From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:
We are very happy to welcome Austenesque author Kara Louise to Austenprose today to introduce you to her latest novel, Mr. Darcy’s Rival.
Kara has several Jane Austen-inspired novels in print including Only Mr. Darcy Will Do, Pirates & Prejudice, and Darcy’s Voyage.
I hope you enjoy this exclusive excerpt and guest blog with the author.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Mr. Darcy has learned he must prepare himself when he and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, make their yearly visit to his aunt, particularly when it comes to Lady Catherine’s expectation that he marry her daughter, Anne.
This year, however, will throw in a few additional obstacles to Darcy’s peace of mind with the presence of a nephew on the de Bourgh side of the family, and quite unexpectedly, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
An interrupted proposal, a letter written and unknowingly lost, a harsh accusation, and a rival all conspire to thwart Mr. Darcy in securing Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s affections when he visits his aunt at Rosings.
Will Elizabeth find the handsome and engaging Mr. Rickland more suited to her than Mr. Darcy? And will a novel she reads that was written secretly by Miss Anne de Bourgh help smooth the path to the couple finding true love?
GUEST BLOG
Thank you, Laurel Ann, for allowing me to come and share my new book, Mr. Darcy’s Rival, with your readers. To begin, I thought I would give you these two definitions.
Mr. Darcy: (from Wikipedia) Fitzwilliam Darcy, generally referred to as Mr. Darcy, is one of the two central characters in Jane Austen‘s novel Pride and Prejudice. He is an archetype of the aloof romantic hero, and a romantic interest of Elizabeth Bennet, the novel’s protagonist… well, I think we know the rest.
Rival: (from Merriam-Webster Dictionary) 1) a person or thing that tries to defeat or be more successful than another; 2) something or someone that is as good or almost as good as another person or thing; 3) one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess
In Mr. Darcy’s Rival, we are introduced to a new character. Mr. Matthew Rickland is the nephew of Sir Lewis de Bourgh and has been at Rosings for about two weeks before Darcy and his cousin arrive. This gives him a little advantage over Mr. Darcy in having been able to spend time with Elizabeth Bennet and getting to know her quite well. She finds him a friendly, good-natured, and most proper gentleman.
When Darcy and his cousin arrive at Rosings, there is the typical surprise at discovering Elizabeth is just across the lane at Hunsford Parsonage. But only one man can win her heart. Will both men strive to do whatever he can – and how far will each go – to attain it?
When I first announced I was writing a book titled Mr. Darcy’s Rival, several people expressed their excitement saying they love stories where Mr. Darcy has a rival. I don’t think it is particularly rare, as even in Jane Austen’s novel, Mr. Wickham is somewhat of a rival in the beginning. My last novel, Pirates and Prejudice, had a rival, and I know there have been many more written by other authors.
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
Darcy forced himself to turn the page of his book. It would not do to have his cousin notice he was not devouring the book, as he normally did.
Despite being so different from the type of woman others expected him to marry – and even the type of woman he expected to marry – he could not put Miss Elizabeth Bennet out of his thoughts.
Since he had come to Kent, each encounter had revealed more and more about her he found engaging. She had such lively intelligence, a quick sense of humor, and then there were her very fine eyes. She took delight in such simple things. He could readily see how the other two men admired her. He was certain Fitzwilliam would heartily approve a marriage between himself and Elizabeth.
He thought of Rickland and grumbled. Ever since returning from their walk yesterday, the man’s attitude towards him had altered. He either avoided him, ignored him, or when he could do neither, he was blatantly uncivil to him.
It was worse after the incident in the turret. Rickland had not directly accused him of anything, but Darcy knew he had been angry when it was discovered the telescope was pointed directly at the parsonage. He wished to defend his actions, but he could not. It was true he merely happened to see Elizabeth walking outside the parsonage in the garden. He watched her lean over to smell the flowers. As he had watched her, he could readily imagine her walking through the flower garden at Pemberley, and he chose not to look away.
She had had such a lovely look upon her face. She was alone and appeared most content. He would like to believe it was due to him. Were her affections as engaged with him as he were with her? The joy he saw written in her face and in the liveliness of her movements was certainly how she made him feel. He had never felt so much joy in the presence of a woman. Only Georgiana came close.
Darcy lifted his eyes and looked at Rickland. He wondered, for the first time, if the man had more than a passing interest in Elizabeth. Could he be a rival for her affections? He shook his head. He had readily seen from the beginning Rickland enjoyed Elizabeth’s company, but he attributed it to her lively and engaging manners. He surmised Rickland would not have any real interest in a woman unless she had a great fortune. He bit his lip and furrowed his brow as he contemplated this.
“Is the book that bad?” Colonel Fitzwilliam suddenly asked. “Or are you just in a foul mood this evening?”
“No, I am not in a foul mood. I am rather…“ He clenched his jaw. “My mind is engaged in a dilemma of sorts.”
