. The book cover is beautiful!! –Leslie

    Reply

  47. Oh. My. Stars. Amy, your Saye is brilliant. I’m in love with him like half the population of JAFF readers are. I loved the excerpt.

    Congratulations on this collaboration, I can’t wait to read it. And congratulations Lacey, on your little bundle of joy. Beautiful.

    I love the cover too, by the way.

    Reply

Your conversation and participation are always welcome; please feel free to "have your share."