Sunday, December 20, 2009

More new shocking news

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is going to be a movie....CAN YOU FREAKING BELIEVE IT! I am beyond amused with this. Natalie Portman is producing the film and starring as Elizabeth Bennet...LOVE IT! OMG I cannot wait to see who the entire cast is!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Fav websites for Austen variations

Ok so I have found two websites that have a plethora of stories concerning some of my most very favorite literary characters... the first is:

http://steamydarcy.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage
There is both stories of the adult nature as well as stories of a more sedate nature. I have to say that I REALLY like the authoress of these stories. ;p And her current one concerning a locked masked ball has me sitting on my hands waiting for the next installment. :D

The second and final website that has SOOOO many variations both regency and current and for all the Austen stories is this:

http://austen.com/

Sooo soooo many stories...I have been quite hooked of late and completely forgotten actual books for the time being ;p

I can only hope that if you do investigate you'll enjoy them as much as I do!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

SHOCKING NEWS

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is going to be a graphic novel!!! It is going to be released on May 4, 2010 and I am soooooooo freaking excited!!

http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Zombies-Graphic-Novel/dp/0345520688/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2L3516TRHEX5A&colid=2UFO8CY4W18RZ

I have been giggling since I found out!!! So very much going to have to get that one because I know seeing the fight with Lady Catherine and Lizzy will be wonderful! :D

Darcy's Passions - Regina Jeffers


Witty and amusing, this novel captures the original style, themes and sardonic humor of Jane Austen’s novel while turning the entire story on its head in a most engaging and entertaining fashion. Darcy’s Passions tells the story of Fitzwilliam Darcy and his obsession with the most impossible woman—Elizabeth Bennet. It presents Darcy as a man in turmoil. His duty to his family and his estate demand he choose a woman of refined tastes. Yet, what his mind tells him to do and what his heart knows to be true are two different things. He loves a woman he first denies for being unworthy, but it is he who is found wanting when Elizabeth Bennet refuses his proposal of marriage. Devastated, he must search his soul and transform himself into the man she can love and respect.Fitzwilliam Darcy in the original Pride and Prejudice is a major “minor” character. He is the hero of the tale, but the reader never really knows how he creates the changes we accept as part of his personality. This book tells how Darcy found the way within himself to become the hero, and not the villain, of this beloved tale.
This is yet another P&P variation I added to my collection and another I enjoyed. The author had a way of getting Austen's language right and bring me into the story so you can see things from Mr. Darcy's view.
My one complaint with the book was a quote from Captain Wentworth - used when Mr. Darcy is speaking with his cousin Col. Fitzwilliam after the Hunsford proposal...the quote was essentially stating that "anyone between 13 and 30" blah blah blah "I have thought on this more than most." So as this is my one true complaint I do recommend reading it.
The author has a sequal to this called Darcy's Temptation where Mr. Darcy looses his memory - not sure I have the heart for that one, but I am sitting on pins and needles until I am in funds and can get her books for Captain Wentworth! Mmmm...Persuasion from his P.O.V. gonna be good!!!
Get this book - Def next Jeffer's book on this block will be Vampire Darcy's Desire!!! *purrr* can't wait!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Bargain with the Devil - Enid Wilson


In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy learns of the debacle involving Elizabeth Bennet's sister several months after he was rejected by Elizabeth, and volunteers to help find her sister, of his own accord. But what if Miss Elizabeth had requested Mr. Darcy's aid in just a few days after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford, and he was still very angry with her refusal? What if he decided to be ungentlemanly, and demanded a very particular reward from her in exchange for his assistance? This steamy, funny Pride and Prejudice what-if short story explores that scenario with wit, emotion and intriguing plot twists that take this perennial favorite to another direction. "An engrossing story that will grab the reader and take them on a wild ride that will last until the very last sentence" - 5 Cups of Coffee from Coffee Time Romance, Ultra Rare Extraordinary Read



This was a very sweet short story...Nothing untoward happens and for the most part Darcy is a perfect gentleman. It is very sweet to watch Lizzy's feelings change in this version. Definitely one I am glad that I bought as I will read over and over again. And poor poor Caroline!! ;D
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I read this again after telling my mother about it...and decided I loved it even more the second time around. There is a moment when Mr. Darcy is speaking with a little boy about crabs that is so very very sweet, and when he gets drunk and decides to educate Lizzy on not being a milksop still has me laughing! Again, though she is one of my least favorite characters, poor Caroline. *snickers*

