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Book Review- Pride and Perjury by Alice McVeigh
If you enjoy Jane Austen, then you’re in for a treat with this collection of stories! All twelve of the stories nest nicely alongside the canon tales that they are inspired by, giving the reader an expanded view of scenes that were not included in Austen’s books. My personal favorite was the titular “Pride and Perjury” which is told from Mr. Elton (from Emma )’s point of view. I found it hilarious to witness his adventures in Bath, as he tries to decide which heiress will be
authoramandakai
May 24, 20241 min read


Book Review- The Vicomte's Masquerade by Sofi Laporte
As delightful as a light and fluffy cream puff from Monsieur Stohrer’s bakery, this book in the Georgian’s in Paris series captured my heart, and I savored every morsel of it. Sofi Laporte continues to be a favorite author and an automatic-buy from me. Sofi’s books are always full of humor and sweetness, and this book was no exception. I enjoyed the escapades of Melinda “Mellie” Findlay, who is so desperate to escape her arranged marriage to the French vicomte, she concocts
authoramandakai
May 3, 20242 min read


Book Review- Rising Courage by Heather Moll
This romantic suspense variation dives right into the action, when Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves kidnapped in Hunsford. In forced proximity, while facing their fears of being tortured or killed, they must also battle the inner turmoil of their feelings in the aftermath of Elizabeth’s rejection of Darcy’s proposal. This book is not for the faint of heart and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. I was up late more than one night to read “just one more chap
authoramandakai
Apr 13, 20241 min read


Book Review- The Darcy's Hope Saga by Ginger Monette
Words cannot adequately describe how this book makes me feel, but I will attempt nonetheless. If you have not read this book yet, drop whatever book you were reading or planning to read next and Go. Read. This. Book! Seriously!! I cannot recall the last time I read a book that so thoroughly moved me, gripped me, and rocked me to the core. This is quite possibly the best JAFF book I have ever read– and I have read a lot. I literally wept through the entire last chapter, it
authoramandakai
Jan 3, 20242 min read


Book Review- My Lady Will You Dance, by Sofi Laporte
How many reviews do I need to write before I can become the president of the Sofi Laporte fan club? All jokes aside, I seriously can’t get enough of her books. They are an automatic buy from me whenever a new one is available. My Lady, Will You Dance is a tale of two lovers separated by cruelty, each believing the other is dead, only to reunite under a surprising set of circumstances and quickly find their happy ending. I loved Mira and Kit’s romance so much, I could not pu
authoramandakai
Dec 30, 20231 min read


Book Review- Lady Avery and the False Butler
Have a season. Be kissed. Fall in love. These are things that Lady Avery has never done before, and are now on her list to accomplish before resigning herself to a life as a spinster. And oh, what a season it is! Loaded with adventure, mystery, danger, and disguises, this story proves that a book doesn't need to be filled with steamy scenes to be an amazing romance read. I absolutely love the idea of a lady falling in love with her butler, especially a butler who is not who h
authoramandakai
Oct 22, 20231 min read


Book Review- Mr. Knightley, In His Own Words by Shannon Winslow
I always enjoy Shannon Winslow's narrative style, and this book was no exception. Mr Knightley, In His Own Words tells the story of Emma from Mr Knightley's perspective. Beginning in his youth, and leading up all the way to his marriage with Emma, we finally get to see what Mr Knightley's life is like growing up. I liked the backstory that Ms Winslow created for Mr Knightley, including the additions of an elder brother and an evil uncle, as well as his brief romantic entang
authoramandakai
Oct 18, 20231 min read


Book Review- Camp Jane Book 3: Follies of Family by Susan Andrews
Reviewed by Amanda Kai What do a group of actor's parents, a storm, and a million-dollar disco ball have in common? Why, they all play a part in the madness that descends upon Camp Jane! Ever a source of hilarity, Susan Andrews delights fans once again as her characters playing the roles of Jane Austen reenactors return to the Regency Resort, nicknamed "Camp Jane." Only this time, their parents have come to stay as well for a special staff-only weekend to celebrate the weddin
authoramandakai
Oct 6, 20232 min read


Book Review- Nine Ladies by Heather Moll
“I have an outspoken Yankee Doodle from the future living in my house for the next three months.” Just one of many humorous lines that made me laugh out loud in this Pride and Prejudice variation that was both comedic and gripping alternately. Nine Ladies blends elements of Lost in Austen, Outlander, and Kate & Leopold to create a delightful time-travel romance that will appeal to any Jane Austen fan who ever fancied traveling back in time to live at Pemberley in 1811- or ima
authoramandakai
Aug 22, 20231 min read


Book Review- Loving Miss Tilney by Heather Moll
Miss Tilney finally gets the love story she deserves! I was so thrilled when I first learned that Heather Moll was coming out with a new Northanger Abbey story. Not only are Northanger Abbey fics altogether too rare, but I have long thought that Eleanor Tilney deserved to have her story told. Heather did a beautiful job in giving life to that titled gentleman mentioned so briefly in the original novel with her creation of Phillip Brampton. I thought that the calm, mathematica
authoramandakai
Aug 4, 20231 min read


