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Darcy Bites #1

Mr. Darcy's Bite

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In the tradition of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange (35,000 copies sold) this fresh, original paranormal Jane Austen sequel by bestselling author Mary Lydon Simonson explores Mr. Darcy as the leader of a secret world of werewolves threatened with extinction.

Elizabeth comes to realize that she loves him in both his incarnations, and all his servants protect his secret. But then Elizabeth must confront a shocking danger to her beloved with every full moon, when Darcy is alone and exposed to those who hate wolves...

322 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2011

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602 people want to read

About the author

Mary Lydon Simonsen

46 books181 followers
I am the authors of several Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion re-imaginings. I have also written a modern love story, The Second Date, Love Italian-American Style, and three British mysteries, Three's A Crowd, A Killing in Kensington, A Death in Hampden, Dying to Write, and Murder by Moonlighting.

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer, reader, writer, serious recycler.

When I read for relaxation, I read mysteries. My greatest love is history. When I am doing the research for a new book, I love digging for historical nuggets.

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5 stars
97 (20%)
4 stars
130 (28%)
3 stars
147 (31%)
2 stars
66 (14%)
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22 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for K..
4,610 reviews1,144 followers
April 30, 2020
Trigger warnings: werewolves??? Mentions of animal death.

Okay, first of all, RIP the actual review I had here until yesterday. The Goodreads app is a janky piece of crap and if you're rereading a book and mark it as finished, it WIPES YOUR EXISTING REVIEW. Love that for me... -_-

Anyway. This book is utterly ridiculous from start to finish. Does it deserve 4 stars? Probably not, tbh, but every time I've read this (which is now 4 times), I've had a blast, so WHATEVER.

Look, the author essentially says in her acknowledgements/author's note that it's fan fic. It reads like fan fic. Sometimes the brain wants fan fic in which Darcy is a werewolf and Elizabeth struggles to work out how that revelation impacts her feelings for him. And at the moment? I'm giving my brain what it wants.
Profile Image for Elin Eriksen.
Author 23 books157 followers
April 21, 2018
Although I am not fond of werewolf stories at large, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Humorously bent with a lot of bawdy comments and sexual tension, made it a funny and captivating story.
1/3 of a broomstick indeed...

Six months after they reunited in Hertfordshire, the Bingleys has married but Darcy has not gotten to the point yet. Elizabeth was getting exasperated when she got an invitation to Pemberley.
Instead of the anticipated proposal, she was let in on a secret...
The proposal eventually came but as Darcy ventures to Scotland to sort out some troubles, lady Helen, from a neighbouring estate, insert some troubles between the newly betrothed.

Heartily recommend this book!
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,654 reviews198 followers
December 19, 2017
Yesterday (Oct. 16th, 2014), this author was interviewed on a blog, (http://austenvariations.com/a-prequel... ) to which I subscribe. Her description, plus the fact that I was in the mood for a Halloween story, made this story sound intriguing. The emphasis was that this is a love story, NOT a horror story with wolves going around biting all with whom they come into contact, etc. I have to say that I do not usually buy books in this genre, not even vampire ones, (although I did read the Twilight series). I have to totally agree with the author that this is a love story.

Not only is it a love story between Darcy and Elizabeth but also is one in which the love (and support) Darcy receives from his sister, his cousins, his servants and his community was endearing. The story follows canon (with the exception that Darcy is a werewolf) and that is explained in a prologue. Then after his proposal at Hunsford things change; he changes his mind. The explanation we are given is that he was proposing in that awful manner because his heightened wolf senses allowed him to know that there is a sexual chemistry at work between himself and Elizabeth. AND he has, in his gentlemanly character, decided that he can only marry a she-wolf as the stress of living a werewolf would be too much for a full human.

Georgiana and Anne know that he loves Elizabeth. Darcy knows he loves Elizabeth. He decides to revisit her again and again in her home, which, of course, drives Mrs. Bennet up the wall with wanting to know if he has proposed. But he cannot stay too long as there are only certain places where he is safe during "nightfall" to "daybreak". That plus the fact that he is not only the owner of a large estate, but also the alpha male in his wolf pack give him many issues to take care of. So the community at Herefordshire cannot understand why he keeps leaving.