He could not prevent his gaze from going over to Rickland, who was seated next to Lady Catherine, listening inattentively to her most recent complaints. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Anne looking at him. When he looked her way, she met his gaze for a moment before looking back down to begin writing again.
“A dilemma, eh?” The colonel asked, apparently curious for more information.
Darcy shook his head. “Nothing of great import.” He looked back at his book and abruptly turned the page, despite not having read it. He gripped the book tightly as he considered his last statement. On the contrary, it was of great import, if he were to make an offer of marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
AUTHOR BIO
Kara Louise began writing Jane Austen inspired stories in 2001 and has currently written nine novels, including Darcy’s Voyage and Only Mr. Darcy Will Do, which were both published by Sourcebooks. Her seven other novels are self-published, including the most recent release, Mr. Darcy’s Rival. She is also one of the contributing authors from the austenvariations.com blog. Kara and her husband live in St. Louis, Missouri area near her son and first grandchild. They live on five acres in a wooded area with their five cats, one dog, and a Shetland Pony.
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BOOK INFORMATION
Mr. Darcy’s Rival: A Pride and Prejudice Variation, by Kara Louise
Heartworks Publication (2015)
Trade paperback & eBook (362) pages
ISBN: 978-1512053531
We received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Austenprose is an Amazon affiliate. Cover image courtesy of Heartworks Publication © 2015; excerpt Kara Louise © 2015, austenprose.com
Hello Dear Readers,
Have you read any of the other novels by Kara Louise?
If you enjoy Austenesque fiction with witty dialogue, engaging plots, and endearing characters, Austenprose recommends them.
Drop us a line below and share your thoughts on this review and what you are currently reading! We would love to hear from you!
Laurel Ann Nattress, editor
Most enjoyable l! The excerpt was delightful. I would love to win the giveaway but be assured I will be purchasing Mr Darcy’s Rival if I dont!
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Thanks, Sofia! Glad you enjoyed it. Good luck in the giveaway!
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I am currently writing a short story with Mr. Wickham as a henpecked husband. Any suggestions?
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That’s an interesting subject. I imagine if he married Lydia, he would be!
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It’s coming up in a few days.
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Dharmesh, I’d love to be the one doing the pecking for at least one day. Let me! Let me!
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Please do! I need all the peckers I can find.
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I have been reading Kara’ stories for many years now. My favorites is Darcy’s Voyage and Assumed Engagement. I wish her continued success with this new novel and all those to come. Thank you for the chance to win Mr. Darcy’s Rival: A Pride and Prejudice Variation. It sounds delightful.
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Thanks, Diane! That’s kind of you to say. I appreciate hearing from a fan.
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Loving the idea of a serious rival. A must read for me.
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Glad you like the concept, Mary. While Darcy often has a rival, usually it’s a side story that doesn’t amount to anything. Hope you’ll enjoy it when you get around to reading it!
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There’s nothing better for a Janeite than a new book to fill our thoughts and jumpstart our imaginations. Ah, all the possibilities of “what if….” How exciting!
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Loving this excerpt. I can’t wait to read regardless of if I win or not. Good luck everyone
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He better get his act together, this is a real challenge! I have to read this one!
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Congratulations on the publication of another wonderful story, Kara Louise.
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Thanks, Robin! I appreciate it! I had some good help getting me through it! :)
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This looks delightful – it just moved to the top of my TBR pile:-) Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks, Sarah! And with all the new books that have recently come out, your TBR pile could be pretty big! :)
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This sounds like a fantastic read, and I like that it’s from the vantage point of Mr. Darcy. Plus, I really like Fitzwilliam, so I’m glad to see him as well. I cackled at the thought of Mr. Darcy spying on Elizabeth through the telescope! Hilarious, given his character!
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Thanks Greta! And the book actually has both Darcy’s and Elizabeth’s POV. I love writing Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy together! :)
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I look forward to another of your charming stories, Kara! I’m a big fan too… Loved the one with Pirates! :-) The cover of your new book is lovely too! But I’m wondering how poor Darcy has a chance in competition with such a pleasant sounding rival if Lizzy has the same poor regard for him at this point as in the main story… Or is Mr. Darcy making a better effort in making his charming side known to her??! :-)
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It does sound hopeless, doesn’t it, Carol? Dare I say that Darcy is going to have a rather rude awakening in this story? (I guess much like in the original!) :) Thanks for your kind words – I loved the pirates, too!
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As I was just now scrolling down all the messages – realized I had missed a few. Thanks so much for your kind comments, Carol. I hope you’ll be able to read it and find out how this all plays out! :)
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Can not wait to read sounds so good. Thanks for the giveaway.
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Thanks, Tresha! Hope you get a chance to read it!
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Well, I think Darcy may be slow to move, but once he makes up his mind there’s no stopping him. I hope. Fun Excerpt. Jen Red
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We all hope that, Jen! I think it takes a little ‘waking him up’ and then some serious self-assessment and planning to finally get him moving!