Friday, October 2, 2009

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies


It’s difficult to tell if critics’ reactions to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies should be characterized as praise or astonishment. Some reviewers treated the book as a delightful gimmick. Others found that, beneath the surface, the book actually constituted an interesting way of looking at Austen’s novel. Zombies answer certain puzzling questions: Why were those troops stationed near Hertfordshire? Why did Charlotte Lucas actually marry Mr. Collins? (She had recently been bitten by zombies and wanted a husband who could be counted on to behead her—of course!) But critics also pointed out that this parody shows that Austen’s novel has remained so powerful over time that even the undead can’t spoil it.
Oh what to say, what to say!?!? This is colossal cheese that I so very much totally enjoyed! I enjoyed the bad jokes, the images, the actual fist fight between Darcy and Lizzie...I could have done without certain bits such as Lizzie walking on her fingertips rather than playing the piano at Rosings but overall I truly enjoyed the book for the fluffed version it is!
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Zombie in possesion of brains must be in want of more brains!"

Persuading Annie


Annie Markham is trapped in a fairy tale existence complete with a narcissistic family and a godmother, but her prince turns out to be a toad. At 19, Jake Mead was her true love until her godmother Susannah stepped in and Jake ran away. Now, seven years later, Annie's wealthy family is heading toward bankruptcy, and Susannah brings in the best consultant in England to rescue their London public relations agency. The wunderkind turns out to be Jake, who is out for revenge. Annie spends her time working, something unheard of in her family, and doing good deeds while trying to avoid Jake. Both Annie and Jake are actively seeking relationships, but their thoughts keep turning back to each other. Fun and interesting multidimensional characters populate this very charming story that proves that a prince cum toad can eventually turn back into a prince and rescue the princess from her relatives.
Of the now two modern persuasion variations that I have read (the other being Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason) I have to say that I liked this one the best. Now in this version Annie is a bit like Bridget as she is unable to fully admit her feelings for Jake (ie Cpt. Wentworth) for quite some time. The remaining characters are played to a T...and for the first time I really really like Mary who is now Victoria in this book as opposed to just being oddly fond of her ;p
The reunion at the end is very very sweet and the reason for the initial parting is so totally "oh if only you'd talked to each other" it was all in all a very sweet book and I am very glad that I bought it! I do so recommend it!

Monday, September 28, 2009

The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy

A sexy, bold adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that re-paints favorite characters in twenty-first century colors
Judge Fitzwilliam Darcy, a legal expert on both sides of the Atlantic, is ready to hang up his black robe and return to the life of a country gentleman—until he meets Elizabeth Bennet, a fresh-faced attorney with a hectic schedule and no time for the sexy but haughty judge.
Tempers and sparks fly in Judge Darcy's courtroom— and outside, in a series of chance encounters that give each of them pause—as the two match wits and try to fight their overwhelming attraction. When they meet up in England at an international law conference, they embark on a hot, heavy affair. Back in the States, though, ethical considerations intrude, and each is subjected to a torturous period of soul-searching before they can find their way back to each other...


Oh where to begin, first off I LOVED THIS BOOK! I am so very glad that I went out and bought it as punishment to Captain Useless for not informing me of his family coming over until he started cleaning forcing me to ask...it was a fast read and I couldn't put it down. I will admit there are some dry parts but overall I have to give this book an honest 4/5. So good I even feel compelled to email the author and rave about it to her.

Honestly the book follows the story of P&P fairly well with specific deviations. Jane and Charles are not separated by Darcy. Wickham NEVER comes into the picture (which is refreshing). The characters that are in the book are very well developed and the story is oh so very good.

I highly recommend purchasing this book!!!! Loved it! *giddily clapping hands and boucing up and down* Loved it!!!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Abigail Reynolds

Abigail Reynolds has done a series of Pride and Prejudice variations and I have had the fortune to read several. Of the variations that I have read these are the ones that I have enjoyed and would definately buy...

