Hi readers! I’m excited to welcome a new-to-me author for his first visit to Austenesque Reviews – Brandon Dragan! 😊
Brandon has a new Austenesque book coming out on October 8th – Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be. 🎉
And it sounds Mr. Bingley receives a very interesting backstory! 👏🏼
I don’t think we see many Austenseque books that have Mr. Bingley as the protagonist. It will be interesting to spend more time with him, hear his thoughts, and see events from his perspective. 🤔
Brandon is here to share a post about his upcoming new novel – we hope you enjoy! 🤗
My name is Brandon Dragan. I am a fiction writer and an attorney in Tennessee. I am also the author of the upcoming book, Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be! This novel is my third published long-form work of fiction, but my first foray into the world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction, and I couldn’t be more excited to share the hitherto untold story of Mr. Bingley with you!
By way of background, my wife, Jami, introduced me to Pride and Prejudice years ago when we were still
dating. First, we watched the BBC miniseries, then the Keira Knightly/Matthew Macfadyen film, and eventually I read the novel… then read it again, and again.
Fast forward a decade or so, Jami and I were preparing for our first trip to the U.K. together. In the lead-up to our voyage, there was lots of discussion of P&P, in part because we planned to visit Jane Austen’s house, her museum in Bath, etc., and frankly, there was voluminous of discussion of Mr. Darcy—as he calls himself—which vexed me greatly. So, as we were packing our bags, I (jokingly) informed my wife of the untold truth that Mr. Bingley was actually the hero of the story. “You see,” I mused on the fly, “Mr. Bingley was secretly an avenging angel, running the length and breadth of the country to snuff out evildoers and protect the innocent” (or something like that, anyway).
Then, as odd as the idea sounded, I couldn’t shake it. After all, what do we really know about Bingley? Sure—he’s rich, handsome, and good-natured. Clearly, he’s a man of integrity, as otherwise I doubt a person of Darcy’s quality would have willingly kept him in such close company. But we also know that Bingley disappears from Ms. Austen’s novel at the most inopportune time—just as he’s fallen in love with Jane! And why the sudden and unhappy departure? Because he is convinced by his sisters and Darcy that Jane is not right for him? It always bothered me and seemed much too convenient that Bingley was so easily steered and manipulated.
So, I began to wonder if that wasn’t the explanation at all? What if, perhaps, Bingley’s motivation for leaving Netherfield was much different than what we thought we knew? Questions like this opened an entire world of possibilities: What if his departure was, in fact, a display of strength of character, and not of weakness? What if it was Louisa and Caroline who
were manipulated by him? Perhaps, even Mr. Darcy’s actions were not entirely driven by his pride, but rather by a deep and unwavering fidelity to his friend? And then, what of other beloved characters who we know so little about?
As I began drafting this novel, I became more and more excited by the opportunity to explore a set of circumstances, backstories, and motives lurking just beneath the surface of what we thought we knew about these individuals. And eventually, this novel emerged!
My earnest hope is that this book will offer not only an engaging read with twists and turns around unexpected corners, but also the invitation to view Ms. Austen’s familiar world through a different lens, and that in doing so, your appreciation for her beloved characters will be enhanced all the more. Thank you and happy reading!
I love the idea of Mr. Bingley having some secrets – of him being more than he appears to be! I can’t wait to see what sorts of intrigues and mischief he gets into! And I wonder what Jane will think of it all!
~ Book Description ~
For centuries Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride & Prejudice, has been dearly loved the world over. However, few people know the truth about Mr. Darcy’s closest friend, the affable Mr. Bingley–who is much more than he appears on first impression.
Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be is the previously untold story of a young man who unwittingly uncovers an evil cabal among the British Empire’s aristocracy. Bingley confronts an enterprise so nefarious that he cannot help but act to redress it, even if it costs him his own reputation and the love of his life, the angelic Miss Jane Bennet.
Follow Mr. Bingley down a rabbit hole of intrigue and corruption, as he fights to protect the country’s most vulnerable alongside friends old and new. Can he set things right before he loses Jane forever?
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~ Connect with Brandon ~
Website ❧ Facebook ❧ Goodreads
~ About Brandon ~
Brandon Dragan is an attorney in Tennessee and winner of the American Bar Association Journal’s 2021 Ross Writing Contest. His writing draws on a wide array of influences from modern novelists such as Cormac McCarthy and Richard Yates to classic writers like Fyodor Dostoevsky and Jane Austen. He enjoys a good cigar, road cycling, and is an avid supporter of the Arsenal Football Club.
