What If Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Became Allies To Prevent Mr. Collins’s Marriage Designs?

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: Review Copy from Author

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation

TIME FRAME: Begins with the Meryton Assembly

SYNOPSIS: What would happen if Mr. Bingley didn’t have a prior claim on Jane Bennet when Mr. Collins extended his “olive branch” to the Bennet family? What would the Bennets do if Mr. Collins set his sights on Jane as his prime matrimonial prospect? Well, you can probably imagine what devoted sister Elizabeth Bennet would do…but what may be surprising is that Elizabeth is assisted in her endeavors by none other than the haughty man who called her “tolerable.” Will this new alliance bring friendship and more amiability to this oft-prejudiced and misunderstanding pair? Or does Mr. Darcy’s duty to his family and place in society effectively keep their feelings and hearts in check…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Co-Conspirators: Such a unique and delightful twist to Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s relationship. I like that Mr. Darcy is observant of the Bennet family’s situation and is prompted to help, whether his motives stem from admiration or a deprivation of entertainment. I loved the clever ways Mr. Darcy diverted Mr. Collins’s attention and I appreciate how he put himself forward and in company with those he dislikes for the sake of helping the Bennet sisters. His strategy sessions with Elizabeth and her reactions to his assistance were all sorts of adorable.

• Love Triangles and Matchmaking Fails: Ha ha! This turns into quite the comedy of errors with couples being paired off incongruously (by Mrs. Bennet) and there being often two people in love with or pursuing the same person! Quite a brilliant mix-up! It was a hoot to see how some erroneous pairings would sort themselves out and how matchmaking schemes were being thwarted!

• Secondary Characters with Personality: I must comment on how much I loved the small details and personality quirks Ms. Kahler craftily inserted for many of the secondary characters of this tale. Even without developing major storylines for all these characters she was able to flesh out their personalities with subtle and memorable attributes, such as: Kitty being socially inept and having no filter, Mary’s enjoyment in observing others, and Mr. Hurst’s letter-writing. Such small additions that truly bring fullness and engagement to this story.

• Sweet Friendship and Romantic Tension: With the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth developing much more amicably it seemed like perhaps there would be less misunderstandings and angst. But I should have known K.C. Kahler would find a way to imbue this story with some romantic tension that stirred my emotions into a frenzy! I loved both the adorable and playful moments between Darcy and Elizabeth where they are falling love and the unexpected moments of heartache and longing.

• Lydia: La! “What a good joke!” Lydia is ever so likable in this story! I don’t want to give away all the delightful surprises in store, but I will say that in addition to being bold and impetuous, this Lydia Bennet gains some awareness and sense. She was an utter delight! (I cannot believe I just said that about Lydia!)

• John Lucas and Anne de Bourgh: I loved these two characters, both for their well-drawn and likable personalities and for their relationships with key characters in this story. I especially enjoyed John Lucas – he is a brother to all the Bennet girls, teasing and protective. I kind of wished saw a little more resolution for him if you know what I mean… 😉

WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:

• Nothing really, except maybe one or two conversations that felt too forward and public for the time period. But that didn’t really mar my pleasure in this diverting tale!

CONCLUSION:

A Case of Some Delicacy is another marvelous, memorable, and well-constructed Pride and Prejudice inspired story by K.C. Kahler. With mismatched pairings, cricket games, secret meetings, humorous stories, and improving relationships this tale will be sure to enthrall and endear fans of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet!

Add to Cart   I   Add to Shelf