Background with explanations of not only how Darcy, as a young teen, became a werewolf but also how the "council" which administers werewolf affairs and legislates justice when one breaks the rules and of the various other wolves and packs added to the understanding of all that Darcy (and others) were dealing with and so, what he was considering in even thinking of taking a wife.

The neighbor, Lady Helen/Nell, adds to the stress in more than one way and did, as others say, remind us of Caroline Bingley.

I found the first 1/3 of the book to be very melancholy as Darcy invites Elizabeth to visit Pemberley and while there reveals to her his dilemma. But then he leaves the decision of whether she can live with his monthly change and all that entails up to her as he immediately after the revelation is under the spell of the full moon. He looks for a candle in the window to indicate it is OK, but....oh, my heart! You have to read this to understand all the angst here.

Complications ensue with the Prince's bastard, with Nell and her sash shaying in front of Darcy, with her blurting out the revelation that she has slept with Darcy (not how it sounds?), with a snow storm and the need to be in a safe place for the next full moon, with Elizabeth being taught how to cover up those pheromones which give her no privacy from Darcy's knowing her every mood and which "cycle" she is in, etc.

I did "see" the ending written here coming and must say it was just as it should have been.

I bought and read this in one day, could not put it down...so I do recommend it.
Profile Image for Anna.
473 reviews33 followers
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November 3, 2017
Review originally posted on Diary of an Eccentric

Mr. Darcy’s Bite is Mary Lydon Simonsen’s latest take on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and I must admit that it’s one of the best Austenesque novels I’ve read so far (and regular readers of my blog know that I read a lot of them). Most of these variations put an obstacle in Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet’s road to happiness, and Simonsen’s is no different, but what makes Mr. Darcy’s Bite unique is the severity of the challenge the two must overcome.

Simonsen’s novel opens after Bingley and Jane are married and settled at Netherfield, and Darcy and Elizabeth have already acknowledged their attraction to one another. However, their courtship is not normal, and Elizabeth is a little distressed about the fact that Darcy comes and goes for periods of time without asking for her hand. Less than 20 pages into the book, Darcy confides in Elizabeth that he has a secret that she can tell no one: he is a werewolf, scratched by a she wolf as a young boy and forced to endure the transformation from man to wolf and back again for two nights a month beginning with the full moon.

Elizabeth must think long and hard about whether she wants to marry a werewolf, as everything in their lives must be planned around the lunar calendar and Darcy’s secret cannot be shared with her family, not even her closest sister, Jane. Keeping the secret is necessary to protect Darcy, his family, and his pack — which includes Nell, a she wolf with a careless tongue and designs on Darcy.

Simonsen includes little tidbits about werewolves and the Council that oversees them, as Elizabeth learns what it would be like to be Mrs. Darcy. But at its core, Mr. Darcy’s Bite is a love story, with tenderness, playful banter, and even a little spice. Simonsen does a wonderful job creating delightful secondary characters, from the flirty Lord Fitzwilliam who enjoys making Mrs. Gardiner blush to Darcy’s feisty Aunt Marguerite who gives Elizabeth some sneaky advice for handling werewolves. She also has fun with Austen’s supporting cast, with Georgiana fitting in with Elizabeth’s family and Anne de Bourgh standing up to her formidable mother, Lady Catherine.

Mr. Darcy’s Bite stays true to Austen’s characters, with the humor and wit I loved in Pride and Prejudice. Simonsen uses werewolves not to create a haunting atmosphere but to further the love story, showing how nothing can stand in the way of true love…and it helps that one particular wolf has Darcy’s striking eyes and sleek form. My only problem with this book was that it was too short, as I loved the world in which Simonsen placed Austen’s characters and I wasn’t ready to let them go.
545 reviews21 followers
October 18, 2023
A very enjoyable fantasy variation with humor. I'm not an expert on regency language but I think it was off at some places but it was not jarring to me. Well written story.
Profile Image for Victoria.
519 reviews7 followers
November 12, 2016
I thought for Halloween I would read one of my more "supernatural" Austenesque books on my shelf. Varying from the original (there's no double wedding, Jane is married first), we learn that Darcy and Lizzy have been courting for six months, when he reveals the truth to her about his werewolfness.

