What If Saving Mr. Darcy from A Compromise Attempt Placed Elizabeth’s Life At Risk?

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Austenesque Jolabokaflod

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

THE PREMISE: Mr. Darcy walks into an unexpected compromise attempt and Elizabeth steps in to thwart it. Little does Elizabeth know that her selfless defense of Mr. Darcy made her a target for some new enemies. Now Mr. Darcy is in the position of needing to save and protect Elizabeth. But what will all this danger and drama do to Mr. Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth that he has tried so hard to suppress…

WHAT I LOVED:

• It Lived Up to the Hype: I’ve had my eye on this stellar and beloved variation by Melanie Rachel or some time. It was a popular favorite with readers when it came out in 2021 and has close to 2000 ratings/reviews on Amazon. As expected, the evil schemes, danger, and new obstacles hooked me in immediately. I was captivated by all the intrigue, tension, and romance.

• Some Alterations: There are some changes with Longbourn, changes with Mr. Darcy’s history with friends, and changes with what happens between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Just these changes alone added new vigor and excitement to the story. I enjoyed how it also steered the story into new directions and gave the author freedom to explore some new possibilities.

• The Action: I was locked in Elizabeth was in danger. She was acting as bravely and as cleverly as possible. I admired her so much. It was riveting to witness all she went through. Several times… I love how the author wrote about these experiences – the crisis, the emotions, the fear – it was all so tangible. Later on in the story there is another extended segment of a fight scene and the writing depicting the action of those scenes was equally exhilarating.

• The Intrigue: Who are these nefarious enemies that wish Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy harm? Where did they come from? What is their motivation? How can they be stopped? I loved the suspenseful danger of this story. It exciting to ponder all these unknowns and see how Mr. Darcy grapples with such a different type of situation.

• The Romance: Not only do I love seeing Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth face conflict together, I love it when they are forced to depend on or care for each other. I love seeing Mr. Darcy’s determination and fixation on safeguarding Elizabeth. I love when his deep love for her cannot be disguised. And I love how Elizabeth learns to love Mr. Darcy because of his actions.

• The Supporting Cast: So many great, strong, well-drawn characters step in and help with the danger. From Mr. Darcy’s valet, Slipworth and coachman, Anders to Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Bennet. These characters were loyal, clever, and all played small or large parts in helping solve this mystery. It was great to have so many likable characters to applaud and admire.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER:

• The Falling Action: It might have been just because the first half of the story was so riveting or perhaps that the overall size of the book is a little larger, but I did feel like some of the falling action was long and slow. It might also feel this way because Elizabeth and Darcy came to their understanding halfway through the book and the second half of the book was following up on their marriage, new lives, and defeating their enemies. I wouldn’t have minded if we kept some romantic development or tension just a little longer.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

⚔️ A swoony and action-packed tale with new villains, dangerous threats, and ardent love.

📖  Daring escapes, dramatic schemes, and dependable allies all make for a most stirring read!

🎩  Mr. Darcy once again proves he is the quintessential gentleman of honor.

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