You can preorder Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be now!
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~ GIVEAWAY TIME!!! ~
In celebration of his new book, Brandon brings with him one copy (ebook or paperback) of Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be to give away to 1️⃣ lucky reader!
To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Brandon below!
- This giveaway is open worldwide.
- This giveaway ends September 30th.
Welcome!
Reading the backstory of how you came to think up your Mr. Bingley story makes me want to read it even more now!
Congratulations on your exciting new release, and foray into JAFF-land!!
Such an interesting idea! I love the character of Mr. Bingley, someone who is friends with everyone.
Good luck
What an interesting and unusual premise! Mr. Bingley is so often portrayed (even by Miss Austen) of a man easily controlled by others, it will be quite fun to read this st0ry. I look forward to it. Welcome to the world of JAFF!
Wow, I’ve never seen a premise like that! I am looking forward to reading about a Mr. Bingley that is not a spineless wonder. Thank you for the giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
How fascinating! I would never have thought of having Bingley as a superhero? Well I suppose that’s not an apt description but it seems he puts his life in danger and is prepared to make sacrifices (possibly losing Jane) to protect his country! Wow! I’m so looking forward to this and good luck with your first JAFF novel.
Now that is an original premise! So looking forward to reading Bingley’s story. I have to admit that Bingley has never been a real favorite of mine due to his ability to be so easily manipulated but this may just rehabilitate his character for me for all time. Congratulations on your new book, Brandon, and thanks for sharing the genesis of your story.
This sounds like it will be a very interesting read. Looking forward to it when it comes out.
This is such an intriguing concept! I would love to win a copy and see where it’s going.
Welcome and congratulations on your new foray into the world of JAFF writing! This sounds like such an interesting & unique premise and the cover has a cool Sherlock- vibe.
I can’t believe the *real* Mr Bingley from the BBC mini-series has endorsed this book! That’s wild and kudos to you for getting his praise! I’m looking forward to the book.
🙂
Wow! Bingley as an adventurer and hero… It never occurred to me. But then again, we are oft-reminded that Super Man himself was, in actuality, mild-mannered Clark Kent. LOL. Can’t wait!
This sounds like fun and a really original twist. I look forward to reading it.
It’s so rare to have him as a main character in books!
Would love to read! Congrats on your book!
I already have this in my Amazon wish list! It sounds great, and I’d love a chance to win a copy, although I’m sure I’ll read it regardless of whether I win a copy.
Yeah for Mr Bingley! Good luck and thx.
It certainly sounds interesting, I look forward to read the published story
I can´t help feeling so curious about this new Mr Bingley, not only Mr Darcy´s closest friend but a total hero of his own!
Thank you for the giveaway and I wish you luck in your release. Mr Bingley deserves a powerful story 🙂
The cover is really intriguing and spooky!
Congratulations & the book looks like it will be a fun read. I have added it to my read list!!
Hello Brandon Dragan! And welcome to the community of JA!! And congrats! I have often wondered who JA had in mind when she created Bingley, but it allows for lots of ‘what ifs’ around his character. And Bingley as some kind of secret government agent…it adds depth to his character. I love the cover, very spooky and mysterious…adding to my fall reading list…again Congrats!!
I love this storyline. I like a strong Bingley and really look forward to reading this book
I am totally amazed and thankful that there are so many ideas….and different aproaches to P&P.
I read some stories about Bingley…but he as a hero…
Often he is described without a backbone willing to compromise to the wishes of others.
Let’s see. I am intrigued by this story. And this book is on my wish list.
All the best to the author and his wife Jami. Thanks for introducing him to P&P
Well I am exceedingly intrigued and am in much anticipation to read this story by an award winning novelist/attorney! The cover is very good, too.
Congratulations on publishing a JAFF book! The premise interests me very much as I love a good intrigue! I am excited to read it!
I was LUCKY enough to read an advance copy. OMG, hold onto your bonnets! Bingley is the Regency James Bond. Fabulous read. I always knew that there must be more to Charles Bingley than what Austen gave us. I love how he is still recognizable as the amiable Mr. Bingley we all adore but with a much more exciting private life. Swoon!