By Force of Instinct - In Jane Austen's classic Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet never expects to see Mr. Darcy again after his disastrous proposal in Hunsford. But what if family business required him to stay at Rosings after giving her his letter? Coming face to face with Mr. Darcy only days later could give Elizabeth a new chance to understand him... or a chance for even more misunderstandings. THE PEMBERLEY VARIATIONS by Abigail Reynolds is a series of novels exploring the roads not taken in Pride & Prejudice.
- In this variation you watch as Elizabeth begins to understand Darcy more and he begins to understand her and her reasons for turning him down.

The Last Man in the World - "I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry." Elizabeth Bennet's furious response to Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice has resonated for generations of readers. But what if she never had a chance to say it? Would she learn to recognize Mr. Darcy's admirable qualities on her own? The Last Man in the World follows Elizabeth and Darcy as they struggle to find their way through the maze of their prejudices after Elizabeth, against her better judgment, agrees to marry Darcy instead of saying those famous words. Two of the most beloved characters in English literature explore the meaning of true love on a tumultuous journey to make a success of their marriage. THE PEMBERLEY VARIATIONS by Abigail Reynolds is a series of novels exploring the roads not taken in Pride & Prejudice.
- In this version you watch as Elizabeth and Darcy go through the traditional changes from the book only as a married couple. How they handle the Wickham incident and the ending is my favorite!

Without Reserve - What would have happened if Fitzwilliam Darcy faced a true rival for Elizabeth Bennet's affections? In a return to the world of Jane Austen, the plot of Pride & Prejudice takes a different turn when Elizabeth accepts the proposal of a childhood friend before she meets Darcy again. When their paths finally cross, Darcy must decide what he is willing to do to win the woman he loves. A heartwarming conclusion to this lively tale brings satisfaction to all of Austen's beloved characters. THE PEMBERLEY VARIATIONS by Abigail Reynolds is a series of novels exploring the roads not taken in Pride & Prejudice.
- This is not one of my favorites but it is still sweet.

The next two I want to read and will probably end up buying to do so will be From Lambton to Longbourn and Impulse and Initiative. She has a new version coming out in the near future that I am looking forward to as well.

She is definately on my list of regency authors that I enjoy!

White Lies and other Half Truths


Barbara Tiller Cole shines a comedic, sexy light on the characters of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, turning it into a delightful romp. Open the pages and take a look at maiden fears, the consequences of white lies, and the hope for redemption. If Fitzwilliam Darcy were alive today he would say, "If Jane Austen had written a Regency Sex Manual, this would be it!" Elizabeth Bennet would have said, "A fun, light, sexy yarn! What I would give to be taught by Professor Darcy!" Take a delightful journey with your beloved characters as you read this delightful farce!
Ok this was another random ass find on Amazon and as soon as I read the preview I knew I had to own it. Thus far of everyone I know who has attempted this piece of fiction I am the only one to actually finish it. It is complete and utter cheese. Funny as hell in places but cheese all the same.
It is a self pulbished book so it is utterly unpolished but oddly not detracting. The gist is that Lizzy opt's to tell Darcy a little white lie to escape him at the Netherfield ball by claiming a sprained ankle...all concerns are discussed and confessions made kisses exchanged and discovered by Mr. Bennet.
I am not going to go into great detail about the book but there are some very good things about it. Caroline is a nut who is obsessed with Orange. Mr. Collins meets a VERY amusing end. Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet work to improve their marriage. Mary is an author friends with Lady Caroline and Lord Byron. Col Fitzwilliam's father and Mr. Darcy's father were best friends with Mr. Bennet. Even Mr. Elton (from Emma) and Mr. Bertrum (from Mansfield) make an appearance.
Bottom line this is a relatively racy book in degrees but I knew I HAD to own it when I read the line Darcy had not been so embarassed since he got caught at 14 "pleasuring" himself...that mental image alone was worth it to me. Still cracks me up!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Just because I can!

Pemberly
*squee* Oh my Firthness!!! *purrrrr*


The one and only TRUE Mr. Darcy!



My own Captain Wentworth!

