Review of Desperately Seeking Mr. Darcy by Becky Monson

 

She just wanted a Mr. Darcy… not her best friend’s brother in breeches.

"Didn't see that coming" could be my life's motto. I mean, I certainly didn't foresee my roommate stealing my boyfriend—an unfortunate turn of events that led to me moving in with my best friend and her infuriatingly attractive brother. Oh, and speaking of the brother? I might have once confessed my love for him, only to be met with soul-crushing, dignity-shattering unrequited feelings. Fun times, indeed.

But in this series of unexpected disasters, one surprise actually worked in my favor: winning a trip to Pride and Prejudice Park, where I get to play my literary hero, Elizabeth Bennet. Sounds like a dream, right?

Well, even that plan goes off the rails. The trip takes such a wild turn that Zane—my best friend’s brother—ends up tagging along and playing Mr. Darcy. And here’s the biggest shock of all: suddenly, all this pretending starts to feel incredibly real. Could Zane actually be the Mr. Darcy I’ve been searching for my entire life? Or will my Pride and Prejudice dreams remain just that—a dream?

USA Today Bestselling Author Becky Monson delivers a witty and romantic escape, where unrequited love, Regency roleplay, and one very unexpected Mr. Darcy collide.

Available on Amazon (KU!)

(affiliate links included)

Also check out the companion book, Without Pride and Prejudice by Jennifer Peel!

**My thoughts**

A lot of people like to reimagine the classics, and it can be tiring. But I knew that I could trust Becky Monson to take Pride and Prejudice and reimagine it in the most unique way. This book, and its companion by Jennifer Peel [Without Pride and Prejudice], are quickly becoming this month's favorite reads. 

Becky has taken the story of Pride and Prejudice and placed it inside the story of Pride and Prejudice. Macy has had a lot of ups and downs in her life and would really like for something to just go her way for once, all by herself. So when she wins her dream trip to role play Pride and Prejudice actually in England, she jumps at the chance. And can you blame her?

[Quick side note: Who knew there were Regency role playing vacations? I may have to look into this...]

Naturally, she wants to be Elizabeth. I mean, don't we all? And her best friend's brother Zane randomly tags along to play Mr. Darcy. So now she is fulfilling a childhood dream, because she's been in love with Zane for almost as long as she can remember. She even made a total fool out of herself with him many, many years ago. 

The characters who end up playing the various characters play their roles very well. Macy works hard to first discover her inner Elizabeth and then to channel her. And Zane as Mr. Darcy? Um, yes, please. 

[I also feel like I need a little bit of Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet in my life. You won't think me so weird once you read about them!]

I love watching Macy come into her own, finally, as she works to make all of her dreams come true. I love watching Pride and Prejudice come alive in yet another way. I'm craving the Colin Firth miniseries right now. And I can't wait to read the companion novel for Monroe and Fitz's story!

Becky Monson, every time I think I have found my favorite book by you, you hit another one out of the park. Thank you for this one!

Review of Christmas Promises (Sugarville Grove #4) by Tess Thompson

 

Laney Gray thought she had her life all figured out—until her fairytale wedding turned into a public betrayal. Jilted at the altar and humiliated by the very people she trusted most, Laney flees the city for Sugarville Grove, the picturesque small town where she once spent her happiest summers. Seeking solace in her aunt’s charming bookstore, Laney hopes to piece her life back together in time for Christmas.

What she doesn’t expect is to run into Nolan Hayes—the quiet, bookish boy who stole her heart one magical summer. Now an English professor with a steady presence and a smile that still makes her knees weak, Nolan is no longer the shy teenager Laney remembers. But as their paths cross amidst twinkling lights and snow-covered streets, the connection between them feels as familiar—and as powerful—as ever.

Laney may be a city girl out of her element in Sugarville Grove, but as she works to rebuild the bookstore’s holiday traditions, she finds herself drawn not only to the town’s simple charms but also to Nolan’s quiet strength. Yet, both carry scars from the past—hers from a shattered engagement, and his from a heartbreak he’s never shared.

Can the magic of Christmas help Laney and Nolan find the courage to take a second chance on love? Or will old wounds keep them from the happy ending they’ve been waiting for all along?

Heartwarming and full of small-town charm, Christmas Promises is a cozy holiday romance about healing, hope, and the unexpected gift of a second chance.