This book was not what I was expecting. I was expecting a lot of "beast" Darcy, but really it is the usual Darcy we know and love, with the added responsibilities of being an Alpha in a pack. There's some competition (not really), from a Miss Bingley-esque she-wolf but it's mostly about Darcy and Lizzy not communicating well with each other (isn't it always?).

So the supernatural piece isn't really that otherworldly, and Simonsen was able to add it in a believable way. Almost a little too naturally, because at a certain point I became bored! All in all it's pretty good, and was nice to see a supernatural Darcy who could keep his urges in check.
Profile Image for Bailey Chadwick.
190 reviews1,331 followers
September 29, 2011
As a fan of "Pride and Prejudice" spin off novels, I was looking forward to something a little more tongue in cheek (but not as much as Pride and Prejudcie and Zombies). While this book read really fast and the dialogue didn't seem as forced as other spin off novels I've read, the book just didn't seem to go anywhere. I kept wondering where the conflict was going to be in this novel, but none came. Yes, things happen, but nothing that was important to wonder if things would turn out all right for our heroes. So while I always appreciate when fan fiction makes it into book form, I'd say this one needed some more work before being published.
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2014
I finished this book several weeks ago and I am hard pressed to remember much about it. It is a quick fun read. Mr. Darcy is a werewolf; Lizzy has to come to terms with it aided by well formed Georgiana and Ann de Bourgh.

I thought the ending was sweet.
Profile Image for Sara.
411 reviews31 followers
November 6, 2017
Interesting read. Here, Darcy is taking his time courting Elizabeth after he gets Bingley and Jane together. essentially he courts her on and off for 6 months. Then he tells her his secret. This story is more about the courtship, her accepting his secret and the beginning of their marriage. The epilogue quickly sums up the later part of their life.

I enjoyed the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth. It was sweet, and romantic without being graphic. I really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Mel.
165 reviews15 followers
December 16, 2011
This is why when I read fanfiction I like to read it for free. I'm not saying my money was wasted on this book but I certainly could have spent my money on something different.

I enjoyed the reimagining of Austen's characters but there was something missing in them. The language wasn't 100%. I believe if you're going to rip someone off it has to rival the original or people wrinkle their noses when they mention it. The language was right on the mark at times and at others so jarringly modern that I wanted to throw the book.
The characters were out of character. I understand that during a reimagining there will be changes but I think the Elizabeth and Darcy in this were quite different from the original duo. Darcy was more prone to fits of laughter and cockiness and Elizabeth nearly fainted several times, she cries. Elizabeth. Crying. I don't even. However, I can respect that being a werewolf can change a man, but Elizabeth jarred me, especially the narrator calling her Lizzy, that shouldn't have happened.

I enjoyed the plot. I liked the subtleness of the wolf part of the plot. I really enjoyed the Nell arc although that was wrapped up a little too easily for my liking. More awkward balls were required.
I did not like the several rehashings of P&P. I've read it several times. Once from Darcy's and once from Elizabeth's point of view would have been complete. The characters didn't need to reiterate it several times, Darcy spoke it out loud on a few occasions.

The epilogue was forced. That ending should have happened sooner. Right after children. That's all I'm saying.