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I am such a Kara Louise fan. I couldn’t wait to get my copy and I read it immediately. Now, I’m waiting impatiently for her next one. Hurry!
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Oh dear, Joy, that’s putting a lot of pressure on me! This one took me two years since my last one. I’ll see what I can do…
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Kara, is this a new book?? – I have read it and it is a very charming book. I won’t give any of the plot away. You write an excellent P&P; the Pirates and Prejudice; Assumed Obligation, Assumed Engagement and Only Mr. Darcy Will do; all are on my re-read list.
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Hollis, yes, it’s new since the end of May, beginning of June. So glad you have enjoyed my books!
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Just love this story and can’t wait to
begin reading it…
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I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the excerpts, Susan! I hope you’ll enjoy the book!
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Like Joy, Kara is one of my top favorites. I read this already but if I won a paperback copy I would not complain. : ) The Pirates one and Pemberley’s Voyage are my favorites. I, especially, like to go back and read parts from “Voyage” and have re-read both in entirety.
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Thanks so much, Sheila! And I think it’s nice to have a paperback as well as an ebook! So glad you’ve enjoyed my books!
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This is an intriguing start! Thanks for sharing your talents. I am impressed with your self-published status as I, too, would like to follow that route one day.
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Thanks, Sarah! The self-publishing market has certainly opened the doors for people to publish. I would just encourage you to be sure your book is the best it can be before you hit the ‘publish’ button (be sure to have it edited!). Good luck!
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A wonderful feature and great excerpt. Thanks for your creativity.
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I appreciate that, Anne! Thanks!
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I am just wondering is Darcy really watching Elizabeth with the telescope – if she finds out I doubt she would be happy
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The way I wrote the scene, Rickland knew right away, but Elizabeth was clueless, for she would have no reason to think Darcy found her attractive. Rickland, however, has his suspicions. Now, I do address this at the end of the book, and I’ll let the readers find out whether she eventually finds out. :)
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Oh, this sounds good. I would love to win a copy!
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Thanks, Lynn! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Wonderful excerpt. I am enjoying your blog tour. Thank you for the giveaway.
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Thanks, Becky! I’m glad you’re following along!
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I always enjoy your books, and in this excerpt you have really captured Darcy’s essence. Thank you for doing the give-away.My fingers will be crossed all week in hopes of winning.
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Thanks, Beatrice! I appreciate it! Good luck!
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This could be an interesting twist. Will have to read it when I get a copy!
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I hope you will enjoy it, Jackie!
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I would so love to read this book!! I love reading about Darcy and Elizabeth. They are so perfect for each other.
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We do love our Darcy and Elizabeth, don’t we! Thanks for stopping by, Camille!
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I enjoyed this excerpt from your newest novel. I have read your other novels and have loved them all. Thank you for the chance of winning this one.
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Thanks, Patty! Glad you have enjoyed them, good luck in the giveaway!
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Very Interested in reading this book and seeing a new perspective on the Lizzie-Darcy story. Hope I win the book in the giveaway.
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I hope you get an opportunity to read it, snehal! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Oooooo, a rivalry could be a very interesting thing! I’d love to win this one. :-)
Thanks for the excerpt and the giveaway!
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You’re welcome, Pam! good luck!
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I like that definition of a rival and it sounds like you wrote in a true rival, Kara Lynne. I’ve read a few where the rivalry wasn’t anything to make me sweat it, but it’s fun sometimes to really have some doubt as to the outcome. Look forward to reading the latest.
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Thanks, Sophia Rose! I hope you’ll find Rickland a suitable rival for Darcy.
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Kara Louise, you’re the best – I’m so looking forward to reading “Mr. Darcy’s Rival”.
Thanks so much for this giveaway (and please keep writing!).
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Thanks, Lilyane! That’s very kind of you! I’ll try to oblige with the writing! :)
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I love your books Kara Louise!! I can’t wait to read this one!
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Thanks, Margie! Hope you’ll enjoy it!
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Oooh what an exciting premise! I love it when Darcy has to fight to win Elizabeth’s heart! :) Thanks for the chance to win this book. I’m international.
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We wouldn’t want to make it too easy for Darcy, would we? Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway!
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I’m definitely intrigued after reading this excerpt. I don’t suppose Darcy stood a chance at winning Elizabeth’s hand since Mr Ricklands is in the picture. Unless he mend his ways and try to win her heart, she learns the truth about Wickham or Mr Ricklands turns out to be a cad, Elizabeth will certainly not choose Darcy.
Like Maria, I’m international too so I hope to win.
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I’m enjoying everyone’s comments and conjectures! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Loved the two books I’ve read so far, Only Mr Darcy will do and Darcy’s Voyage. I am very excited to read this new book. Thank you for writing such wonderful stories.
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Thanks, Tish! I’m glad you enjoyed those two, and will have an opportunity to read this one. Thanks for stopping by!
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Sounds delightful!
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Thanks, Suzanne! Hope you’ll find the book delightful!
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