The Unthinkable Triangle: ~ A Pride and Prejudice Variation ~ in Austen Variations

Sep 27, 2015 Sheila Majczan rated it it was amazing

I reread this as an audible book and loved listening to Stevie's voice. Great book, great rendition.

The lady can write! I could not put this down...OK, I did have to sleep some but if it were not a demand of my body I would have read through the night...even though at times my eyes were blurred with tears and I struggled to read. This story is great not just because of the events told of within (and which we might have imagined) but because of Joana Starnes’ way with words…her ability as a word I reread this as an audible book and loved listening to Stevie's voice. Great book, great rendition.

The lady can write! I could not put this down...OK, I did have to sleep some but if it were not a demand of my body I would have read through the night...even though at times my eyes were blurred with tears and I struggled to read. This story is great not just because of the events told of within (and which we might have imagined) but because of Joana Starnes’ way with words…her ability as a word smith! The descriptions of both Darcy’s and then Elizabeth’s feelings: their love(s), their anguish, their disappointments, their pathways through so much misinterpretation, support and caring with no hope of any in return, then the need to disregard everything and everyone in the face of deep passion and love were so deeply stirring, so emotive!

There may be some hints at SPOILERS within but I must have my say:

We all know of the stages of grief. Darcy gives us those in detail as we read his POV at the beginning: shock, denial, anger, depression, bargaining with GOD and acceptance. My heart ached to read of his anguish and his struggles with himself, with his heart, mind, body and soul struggling to change, to reverse course, to offer support when and where needed as walls crumbled in upon his world!

I have read the other recent book with this same premise, Pride and Proposals, and I did love that book. Additionally I read another novel in which Col. Fitzwilliam is in love with Elizabeth, unbeknownst to her but not Darcy. BUT for some reason, this author’s way with words dug in and twisted as this dear man slowly works his way up to a proposal and then has to live with the fact that not only is there never to be an opportunity to offer such but he must then live his life watching her at another’s table, bearing his children, walking by his side. And because that man is as dear as a brother he can’t close the door to that relationship, to the possibility of being frequently in that company.

I dearly love Colonel Fitzwilliam so a tale such as this has few winners for me BUT Elizabeth and Darcy MUST have their HEA. It is a guarantee for me in reading Jane Austen Fan Fiction. My heart goes out to the Colonel; I hate to see him “settle”, but priorities are such that ODC are at the top of the list for their happily ever after. The epilogue did address the issue somewhat.

Then there is the dilemma of a “Dear John” letter. I have lived long enough to know how many a soldier was stabbed through and through on a battlefield with this betrayal by his loved one…Are we to read of this here? And there is the awakening from unconsciousness to hear, “Farewell, my love, be happy.” spoken to one’s fiancée by one who is near, dear and TRUSTED! And even earlier in this tale an ironic discovery by a hateful, nasty roué of a relative who upon watching across the theatre floor determines where Darcy’s gaze falls and realizes what it reveals…will that tidbit be used against both parties?

There are all the complications we know of from canon: family background, behaviors and no connections, relatives in trade, the alliance between cousins dreamed of by two mothers, the hauteur from the ton upon learning of the pairing, no money, no dowry, etc. which come into play in this story again. We also read of Richard’s military service, of some of the campaigns in which he serves, of people he meets and of a consequence of battle.

This story is another top effort by this author. It is not only one I can highly recommend but also one I will re-read in the future.

I again listened to this story on Audible while walking but also read parts when I was anxious to get on with the story. Even knowing the story ahead of time - I could not put it down! 10-26-18

I now own a paperback copy. ...more

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Sep 06, 2017 Nicole Clarkston rated it it was amazing

I lived to tell the tale. Joana, you are a genius mistress of written music. I don't think I can say anything else to justify this lovely book. My new favorite of yours! ...more

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Sep 22, 2015 Anna added it · review of another edition

Shelves: austenesque

Check out my review on Diary of an Eccentric ...more

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Sep 18, 2015 Nicole Barton Sasser rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, jaff, p-and-p, 2015-austenesque-lovers-challenge

4.5 Stars

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Oct 17, 2015 Victoria Kincaid rated it it was amazing

This is a terrific book with a lot of emotional ups and downs that kept me guessing about a resolution until the very end. The writing is lovely; I wanted to treasure every word. I can't wait for the next book by this author! ...more

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Oct 25, 2015 Beau North rated it it was amazing

This book puts me in mind of Carrie Bradshaw's most famous speech when she says she is looking for "Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love." Those words played over and over in my head as I read this book. Smart, deeply passionate, and gorgeously written. Brava and beautifully done. ...more

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Dec 02, 2018 M rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audible-reads

4.5 rounded up

Definitely the best of the JS books I’ve read. Darcy’s perspective and struggle was very moving, and a very good insight into his character. Unputdownable! The only sad part was that there was so little of them together at the end... mostly angst with only a bit of HEA.

Audible - still fantastic. Enjoyed Stevie Zimmerman’s narration.

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