It was good, but didn't rock my world.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Bennet.
742 reviews8 followers
March 25, 2015
We get to see a furry Darcy in this story. The idea was a nice change but I have to say I enjoyed Ola Wegner's Moonlighting better. The ending in this story was very sweet. Although the end described an aging and vulnerable Darcy, I much perfer one where the characters are in the most positive light possible. Do not be discouraged by that note because it does end sweetly its just not one of my favorites. If this type of subject appeals to you I do think most would get enjoyment out of it.
Profile Image for Absinthe.
141 reviews35 followers
April 15, 2017
This was a decent book. It was not profound and it did not make me look at the world in a different light. It was simply entertaining. I would not call it literature, but I would call it a lot of fun! I had trouble putting this one down!
706 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2012
So Mr. Darcy turns into a werewolf. I really think the author could have made this book more interesting. That is about all that happens and that isn't even very interesting.
Profile Image for Ceri.
297 reviews96 followers
November 1, 2013
This is a Pride and Prejudice variation/sequel (picking up after Lydia's marriage) with a supernatural twist; while travelling through mainland Europe, young Fitzwilliam Darcy is the accidental recipient of a wound which turns him into a werewolf for two days every month around the full moon. Darcy had always intended to marry a female with the same affliction, but a visit to his friend Bingley's new rented estate in Hertfordshire has resulted in his affections being captured by a certain Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He's been reluctant to propose and we are now six months after Bingley's marriage to Jane. Obviously it would be too difficult to hide something like this from his wife, and he is fearful of rejection, so he invites Elizabeth, under the chaperonage of Misses Anne de Bourgh and Georgiana Darcy, to visit Pemberley where he intends to reveal his secret and see if she'll still accept him.

Personally I don't buy that a gentleman of this time could be an active part of society while harbouring a secret like this, simply because you'd have to miss all social occasions where the moon was full, however I was happy to let this objection slide and go along with it as I thought it was a fun premise.

This Mr Darcy is not quite the same as the original; spending two days a month frolicking about has led to him having far less regard for the conventions of society. He is more outspoken, energetic and excitable, and is pretty funny, he's a character you can certainly get fond of. He also is the alpha of a wolf pack in Derbyshire with all the responsibilities that entails, and we meet the beautiful Nell, a member of Darcy's pack who believes he should be looking somewhere else for his bride...

On the whole, I really enjoyed this book although I was surprised at some events, feeling that sometimes the character's actions didn't seem probable. There are quite a few instances of usage of words that were either too modern or American English but this is a particular bugbear of mine and it may well not bother others as much.

In summary, if you are an Austen purist, stay well clear, but if you'd like to read a fun, humorous, paranormal story based on the characters from Pride and Prejudice then you might enjoy this one too.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books392 followers
October 30, 2011
This was a beautiful, gentle story from start to finish.

I have read several attempts to turn Darcy into a vampire and one into a wolf before. This is the first one that stuck so close to his original character.
Make no mistake this is not a horror or very suspenseful. It is just another brilliant sequel of the Darcy and Elizabeth story- with a twist.

That being said. Darcy is in constant danger of discovery for his secret and there are other wolves who are not as discreet. Elizabeth has a rival for Darcy. And there are a few wonderful new characters to add to the familiar old ones- Darcy's paternal aunt and his cousin, the Colonel's older brother were a hoot.

For all you Austenesque readers, you need not shun this because it has a paranormal element. The romance, passion, and, dare I say, misunderstandings that Darcy and Elizabeth are noted for are still present.

Recommend!
Profile Image for Mae Hanley.
Author 2 books7 followers
December 15, 2011
While the beginning set up was interesting, the remainder of the book didn't grasp me in it's clutches.

The twisting of events from Netherfield to Rosings weren't off, but the explanations lacked realism for me. And once his love is proclaimed Elizabeth (in this version) is not secure enough in Darcy's love to not allow the green-eyed monster to rise up, several times, even after assurances by Darcy. This Elizabeth did not have the backbone of the original and Darcy's own confidence waffled about.

