What If Darcy and Elizabeth Mutually Save Each Other from Unwanted Engagements?
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variations
THE PREMISE: In a desperate effort to thwart a terribly ill-conceived compromise attempt, Mr. Darcy surprises everyone by claiming a prior engagement with none other than Elizabeth Bennet. While Elizabeth is extremely averse to any relationship with Mr. Darcy and eagerly tells him so, she soon finds herself facing a similar situation of being coerced to accept an undesirable proposal by her parents… Can Darcy and Elizabeth save each other from worse fates?
WHAT I LOVED:
- Mutually Beneficial: What a fun premise! I love how both Darcy and Elizabeth cleverly turn the tables to subvert impending engagements! And how both seize a future together willingly, and aim to make the best of it despite it not being of their initial choosing. It was an interesting beginning for their relationship. There were some forthright discussions that led to more openness and less misunderstandings which was pleasant to see.
- Flirty Courtship: I loved seeing Darcy act the part of ardent suitor! And I loved all the moments where the lines felt blurry and it was hard to decipher what was or was not real. And, like Elizabeth, I fell hard for Darcy being all cute and flirty with his banter and teasing! i.e. the adorable conversation about kissing and his impatient visit inside Longbourn. 😍😍 I longed for all those moments where they could share a private conversation with each other.
- Realistic Struggles: While this story is maybe lower in angst than some of Amy D’Orazio’s other tales, I appreciated seeing Darcy and Elizabeth still face challenges in their relationship with each other. The moments where they experienced doubts and discord, the times their lives/wishes felt incompatible, and the instances where they let their emotions get the best of them. Darcy is mostly at fault for some of these relationship struggles as his officious behavior has gone unchecked and he is keeping some secrets from Elizabeth regrading Georgiana.
- Viscount Saye and Brotherly Ribbing: Saye is becoming more famous and beloved with every novel Ms. D’Orazio writes. It comes as no surprise that his presence in this story was immeasurably entertaining and that he would continuously steal every scene he is in! While he loves to play that part of a disinterested and fashionable playboy, I love that Saye has such a tender heart and gives unstinting support to those in his family. The scenes where we see these cousins and brothers let loose in their conversations and teasing were sheer delight!
- Into the Fitzwilliam Fold: A lovely spotlight on the Fitzwilliam family. They are all such dear and likable characters. I loved seeing their support and relationships with both Darcy and Elizabeth.
- Georgiana, Mr. Collins, and the Bingleys: Some interesting new deviations with these characters. There were a few refreshingly unique plots, reactions, and developments! I appreciated how these secondary plots brought some different emotions and dynamics to the story. Well done!
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND:
- I got nothing, except maybe wanting some more!
CONCLUSION:
Another brilliant and enthralling story from the pen of Amy D’Orazio! So Material a Change is a wonderfully compelling Pride and Prejudice variation full of sincerity and humor, false claims and familial support, playful teasing and irrepressible ardor. I highly recommend!
Absolutely fabulous story! Not too much angst? My idea of heaven! Loved it and I loved your review Meredith, I totally agree especially about Saye and this flirty Darcy!
Hahaha! Yes, I agree this is perfect for you Glynis!
Great review! Sounds like I need to bump this to the top of Mount TBR!
Do it! Lol! Mount TBR – love it.
There was so much about this one that captivated me. Loved Saye, too!
There were a lot of engaging elements in this one, I agree.
Lovely review of a wonderful book. Thanks as always. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanks so much for checking out my review, Jennifer!
sounds wonderful
I thought so!
What a fabulous book! This was the kind of story I wanted to start all over and read again from the beginning the minute I finished it. Fab review too, Meredith. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, I hope all your family and loved ones are safe and healthy. Including the furry ones.
P.S. I have such a crush on Saye, ba bump ba bump ba bump
I’m so happy to hear your praise, Michelle! Thank you, I hope you and your family are all happy and well!
Same here, my friend. He is too much, and I love it.
That does sound like a lot of fun!! My wishlist is never ending with so many great reviews 🙂
It is such a diverting premise! And that is such a good problem to have!
A super fun premise!
Agreed!
Hi Meredith,
I couldn’t agree with your review more. I really loved the premise of Darcy and Elizabeth forced into betrothal and marriage. I listened to the audio book by my favorite narrator Stevie Zimmerman. This was a fantastic book by Amy and I look forward to her next release. –Leslie
Oh, that’s wonderful, Leslie! I’m so glad to hear we are in accord. And how lovely that you enjoyed the audiobook with Stevie Zimmerman.
Sounds fabulous!
I thought so! I hope you get the chance to read this one soon.
I also rated this a 5-star read. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it.
So glad to hear that, Sheila.
Hi Meredith!
I´m very glad you say this novel has humour and teasing because, sometimes, this is what I need in a story and not so angst! I´ll take a look at this one 😉
Yes! I will say that Amy D’Orazio has written some of the angsty-est P&P variations I have ever read, but this is not one of them.
Loved this story. I agree with all you shared on your review. Definitively not as many other of Ms D’Orazio’s stories in terms of angst. I coujdn’t handle high angst right niw so thus one was lovely.