Marsha Altman

This is the continuation of the romances of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley and Jane Bennet. It introduces the idea that the Kama Sutra helped both marriages immensely.

I liked the idea of continuing the stories of the Bennet sisters and the writing was good. However, it just seemed boring in comparison to Pride and Prejudice. The characters were okay, but lacked the spark and spirit of the original novel. This is one of those occasions that I wish Goodreads had half stars as it is really a 2 ½ star book.
… (mere)

It helps if you read The Darcys and the Bingleys first (besides, it was a great book, after all). Leave the majority of your assumptions of each character at the door. This book takes all the Pride and Prejudice characters and spins it around so they act different than what you thought they would be. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, although it may take some time getting used to. Especially in the case of Mary Bennet. Whoever thought she’d be the one to mess things up this time?

The comedy in this book is increased, much more than the first one. I love how Darcy picks on Bingley (he has a knack for it) and all Bingley can do is just sputter about trying to think of a come back (you can actually picture this easily in your head too). There is also some new characters being introduced. They’re pretty good, Gregoire Darcy is entertaining and an interesting addition. It took a while to get used to him but he proved to be likable - and humorous. I’m curious as to his background story, but am also curious as to what the future books have in store for him as well.

The plot was well done! it was interesting, funny, and had several story arcs within to keep you interested in the handful of characters mentioned in the book. Each plot also ties up nicely in the end so you’re not left with open questions or unfinished business. The only complaint I have, is Mary’s situation ends up getting cheesy and corny at the end - but otherwise, the entire premise of the book made up for that small little mishap. The ending did have a little surprise (OMG really??!!! Wickham!!?? gahhh!!!) which I was not expecting. It was great to read though!

Another great Austen spinoff by Marsha Altman, and I’m going to read further. I absolutely love this series so far. Readers who want to see their beloved Pride and Prejudice characters go through ups and downs, but filled with laugh out loud scenes are welcome to try this.… (mere)