Rumors and Ruin

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: It is hard to imagine a world where women wouldn’t be vying to be the object of Mr. Darcy’s affections. But his recent track record with women has made him a social pariah, and now all good society has turned against him.  What can be done to repair his name and reputation? And is there something malicious behind it all?

WHAT I LOVED:

• Rumor Has It: …that being singled out by Mr. Darcy is tantamount to being cursed. Misfortune will befall you in some form or fashion. How scandalous, right? This seemed like such an inventive and diverting twist to explore. I also liked that there was some mystery tied in about who was trying to blacken Mr. Darcy’s name and why…(some may easily guess who, but I think only a very few might end up being correct – I wasn’t!). 😉

• Ineligible, Humbled, and Vulnerable: Mr. Darcy is accustomed to being sought after for his wealth, connections, and high marriageable prospects, but he has now become the bachelor no parents want darkening their doors. He experiences what it is to be not respected and revered. He learns how quickly the tides of friendship can ebb and flow. This whole experience has brought new awareness to him and he has lost some of his arrogance and conceit. I loved witnessing this evolution of Mr. Darcy’s character and how these new developments humbled him a good deal earlier in the storyline. Which made for a wonderfully improved Meryton Assembly…

• Sweet and Secret: With better first impressions and Mr. Darcy’s pride already properly humbled, the romances between our favorite characters were able to proceed in a smoother and easier fashion. The only obstacle being that there is someone with nefarious purposes who might be watching and therefore notice Mr. Darcy singling out Elizabeth. So our dear couple gets a little creative and engages in some subterfuge. I loved all the private moments between Darcy and Elizabeth. But I also, loved how they were open with each other and worked together.

• A Loyal Friend: Bravo to Mr. Bingley. You really earned our admiration with your friendship and loyalty. For someone who has a reputation for lacking conviction and being easily persuaded, he is staunch is support and his friendship of Mr. Darcy. Even though his own place in society isn’t fully firm and he has an unwed sister to think of. I was so happy to see more of this friendship, and I’m so glad Mr. Darcy had someone he could depend on.

• Caroline Bingley:  The intended or unintended comic relief in all this. To see her portraying the opposite attitude was such a hilarious novelty. And Mr. Darcy handled it beautifully… Also, some very just desserts were served.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• Some Quibbles: The story begins with a Mr. Darcy that has spent a few years courting and singling out several eligible marriage prospects. But this behavior is so foreign from the Mr. Darcy we know, that I found it a little hard to buy into. I think it would’ve helped if we he had more back-story or more understanding about Mr. Darcy’s eagerness to pursue marriage at this time. In addition, it felt like a lot of Mr. Darcy’s emotions were stated instead of shown. Since this story focuses on him primarily and the turmoil and understanding he is experiencing, I would have loved to feel a bit more emotional connection to Mr. Darcy and what he was going through.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🫢  Rumor has it Mr. Darcy is broke, bad, and dangerous to know…

🎩  Someone wants to ruin Mr. Darcy’s every attempt to marry, but why?

📖  An inventive tale where a humbled Mr. Darcy and an understanding Elizabeth find their way together and outmaneuver their foes.

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