I am fully aware that all thoughts on the above heroes are not going to be agreed upon, but since this is MY blog I can mush out over them all I want!!!
Eventually I am sure I will post the remaining leading men in Austen's novels, but as these are my favorites and the ones I have the most variations on...they come first!

Susan Kaye - Captain Wentworth





Ode to My Darling Captain Wentworth! There has been ever only been you!

This is a series I simply had to have as soon as I found it...and oh and I glad I got it!

The series starts with None but you, and begins in essentially the same location as Persuasion. The Laconia is about the be decommissioned and Cpt. Wentworth turned ashore. We get to see him make the announcement to Cpt. Benwick concerning poor Fanny Harville. We follow along his path as he goes to Kellynch and when he sees Anne and what happens in between. The story follows very very closely only from his point of view. You see how he feels when he hears tell of Anne turning down Charles and his repentance after Lyme.

Book two is For you alone, and takes up Cpt. Wentworth visiting his brother Edward and Edward's new wife. You get to see the brothers bond further with time spent together, and the Captain's mad dash to Bath. In Bath we get a snippit from Anne's view and the reconnection and proposal, etc.

I am not going to give much away that is not already obvious to those who have read Persuasion. I have a soft spot for this series because I have a soft spot for Persuasion. If you read these books I am sure you will enjoy them immensly!

Me and Mr. Darcy


Alexandra Potter
This is another one of those books that falls into the cheese category but one I love all the same. Essentially the book goes like this, Emily has decided off men after a series of very bad dates and would rather curl up with Pride and Prejudice and day dream about Mr. Darcy. Her best friend invites her on a vacation to Mexico for singles and Emily flees to a Austen tour in England where she meets..bum bum bum...Mr. Darcy...
The story is simple in that it follows P&P to a T. Emily sees and meets Spike Hargreaves a journalist who is sent to interview the party of tourists to find out WHY Mr. Darcy is the top voted man whom the women in the UK would love to go on a date with.
She sees him as a total Jackass and he sees her as a rather plain looking "American." Amid the various trips through England you get to actually meet Mr. Darcy with Emily and see her come to acknowledge that as a fantasy Mr. Darcy is ALL THAT but in reality he simply would not do!
I highly recommend this as a fast read and total fluff. I thoroughly enjoyed it even with the spectre of Darcy flitting in and out...
The characters change but the story...oh the story...remains the same!

Sharon Lathan Series






Ok so I have decided that my first Austen blog will be on the Sharon Lathan Series.

Book one is Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two shall become one...I bought this on impulse because I was pissed at Zach for dragging me to Busch Garden (obv reasons not requiring details) - anyway - as said, impulse purchase and first real delve into "romance." It is a sweet and romantic series. Her characters are based not only on the book but by the Keira Knightly version of the movie...and certain facts relay back to the movie rather than the book. The story takes place before the wedding with flashbacks to bits and pieces before and then continues on through the first few months of the wedding. There is a small bit of drama concerning Lord Ormon and a lot of IMPLIED sex. It is sweet how they continually reach RAPTURE together.




Book two is Loving Mr. Darcy: Journey's Beyond Pemberly...Essentially the same theme as book one - I love you, I love you, I love you...etc ;) You get to know more characters and get back to old ones. In book two you meet more of Darcy's family, Anne De Bourgh gets healthier and Lady Catherine finally "gets" that it is a love match nothing else. Mary Bennet even gets noticed by a junior solicitor which was just COOOOL! There is mild drama but mostly countless words of devotion.

Book three will be The Darcy's at Year's End: An amazing journey into love everlasting...and there will be a book four but those are not likely to come out until 2010.

So what are my feelings on this particular series...countless. I love the ideal of a perfect and passionate marriage between equals. I love the idea of their innate need and caring for each other. I personally could do without the endless vocalizations of their undying love for each other but I also admit that it would be based on my own jaded look on life right now.

I do recommend this series if for nothing else than the wistful sigh that WILL be expressed when ending the book by those of us that want our Mr. Darcy's. :) So here's a cyber cheers to Sharon Lathan and her sappy love story that is bound to leave you pleased... why you ask....because it's utter cheese! ;p

Intro

Ok just for clarification this particular blog will be dedicated to all that is Austen remakes - variations - twists - turns - and all around yumminess!

Jenn