Double the Pleasure, Double the Fun, and Double the Trouble!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Authors

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice/Persuasion Variation Mash-Up

THE PREMISE: After the Netherfield Ball, Darcy and Elizabeth encounter each other again in Somersetshire where they both plan to enjoy a brief sojourn. But their host and landlord proves to be most antagonizing – he unceremoniously ejects Elizabeth from his home, refuses to open his house to a dying man, and coerces Mr. Darcy into a most troubling bind. Can our beloved characters still find a way to come together? Or is all hope gone forever…

WHAT I LOVED:

• Doubled and Well-Blended: (sounds like a drink order. Lol) This fantastic writing duo gives readers double the pleasure and double the fun in this inventive Austen-inspired mash-up. There are two sets of heroes and heroines and two featured romances – although of the two, Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s storyline is more extensive and prominent. I loved seeing these characters all brought together – their reasons for encountering each other were credible, and their interactions with each other felt authentic. Speaking of well-blended, I’m always in awe of how well these authors write and collaborate together. They match tone and style so seamlessly and skillfully – it is impossible to know where one author’s writing ends and another begins.

• A Charming Setting: How refreshing to spend some time at Kellynch! Even in Persuasion, our time there is brief. This was an exciting change of scenery for us all. But even more so than the hall itself, I was enchanted by the comfortable and idyllic Meadowbrook House and Willow Cottage. I loved witnessing the charms of these dwellings, and I can well understand their lasting affection for the places where their happiness was found.

• Friend Groups: Some terrific new relationships develop in this story. One being between Anne and Elizabeth, who only became acquainted recently are quick to form a supportive and strong bond. I also loved witnessing the affinity that quickly blossomed between Elizabeth and Georgiana after Elizabeth’s initial wariness (thanks to Wickham). And lastly, not only did I love seeing the loyalty and brotherly rapport between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy, but also the easy camaraderie and trust develop between these characters and their new friend, Captain Wentworth. I loved that all these characters felt such strong affection and accord together. You just know they will be friends for life and have frequent get togethers in the years to come.

• The Elliot/Darcy Juxtaposition: A mirror his held up to Mr. Darcy when he discovers that he is guilty of the same pompous arrogance and prideful snobbery that he recognizes in the Elliots. What a clever impetus to have Mr. Darcy realize his own flaws and reform his mindset.

• Romantic Moments: I loved all the tender moments these beloved couples shared. The ardent longing each character felt (especially Anne and Darcy), the surprising reveals that followed after intense heartache and distress (Anne and Wentworth), and the quiet moments shared alone where unspoken love was felt (Darcy and Elizabeth) were all ones that stayed with me and made my heart sigh.

• The Twists and Revelations: So delicious! So brilliant! I thought I knew the secrets – that I guessed the infamous sins of this character, but the truth came out to be so much better than I had surmised. I loved the irony and poetic justice! So masterful! I also loved the collaboration of hands that served our antagonist their heaping pile of just desserts! (Being vague on purpose to not divulge and spoilers!)

WHAT I WASN’T AS FOND OF:

• Small Quibbles: With such a large and eventful story (which for the most part was an effortless and enthralling read) there were a few times where the pacing felt a little unbalanced. Some parts of the story proceeded with great leisure and detail, while some of the action at the end progressed at a brisk and summarized clip. In addition, occasionally some instances felt a little repetitive (i.e. Darcy caught being inattentive and distracted by Elizabeth, Elizabeth being confused and discombobulated by her feelings for Mr. Darcy).

CONCLUSION: With Mr. Darcy’s Persuasion, Cass Grafton and Ada Bright once again deliver a most captivating tale, rich with creativity, sensitivity, and heart. I love that sincere and uplifting friendships are always a prominent theme in their stories together. The steadfast and warm relationships readers witness between these characters seems to be a lovely tribute to their own long-standing friendship. I hope we see more collaborations from this dedicated duo in the near future!

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