Book Review- Stranded With Mr. Darcy by Lin Mei Wei
Oh. My. Goodness! First things first, I have to say, if you have not read this book yet, you need to do so immediately! I read many Jane Austen variations, and while there are plenty that I adore, there are few that hold me captive in as much rapacious interest as this one did. Stranded With Mr. Darcy was everything that it promised to be and more. A tantalizing adventure that throws Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy alone on a deserted island, struggling to survive. Just the right amo
authoramandakai
Jul 25, 20231 min read


Book Review- Debating Darcy by Sayantani Dasgupta
It’s no easy task setting a beloved 19th century classic in the modern age, but Sayantani Gupta does it with style in her young-adult rom-com, Debating Darcy. Rather than country houses and ballrooms, this Pride and Prejudice remake takes place in the world of high school debate team competitions. Leela Bose is the spirited, musical-loving, modern-day Elizabeth Bennet who clashes with the privileged and uptight Firoze Darcy, a student from the prestigious Netherfield Academy
authoramandakai
Aug 20, 20222 min read


Book Review- Camp Jane Book 2: Double Trouble for Lizzy by Susan Andrews
Once again, Susan Andrews puts the “campy” in Camp Jane! Her modern-day series revolves around a group of Jane Austen story reenacters who have been hired for the summer to work at the Regency Resort in upstate New York, lovingly dubbed “Camp Jane” by the Jane Austen enthusiasts who visit every year. Maggie Argyle has been assigned to play our beloved Lizzy Bennet, but just after the start of her storyline, she finds out that she and her co-actor Jessi, who plays Jane Bennet,
authoramandakai
Jun 15, 20222 min read


Book Review- Harriet by Alice McVeigh
Charming to the last sentence, Alice McVeigh’s “Harriet” is a delight to read! An expertly written narrative that emulates Jane Austen’s style wonderfully, this retelling of Emma gives us the story from the dual perspectives of Harriet Smith and Jane Fairfax. I loved that this vantage allows us to see some scenes that weren’t in the novel, such as Jane’s trip to Weymouth and Harriet’s visit to Brunswick Square. McVeigh gave Harriet a different personality than I would have ex
authoramandakai
Jan 25, 20221 min read


Book Review- Captive Hearts by Kelly Miller
An absolute treat for any Jane Austen fan! Kelly Miller’s retelling of Persuasion opened my eyes to the story from Captain Wentworth’s perspective and gave me a new appreciation for him. The narrative is beautifully told in a style that conveys the language and period of the Regency era. I loved that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice had a featured role in the story. The plot starts out much the same as Austen’s novel, but a clever twist of fate sends the story
authoramandakai
Jan 18, 20221 min read


Book Review- A Good Name by Sarah Courtney
Sarah Courtney doesn't just go for a straight-up modern Pride and Prejudice, she does it with an interesting twist: Darcy is the adopted son of George and Anne Darcy, but he knew Elizabeth in his childhood under his birth name-- George Wickham. I enjoyed this scenario, especially since Lizzy and Will/George originally bond over books. Lizzy's taste in books (and presumably the author's) is a lot like mine, including Harry Potter, Narnia, and many other classic books. The twis
authoramandakai
Dec 15, 20211 min read


Book Review- A Mistletoe Promise by Sofi Laporte
Another gem from Sofi Laporte! Frances Littleworth is expecting to spend Christmas alone at Miss Hilversham's Academy where she teaches. But a surprise guest-- a handsome man-- turns up in the middle of a snowstorm. Frances nurses him through his fever, and allows him to stay on as the new art teacher. Percy is smitten with Frances, and despite her resistance, she can't help but like him too. Things begin moving quickly, and beneath the mistletoe, Percy makes a vow. But Percy
authoramandakai
Dec 15, 20211 min read


Book Review- Much Ado In Meryton by Riana Everly
Jane Austen + Shakespeare? Yes, please! Riana Everly gives a delightful twist to Pride and Prejudice with her combination of quotes and themes from the comic play “Much Ado About Nothing”. Her story starts off in the typical way with Darcy’s insults at the Meryton Assembly, but quickly veers in a new direction when one small change to the canon—Jane breaking her ankle rather than taking ill—sets up the stage for an extended house party at Netherfield. Darcy and Lizzy’s bicker
authoramandakai
Nov 20, 20211 min read


Book Review- Darcy Bites by Amy Elizabeth Davis
Darcy Bites puts a gothic twist on the classic Pride and Prejudice story. In this version, Darcy is half-human, half-vampire-- what they call a dhampir. His need for blood is satisfied a la Twilight , via hunting for animals or drinking farm animals' blood obtained from the butcher. But, as Darcy tells Caroline Bingley, "vampires do NOT sparkle!" Vampires and dhampirs do possess some other extraordinary powers, however, including the ability to use psychic callings and sugges
authoramandakai
Oct 14, 20212 min read


Book Review- Penelope and the Wicked Duke by Sofi Laporte
Another delightful Regency romance from Sofi Laporte! I really enjoyed the comical relationship between Penelope and Alworth. From their crash-meeting, to her tricking him into eating spicy vindaloo curry, to his helping her become a member of White's, all while knowing she is masquerading as a boy, the interactions between these two had me in stitches. Alworth is the epitome of a 19th century dandy who can't decide which of his forty-three waistcoats to wear, fusses over the
authoramandakai
Oct 14, 20211 min read

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