Tag Archives: Susan Adriani

Giveaway Winners Announced for The Truth About Mr. Darcy

Posted in Austenesque Books by

Truth About Mr. Darcy, by Susan Adriani (2011)52 of you left comments qualifying you for a chance to win one of three copies of The Truth About Mr. Darcy by Susan Adriani. The winners drawn at random are:

  • Lena L. who left a comment on May 7th
  • Karen Field who left a comment on May 3rd
  • Chelsea B. who left a comment on May 2nd

Congratulations to all three winners! To claim your prize, please contact me with your full name and address by May 18th, 2011. Shipment is to US and Canadian addresses only.

Thanks to all who participated in the giveaway!

© 2007 – 2011 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose

The Truth About Mr. Darcy, by Susan Adriani – A Review

Posted in Book Reviews, Jane Austen Sequels Book Reviews by

The Truth About Mr. Darcy, by Susan Adriani (2011)Guest review by Kimberly Denny-Ryder of Reflections of a Book Addict

I’ve come to the realization that Pride and Prejudice “what if’s” are my favorite sub-genre to read in the world of Jane Austen fan fiction (JAFF).  They give us the opportunity to cut and mold the storyline of Austen’s work in a fresh new way, and to explore all the different avenues in the plot that are previously undiscovered.  It’s fascinating that by changing one line of dialogue or one person’s action, you get an entirely different story that gives the reader an opportunity to discover something new about their favorite characters.

Susan Adriani does just this in The Truth About Mr. Darcy (originally self-published as Affinity and Affection).  She poses the question, “what if upon first seeing the interaction between Elizabeth and Wickham, Darcy chooses right then and there to tell his history of his dealings with Wickham to Elizabeth?”  Instead of allowing Wickham the opportunity to spread viscous rumors about his character to the residents of Meryton, Darcy opens his heart up to the woman whose “fine eyes” have captured his heart.  Upon hearing of Darcy’s past with Wickham, Elizabeth realizes that her first impressions of people are totally off, as she thought Wickham was a true gentlemen and Darcy was a proud, pretentious man.  She offers an olive branch to Darcy, and tries to begin a friendship that winds up being very pleasing to both parties.  Wickham sees all of this, and realizes that Elizabeth means more to Darcy than she knows and tries to find some way to use this knowledge to his advantage.  Will his plan work?  Or will Darcy and Elizabeth realize how powerful and potent the feelings they have for each other truly are?

This book was awesome!  Having read tons of JAFF I always love it when I read a book that stands out, that chooses to differentiate itself from the hoard of fan fiction that’s out there.  Adriani has done this most specifically with her Lydia Bennet storyline.  Since Elizabeth knew who Wickham really was, she and Darcy were able to save Lydia from the fretful life she was plagued with in Austen’s original Pride and Prejudice.  I give Adriani a lot of credit for perusing the Lydia storyline as most other JAFF authors choose to leave her as the same, immature, hard wretch that she’s originally described as.  In The Truth About Mr. Darcy, we get to see what Lydia Bennet could have become had she had proper care, attention, and discipline.  And I have to admit, with a little TLC, I found myself liking her greatly.

I must warn readers that there are many mature scenes in this book!  They are, however, done in a tasteful, sensual way that advances the plot in a way that does not deter from the overall feel of the novel.  The intimacy that we see between Elizabeth and Darcy progresses their relationship and forms a strong bond between them.  As readers, we see what a truly remarkable man Darcy is, and how deep his love for Elizabeth is.  My only disappointment in the novel was with Darcy’s sister Georgiana’s very rushed ending.  I can only hope that the author expands her storyline in another novel.

Adriani is a fantastic storyteller and I look forward to reading her future endeavors as they are published.  Truly remarkable, creative, and brilliantly written, The Trouble With Mr. Darcy is one “what if” variation you will surely not want to miss.

5 out of 5 stars

The Truth About Mr. Darcy, by Susan Adriani
Sourcebooks (2011)
Trade paperback (448) pages
ISBN: 978-1402246135

© 2007 – 2011 Kimberly Denny-Ryder, Austenprose

The Truth About Mr. Darcy Blog Tour with Author Susan Adriani & a Giveaway!

Posted in Austenesque Authors, Austenesque Books by

The Truth About Mr. Darcy, by Susan Adriani (2011)Please join us today in welcoming Austenesque author Susan Adriani for the official launch of her blog tour of The Truth About Mr. Darcy, a new Pride and Prejudice variation that was released on May 1, 2011 by Sourcebooks.

If someone had told me I would end up writing a novel someday (never mind that it would actually be published) I would have laughed at them. As a matter of fact, I’m laughing right now. I can’t help it—the entire experience has been completely surreal.

I never set out to be an author. I was a freelance illustrator turned stir-crazy stay-at-home mom; and I’d discovered early on it was nearly impossible to lay down a watercolor wash and work on a commission when there was a very determined little person clinging to my arm, trying to “help” me all the time. As much as I appreciated my daughter’s assistance (she meant well and was ridiculously cute), it soon became apparent that I needed to find an alternative outlet for my creativity, or completely sacrifice my sanity.