Oh my, but that blurb is enticing and fascinating. I have NEVER thought of Bingley in a secretive world, this is certainly a brand-new premise. Congratulations on publishing a new novel. I like the cover BTW. Keeping my fingers crossed that you will be putting this tale on KU.
What a clever concept! And I LOVE the cover. I look forward to reading it!
Welcome to JAFF! I am beyond excited to read this. I feel Mr. Bingley gets the short end of the stick 9 times out of 10, but I have always loved him as a character. To see him get his own novel and a riveting backstory that would normally be given to a more “heroic” character like Darcy is like an early Christmas gift to me!
I think I like this Mr Bingley more than canon as I like when he isn’t so easily manipulated. Congrats on the release!
Loving the cover and the concept of an ‘evil cabal’.
Congratulations on entering the world of variations of Pride and Prejudice. Your plot sounds very intriguing since it is true that Bingley is seldom the main character of a variation. I will do my best to read it as soon as possible. Good luck!
I love the concept and I can’t wait to read this! Congrats on your first JAFF release.
Thank you so much for hosting me! And thank you to everyone for the kind comments!
I feel like I’ve been waiting forever for a book that features Bingley as the main protagonist. I’m anticipating all all kinds of situations for him, and manipulating Caroline and Louisa? Yes, please! I’m excited to read it . Welcome to the fascinating world of JAFF! Wishing you every success with your new release.
Congratulations on your story! I think it sound exciting and refreshing!
Well, well, we are all in for a wild ride by the sounds of it.
Bingley is often a but soft, so it will be good to read a book that is not pushed around by Caroline for a beginning
I was just discussing these ideas different authors come up with and low and behold you step forward with a blinder well done you look forward to reading soon.
It will be interesting to see a fresh angle on Bingley. Congratulations on the book!
Très intriguée et fortement intéressée de découvrir un Mr Bingley héro évoluant dans un secret et aventurier !!! Félicitation pour la sortie de votre livre
Congratulations on your first JAFF novel. I like the premise of the book – it is intriguing that Bingley has a backbone. I wonder what he has discovered. Thank you for the book’s backstory on Meredith’s blog. Hope you had a good trip to England. I am sure your imagination was expanded even further. Thanks for the giveaway.
Intriguing angle on an often overlooked (or underestimated) character in P&P. I have to take exception, though, with your remark that he’s clearly “a man of Integrity, as otherwise I doubt a person of Mr. Darcy’s quality would have willingly kept him in such close company.” I would argue that the quality in Mr. Darcy that explains his “close company” with Bingley is his Pride, not his admiration of his friend’s (supposed) integrity. Prideful people–or arrogant narcissists, as we would call them today–often seek out others who are overly trusting or easily manipulated in order to bolster their already inflated self-esteem. By the end of the novel, Darcy is forced to swallow his Pride (quite a mouthful in his case) as he’s forced to recognize his love for a person he initially considered beneath him in just about every way. Perhaps doing so also enables him to see qualities in Bingley that he had been blinded to before being taken down a notch or two by Miss Elizabeth. Pride cometh before a fall; self-knowledge cometh afterwards.
Good luck with this release and thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Excellent! I’ve read stories where Mr. Hurst was more than he appeared to be so it is only fair that Mr. Bingley has his turn. I am happy to hear he will have his own story. Good luck to all in the drawing. Blessings on the launch of this new work.
Wow a JAFF book devoted to Mr. Bingley. I’m looking forward to finding out more about this affable gentleman. The book description sounds very intriguing. –Leslie
Gosh that does sound thrilling and really different. Mr Bingley gets a lot more depth, I like it! Please count me in, thank you.
Love the premise and can’t wait to read the book!
Just like Christina said, ‘OMG, hold onto your bonnets!’ Fabulous, thrilling premise, and what a gorgeous cover! Huge congrats, Brandon! Roll on Oct 10, I can’t wait to order the paperback.
Congratulations on your latest book! I look forward to reading Bingley’s story and I enjoyed your story of becoming a P&P fan.!
I have long believed Bingley is underrated and too easily dismissed as a nice guy without much substance.. People-pleasers are often under-valued until they step in and help those in need of comfort, reassurance and support.
Good luck with the book launch!
Cate SD
I’ve found this story intriguing since it first came onto my radar a few weeks ago, and after reading the above it’s going to be harder to wait. Congrats on entering the world of JAFF Brandon Dragan. All the best.