Hi friends! Happy Friday!

I’m so happy to welcome back author Ali Scott to Austenesque Reviews today! 🙌🏼

This is a big week for Ali Scott – she just celebrated the release of her fourth Pride and Prejudice variation –  Into the Woods! 👏🏼 Love this title by the way! Are they going to grandmother’s house? 😁

Ali is here to share an excerpt from her newly published release – Into the Woods 📘

We hope you enjoy! 🤗

~ Book Description ~

Darcy had never known passionate love and he had told himself countless times that Miss Elizabeth was an unsuitable prospect. But the way she looked at him now…

Miss Elizabeth Bennet, on her way to refuse a proposal of marriage from an unwanted suitor, finds herself privy to secrets she ought not to know about when she overhears a heated argument between the proud and arrogant Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy and a mysterious soldier in the woods. What she hears makes her not only wary of the soldier, but also softens her heart to Mr Darcy, feeling he might be far better than he seemed at their first meeting at the Meryton Assembly.

As Elizabeth and Darcy are thrown together by circumstance over the next weeks, Darcy is increasingly captivated by her wit and courage, to say nothing of her beauty. Darcy finds himself wanting to help the enchanting Elizabeth avoid an unwanted engagement to a neighbourhood man. Alas, misunderstandings and pride threaten to keep them apart.

When Elizabeth puts herself in harm’s way to protect Darcy’s sister, he realizes the depth of his feelings for her. Can he overcome his reservations about her family to follow his heart? And will Elizabeth see past her prejudices to recognize Darcy’s true character?

Into the Woods is a novella length Pride and Prejudice variation. It is a low angst, closed door regency romance where friends become lovers and misunderstandings are overcome.

~ Excerpt from Into the Woods ~

Darcy was surprised to note that in one thing he and Mrs Bennet had found agreement: a well-cooked partridge never disappoints. However, in other matters regarding the art of dining, their opinions did not harmonise. He found Mrs Bennet’s table to be overladen with food, more than was comfortable to eat. Worse still was that she insisted he try a little of everything she had on offer. If it were not for the fact that Miss Elizabeth was at his left elbow, he might have chosen to firmly decline. Valiantly, he accepted another serving of over-boiled carrots, wondering at what madness made him agree to attend this dinner party in the first instance.

Bingley had lost himself in conversation with Miss Bennet, who smiled very nicely but did not appear to be overly enamoured with his friend. Darcy hoped that Bingley knew what he was about, their earlier conversation regarding being more decisive still echoing in Darcy’s ears. Bingley was known to be impulsive, but an unequal marriage was to be avoided at all costs. Uncomfortable in his chair, he shifted his leg and accidentally brushed his foot against Miss Elizabeth’s. She jumped, dropping her knife with a clatter. All eyes turned to them.

“I must—” Darcy opened his mouth to assume responsibility but was resolutely silenced by a violent coughing fit from Miss Elizabeth.

“You must what, Mr Darcy?” Mrs Bennet’s smile stretched wider than was natural.

“I must congratulate you on your fine dinner,” he replied, reaching to pour Miss Elizabeth a drink.

“Oh, to be sure, only the best for you and Mr Bingley.” Mrs Bennet’s bosom swelled dangerously. “I am not sure there is anyone else in all of Meryton who would appreciate such fare.” She tilted her chin in Miss Elizabeth’s direction. “Lizzy helped me prepare the menu.”

Miss Lydia snorted from her position at the furthest end of the table. “I heard Lizzy say that we did not need quite so many dishes. If you listened to her, we would all be starving.”

“Hush dearest, for you have surely misunderstood our conversation.” Darcy did not miss the glare Mrs Bennet bestowed upon her youngest daughter and he glanced at Elizabeth, who looked very pale and unhappy at her mother’s poor manners.

Darcy was on the point of interjecting, but Bingley’s effusive enthusiasm saved the day. “Whoever prepared it should be very proud, for this dinner is a delight, an utter triumph!”

“Jane was of great assistance to me also.” Mrs Bennet tapped her eldest daughter lightly on the arm. “She has such excellent taste. I have always thought her well-suited to be mistress of an estate with a large kitchen”

Such transparent manoeuvrings would surely be objectionable to any reasonable man, but Bingley did not flinch. Perhaps love has made him blind to the folly of Mrs Bennet as a mother-in-law. This realisation caused Darcy to feel uneasy. The conversation moved on to other matters. On the opposite side of the dinner table sat Mr Bennet, and Darcy was soon under the distinct impression that he was being watched. A fleeting reference was made to the Lucas family and Darcy glanced again at Miss Elizabeth.

“Have you met Mr Lucas? What was your impression?” Mr Bennet addressed Darcy through the chatter. The conversation around him died and Darcy felt all eyes on him as he made his answer.

To be singled out in such a way was highly uncomfortable, and it was a moment before Darcy could reply. “I could not say. We have scarcely spoken. Not enough to form a faithful opinion.”

Mr Bennet regarded him shrewdly. “He has long been a friend of our family, but I too have yet to discover anything of note within him.”

“Let us talk of other things.” Miss Elizabeth’s voice was shrill, and he risked a glance at her. Clearly this reference to Mr Lucas was unwelcome.

“What would you like to discuss?” Darcy asked, pleased to see her shoulders sag with relief as the conversation moved on. She seemed so unlike her typically ebullient self that Darcy wished he might find some witticism, a clever turn of phrase that would make her laugh and put her at ease.

“I am happy to talk about anything but food. It is all anyone has spoken about today.”

“Tell Mr Darcy about the piece you are learning.” Mrs Bennet’s fork waved as she spoke, jabbing towards Miss Elizabeth so enthusiastically that a drop of sauce fell onto the tablecloth.

“I am sure Mr Darcy does not wish to hear of my clumsy attempts at the pianoforte.”

“Oh, such modesty!” Mrs Bennet turned her fork towards Darcy. “My Lizzy plays very well, though not quite so well as Jane.”

Miss Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably in her seat. He wished to ease her embarrassment and said, “My sister is an accomplished musician. Perhaps Miss Elizabeth might care to recommend some pieces that might suit her.”

“A capital notion.” Mrs Bennet nodded breathlessly. “And what an honour for dear Lizzy, to suggest that she should become acquainted with Miss Darcy.” This was not precisely what Darcy had meant, but at that moment the servants came to clear the plates and conversation moved on, much to his relief.

This situation and dynamic is really interesting! It looks like everyone is thinking more favorably of each other – Mrs. Bennet even seems to like Mr. Darcy! 😮

I can so relate to Elizabeth’s self-consciousness and awkwardness! 😄

And Mr. Darcy wanting to put her at ease is sooooooo swooony!!! 🥰

~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering  3️⃣ ebook copies of Into the Woods to 3️⃣  lucky readers who comment on today’s post!

To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Ali below.

• This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos! 
• This giveaway ends October 31st.