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Showing posts from April, 2021

Kellynch: Dragon Persuasion Jane Austen's Dragons, Book 6 by Maria Grace ★★★★★

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Excellent Set in a Regency England with a large population of dragons. This is book six of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series and follows directly on from book five, The Dragons of Kellynch. In book five, Ann Elliott of Kellynch, developed the ability to hear dragons. This opened up a whole new world to her. She also discovered that it was something that she had in common with her erstwhile love, Captain Wentworth. Ann takes on the role of Keeper of the dragon, Kellynch. Her father has neglected his duties to the dragon and there is much damage to repair. Fortunately, the dragon is currently hibernating. This gives Ann a breathing space, but things get rapidly out of hand The main characters are Ann Elliott and Frederick Wentworth both working in service of the Blue Order, which governs all things dragon. This is an enjoyable story with heroes and villains, both human and draconic. It is well written and engaging, with a satisfying conclusion. I would recommen

Netherfield: Rogue Dragon Jane Austen's Dragons, Book 3 by Maria Grace ★★★★★

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Mystery and danger Set in a Regency England with a large population of dragons. This is book three of Maria Grace's Jane Austen's Dragons series and follows directly on from book two Longbourn: Dragon Entail. If you choose to read the entire series, the order should be; book four, A Proper Introduction to Dragons, then books one, two and three. You need to read books one, two and three to get the entire story. Elizabeth has to cope with the fallout of her displacement from Longbourn, while investigating mysteries at Netherfield and tracking a devious rogue dragon. The main characters are Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam all working in service of the Blue Order. Elizabeth and Darcy become closer. Mr Bennet continues to disappoint Elizabeth and Mr Collins finally demonstrates some redeeming qualities. This is an enjoyable conclusion to the series. A combination of mystery, fantasy and adventure with a satisfying conclusion. I would recommend

Finding Mr. Darcy by Valerie Lennox ★★★★☆

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Delightful What if Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth met when they were young? What if Mr. Darcy had an ambitious, cunning uncle? Years ago, Mr. William Oliver was a different man. He was raised to inherit Pemberley, as Fitzwilliam Darcy.  The summer of his thirteenth year, he spent his time sneaking off to play games with a girl named Elizabeth, who was visiting her aunt and uncle in Lambton, just miles from his home. But all that changed one tragic day when the boy’s father fell to his death, directly after they’d had a terrible quarrel. His uncle, Simon Darcy, ushered him off, telling him that everyone would believe the boy had killed his own father, and that he must run away and never come back. And so, for ten years, Mr. Oliver has lived another life with another name, as a foundling in London, dependent on the employment of his friend, Charles Bingley. He accepts an invitation to the country with the Bingleys and accompanies them to a public ball. Then he sets eyes on Elizabeth, all grow

Dare to Refuse Such a Man by Mary Smythe ★★★★★

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Seriously heartfelt longing and angst “He is the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything which he condescended to ask.”– Mr Bennet, Pride and Prejudice Volume III, Chapter 17 It had never occurred to Fitzwilliam Darcy that once he had chosen a bride, her father might dare to refuse his consent. When his dearest, loveliest Elizabeth is taken from him with only a curt note of explanation, he determines that, far from accepting her father’s rejection of his suit, he must instead find her again and make his case. After all, a woman worthy of being pleased is also worth fighting for. Several months shy of her majority, it is not so simple a thing to defy Mr Bennet’s will, but Elizabeth, for the sake of her future happiness, must try. With various allies in her corner, as well as foes standing against her, Elizabeth’s courage must rise against all attempts at intimidation. Even from her own, much beloved father. This is a good read with significant angst. The ch

Miss Bennet's Dragon by M Verant ★★★★☆

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Powers and beasts of mysterious origin   Elizabeth Bennet discovers that she has a forbidden power. She can speak to draca, the fire-breathing creatures kept as status symbols by English gentry. If only Mr. Darcy would stop noticing… and hinting at his own dark secret. M. Verant weaves the familiar romance of Elizabeth and Darcy, with delightful strands of mystery regarding the surprising origins of draca, powerful women and a battle with evil and Napoleon's forces. The characters are those you would expect to meet in a Pride & Prejudice variation, with a rather famous addition. For the most part, they do not deviate from expected behaviour. Mary's character stands out as a campaigning woman, fighting slavery and "the patriarchy". She is a rugged individualist and very appealing for it. Another familiar character displays disturbingly sociopathic behaviour. That is the most I can say without giving a spoiler! The book's ending leaves plenty of scope