If you are looking for more on Darcy and Elizabeth, I'm not sure this is a book I'd recommend. If you want to read a regency piece involving the landed gentry and werewolves, putting aside all you know about Pride and Prejudice, then this book will be a pleasant read.
Profile Image for Jakki.
73 reviews48 followers
October 14, 2011
Werewolves and Pride & Prejudice? Really? Those were my initial thoughts. However, skeptical as I was, I wanted to read what Simonsen wrote. Page by page my curiosity was piqued and I was drawn into the story. I love stories where there is competition for a character's love. Elizabeth has just that. The other lady is not only drop-dead gorgeous but she also shares something with Darcy Elizabeth does not. Simonsen truly captured the loyal and protective Darcy, as well as the compassionate and impertinent Elizabeth Austen created. The humor infused in the novel makes it all the more enjoyable to read.This is truly a delightful love story between Darcy and Elizabeth!
Profile Image for Erin.
1,921 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2012
I really liked the cover of this book and I occasionally like this type of fan fiction/supernatural crossover, so I thought I'd give it a shot. It was a good concept, but a little too girly for me. I thought that Darcy did not come across as a real man, rather he was what certain vapid women wish men to be. The dialogue in certain scenes was so unbelievable as to be painful. I pictured a werewolf to be a bit more virile and well, manly.
706 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2012
Mr Darcy turned into a werewolf, that was about all he did.
Profile Image for Talia.
969 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2016
Fun werewolf adventure. Perfect for the season.
June 12, 2019
Let me start by saying I am a Pride and Prejudice fangirl . If you are not of fan of Pride and Prejudice I dont see you loving this at all....there is my disclaimer now on with my unprofessional opinion .

The book picks up after Jane and Bingley marry Lizzie and Darcy have not tied the knot though he is still courting her ... Lizzie knows he loves her but every month disappears for a few days just to come back , so she thinks he is wishy washy and in true Lizzie fashion tells him wth is the matter with him. What Lizzie doesnt know is that Darcy every month is a bit to hairy for public ... and so the story continues.

What I love is the devotion and deep deep love Darcy has for Lizzie , it is so heartwarming and I love the Lizzie has not lost her spit fire personality and does not suffer fools easily either .

What annoyed me was that miscommunication happened too many times , it was unbelievable that after finding out what she did now and knowing what their miscommunication did to them before that Lizzie and Darcy would keep making the same mistakes over and over ... I believe their characters were just to smart for that .

But all in all a great book for all fans of P&P cannot miss !!
Profile Image for Dallass.
2,223 reviews
November 8, 2018
Borrowed this from my library more out of curiosity than any real desire to read it, and still don’t know what to think of Mr Darcy Bites.

I was not enamoured by any of the characters, but the author did give the story a suitably gothic inspired backdrop. And while I’m usually all about a good paranormal romance with werewolves, vampires or other magically inclined creatures, there is just something about tinkering with Pride and Prejudice (or other classics if I’m honest) that doesn’t work for me.

2.5 stars
1,390 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2019
Ultimately wereman

I liked how Darcy explained to Elizabeth how he was a Wolfman (more not werewolf in either spot). I loved how it scared Elizabeth, but how she worked through it. The book was well thought out in begin and middle. The tail ending left unanswered questions about story. This was really only reason I could not give 5 stars. Good read
Profile Image for Staciel.
756 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2019
2.5 stars

It wasn't bad-- I did read the entire thing, it was just maybe I should have read it around Halloween.

Also, there was quite a few sexual situations, and for me, that just doesn't work in 1812.
Profile Image for Heidi Aspesberger.
299 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2022
Pleasant read, but nothing to get too excited about. It's a new take on a classic story, but at times the plot felt a bit forced and stale. I expected a lot more action and drama. But was decent enough to finish either way.
Profile Image for Pet.
3,690 reviews8 followers
October 22, 2023
An interesting and intriguing story, I liked the idea and the world building, I don’t think either Darcy or Lizzy were particularly close to the original but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book.
Profile Image for Amanda.
79 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2017
This book is is so absurd it's hilarious. I especially love Antony Fitzwilliam
2,317 reviews14 followers
April 8, 2022
Interesting variation! Although the werewolf aspect was new, the spirit of the remaining characters stayed true. True love conquers all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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