Available on Amazon (KU!)

(affiliate links included)

Check out the entire Sugarville Grove series by Clara Pines and Tess Thompson!

**My thoughts**

Christmastime is a great time for second chances and true love. Laney was supposed to be married, but it blew up in her face in the most obnoxious way. I can't blame her for wanting to run away and find something that brings her peace and happiness. This is my fourth trip to Sugarville Grove, and I have to say I could use a break there, myself! Even better is when you run into your long lost love from those younger, happier days. You'd be surprised how often that unrequited love will return in your favor, especially in these small towns!

Laney and Nolan fall right back into each other's lives, like they had never been apart. You know that it's meant to be. It's understandable that others may have some reservations about them rekindling so quickly, especially since Laney just escaped a doomed wedding. Nolan has his own past devastating heartbreak. But when you know, you know, right?

I admit that I was fully cheering them on, while also thinking, slow down a bit and make sure this is really what you want and need! I mean, you know that it is, but I've gotten a bit more apprehensive in my old age. Simultaneously, I'm a bit envious of her having the chance to start over, to find a new path in life that has love and success. I really want my own Sugarville Grove!

And can I just say that I need a spinoff that features Aunt Edna and more details about her long lost love, Max? That story thread definitely had me sighing. 

I love these families and I love this town. It's going to be hard to wait for the next installments, but I'm sure looking forward to them!

Review of Sweet Surrender (Sugarville Grove #3) by Clara Pines

 

Becca can handle his rambunctious twins in the classroom. But teaching their dad to open his heart would take a Christmas miracle…

Zane Lawrence doesn’t need anything but the family dairy farm and his seven-year-old twin boys for his life to be complete. The single dad works hard all day and chases the boys around the farm all night. His life is a little chaotic – but there’s a delicate balance to it.

So when a pretty young teacher at the boys’ school tries to interfere with some big ideas about their education, Zane isn’t about to let her throw their world off-kilter. After all, she’s new to the school and Sugarville Grove. And it’s bad enough that she’s meddling in his business, but the fact that he’s desperately attracted to her makes him furious with himself.

New teacher Becca Hawthorne sees the Lawrence twins struggling despite their potential and reaches out to their dad right away, excited about her first opportunity to make a real difference. It's crystal clear how much Zane Lawrence loves his boys, so Becca doesn’t expect him to be so offended at her attempts to help. Anyone can see that the man has deep wounds, but his reaction to her feels almost personal. She’s not about to let it stop her from fighting for his kids, though.

When he finally relents, Becca is sure that her dealings with the single dad are over. But for some reason, she suddenly finds herself bumping into Zane Lawrence at every turn. Whether it’s the store, the post office, or the flurry of holiday events in town, she can’t seem to stop seeing the handsome cowboy everywhere she goes.

Did Santa send these lonesome souls a pair of holiday matchmakers for Christmas? And how long can they keep denying what seems so obvious to everyone else before they finally surrender?

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series!

Available on Amazon (KU!)

(affiliate links included)

Check out the whole series by Clara Pines and Tess Thompson!

**My thoughts**

I don't care what time of year it is. I'm always a sucker for a good Christmas small town romance. And I have truly fallen in love with Sugarville Grove as I've been reading through this series.

This one particularly caught my heart because Becca is a teacher. She has a unique insight into Zane's twin boys and what makes them tick. But of course, she is practically fighting an uphill battle with some people who think she is stepping out of place. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can catch something that everyone else hasn't yet seen! So her struggles in trying to help these twin boys are very familiar to me, having been in education for the past 30 years.

Only I've never had a hottie single dad like Zane be a part of the picture like this.

Life would have been more interesting had I found a Zane in my younger years!

And I completely understand why Zane is so cranky about people trying to help him out. Outside of his family, he has had to do so much on his own when it comes to his boys. I get that desire to just want to do it yourself so that you know it gets done the way you want. It's going to take someone special to be able to break through all of that. Of course, Becca is going to be that person.

This is another cold weather story that melted my heart and even may have sprung a tear or two. I'm still not a fan of super rushed romances, instead prefering an epilogue to flesh out what happens next. But I forgive it in this series because I like it so much. 

There are more Lawrences in the brood, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to each of them as this series continues. I hope it continues for a while!

I received a requested ARC of this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.