The quick fix was to submerse myself in Jane Austen’s world. During that time, I read Pride and Prejudice repeatedly, all the while wondering what happened to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet after the story ended. To my very great pleasure, I found Helen Halstead and Pamela Aiden in my local Borders, and later, Abigail Reynolds online. I quickly fell in love with Abigail’s writing, but even more than that, I was awed by her ability to ask “what if…” and captivated by her talented storytelling. It didn’t take long for my head to become flooded with ideas and possibilities of my own.

The end result was my first book, The Truth About Mr. Darcy (formerly titled Affinity and Affection). Based on the premise of Mr. Darcy actually getting off his high horse (both figuratively and literally) to warn Elizabeth Bennet about George Wickham’s dissolute character. It is the story of a very different journey for our couple. With Darcy’s honesty, Elizabeth is able to see him with a new perspective, and Darcy, because he recognizes Elizabeth’s value earlier in their acquaintance, is far more willing to swallow his pride and attempt to win her good opinion. And of course, there is passion!

I’ve included an excerpt from the first chapter, and hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed being here today.

That evening, in the privacy of their room, Elizabeth disclosed to Jane the particulars of her conversation with Darcy. Never wanting to think ill of anyone, Jane insisted Wickham could not possibly be so very bad as Darcy’s account of him made him seem. “But, Lizzy, are you certain, absolutely certain, he has such designs at this time? Perhaps he has come to regret his past actions and is anxious to reestablish his character in the eyes of the world. He seems to possess such an expression of goodness in his addresses.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “No, Jane. I would well wish to think as you do, but I cannot help but believe it unlikely. Though Mr. Darcy’s countenance bespoke the most vehement dislike of Mr. Wickham, you did not notice the way Mr. Wickham looked at Mr. Darcy. His expression was one of such derision and insolence. No, I cannot so easily acquit him of the crimes Mr. Darcy has laid at his door. I feel most inclined to believe he is not a man to be trusted.”

“By this account, then, Lizzy, he appears to feel as passionately for Mr. Darcy as Mr. Darcy does for him. Something very bad, perhaps even worse than what Mr. Darcy has related to you with regard to their association, must surely have occurred to promote such strong feelings of aversion.”

“I confess I am of your opinion on this matter. Mr. Darcy was most disturbed, Jane. Even as he was speaking privately to me of Mr. Wickham, he remained visibly so. It is most out of character for him to reveal such emotions on any matter, and given this, I cannot help but wonder whether he may yet be keeping something further to himself.”

Jane was thoughtful for a long moment before saying quietly, “Lizzy, I do believe Mr. Darcy must be in love with you.”

Elizabeth stared at her and laughed. “Jane! Whatever makes you think such a thing? Surely Mr. Darcy feels nothing for me. You remember his comment at the assembly, do you not?”

“Indeed, it was very wrong of him to say such a thing at all, never mind in company, but, Lizzy, does it not strike you as incredible that a man of Mr. Darcy’s notoriety—such a proud, private man of much significance in the world—would speak with you so willingly and openly about his dealings with such a man as Mr. Wickham? I can hardly credit it. No, it could only be a compliment to you, my dearest sister.”

“Really, Jane, this is too absurd!” She laughed again. “You know just as well as I do, Mr. Darcy holds me in contempt for my decided opinions and my impertinent manner. He would never deign to pay his addresses to me, an unknown country miss with nothing more than fifty pounds and my charms to recommend me, not when he could have a fashionable woman with fifty thousand and a title.”

Jane smiled. “I beg to differ.”

Elizabeth made to protest, but Jane silenced her. “You forget, Lizzy, I, as well as Charlotte, have noticed the attention Mr. Darcy pays you, even if it is nothing more than staring at you from across the room. It cannot have escaped your keen observation that you are, indeed, the only lady he stares at.” Jane shook her head. “No, there is no other explanation for it. Mr. Darcy must be in love with you.” The discussion was continued in earnest, and half the night was spent in conversation.

Thank you, Laurel Ann, for having me on Austenprose today as your guest blogger. It was a pleasure for me to be here, and wonderful fun!

Author Susan Adriani (2011)Author Bio:

Susan Adriani has been a fan of Jane Austen and her beloved characters for as long as she can remember. Originally from New England, she attended a small art college close to her home, where she majored in illustration. In 2007, after contemplating the unexplored possibilities in one of Miss Austen’s most celebrated novels, Pride and Prejudice, she began to write her first novel-length story, The Truth About Mr. Darcy (formerly Affinity and Affection). With encouragement from fellow Austen enthusiasts she continued, and is currently at work on her second and third books. She lives in Southern New England with her husband, young daughter, and a very impertinent cat. Website: Austen Inspired Fiction by Susan Adriani, Blog: Austen Authors, Facebook: Susan Adriani, Twitter: @DarcyBabe1.

Giveaway of The Truth About Mr. Darcy

Enter a chance to win one of three copies of The Truth About Mr. Darcy, by leaving a comment answering what intrigues you most about reading a Pride and Prejudice variation, or which of Austen’s novels you would like to see Susan write about next, by midnight PT, Wednesday, May 11, 2011. Winner announced on Thursday, May 12, 2010. Shipment to US and Canadian addresses only. Good luck!

The Truth About Mr. Darcy, by Susan Adriani
Sourcebooks (2011)
Trade paperback (512) pages
ISBN: 978-1402246135

2007 – 2011 Susan Adriani, Austenprose