My Own Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen

Jun 25, 2013 Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-austen, austen-inspired

Elizabeth Barrett is on a search for her own Mr. Darcy. Every time she meets a guy, she instantly decides whether or not he is Mr. Darcy material. If a guy doesn’t fit her predetermined “type,” she dismisses him as a possible future mate and moves on. For the past six years, no man has made it past a first date with Elizabeth, and to appease the growing concern of her roommate and best friend, Janessa, Elizabeth agrees (after serious coercion) to go on ten dates with Chad, a guy she had a pleasa Elizabeth Barrett is on a search for her own Mr. Darcy. Every time she meets a guy, she instantly decides whether or not he is Mr. Darcy material. If a guy doesn’t fit her predetermined “type,” she dismisses him as a possible future mate and moves on. For the past six years, no man has made it past a first date with Elizabeth, and to appease the growing concern of her roommate and best friend, Janessa, Elizabeth agrees (after serious coercion) to go on ten dates with Chad, a guy she had a pleasant first date with but didn’t want to continue seeing because he was blonde, friendly, disarming, and earns a living as a high school science teacher (ugh! how totally un-Darcy-like!)

But what will Elizabeth think when she starts to enjoy and look forward to her dates with Chad? What will Elizabeth do when Matt Dawson (a wealthy and arrogant McFayden look-alike) walks into her life?

Is aloof and haughty Mr. Darcy what she really wants?

What a fantastic story!! I adored Elizabeth and could easily understand and relate to her situation. I, too, fell in love with Mr. Darcy as a teenager and decided that I wanted to find my own Mr. Darcy and experience a union of “perfect happiness” when I grew up. Unlike Elizabeth though, I wasn’t
so determined on finding someone with the same appearance, mannerisms, and status as Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy. (Nah, I much prefer the easy-going, fun-loving, affable type…like Mr. Bingley!) Elizabeth, however, wants the whole Darcy-package: tall, dark hair that is slightly disheveled, blue eyes, “gorgeously unpleasant and impatient.”

Elizabeth is an extremely likable heroine full of romantic ideals, sweetness, and integrity. I admire her a lot – how she cares about unintentionally leading someone on, how she doesn’t allow herself to be walked on, how she is a low-maintenance, true to herself, and honest. However, Elizabeth isn’t a perfect heroine, she needs to learn not be so close-minded and quick to judge. Even though I saw the writing on the wall long before Elizabeth in regards to Chad and Matt, I still thoroughly enjoyed witnessing Elizabeth process her new-found awareness, self-evaluation, and clarity.

I loved the engaging and comfortable tone of this novel, Elizabeth and I felt like close friends by the end of the story. I was so emotionally invested while reading this story that I felt tears well up in my eyes and my heartbeat accelerate with anticipation (the texts between Chad and Elizabeth…such feels!). In addition, I greatly appreciated the vibrant descriptions Karey White crafted in her novel. I loved her verbal illustrations of the bookstore where Matt works, the appetizing delicacies Elizabeth enjoys on her dates, the interior design projects Elizabeth works on (I want that rug!), and Elizabeth’s awesomely quirky wardrobe (I loved her tights-fetish!). I sincerely hope we see some more Austen-Inspired novels by Karey White! My Own Mr. Darcy is a must read! It’s “totes adorbs!” ...more

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Feb 06, 2014 Patricia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2014

What an excellent book! I absolutely loved this story from the premise, which is a little corny, to the ending that turned out perfectly.

Elizabeth decides after watching the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice that she will never settle for less than a Mr. Darcy exactly the same as in the movie. While her friends and family worry about her unrealistic dreams ruining her life, her best friend Janessa convinces her to accept a date from the next guy that asks her out and to give him ten ...more

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Jan 04, 2014 Tiffany rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, lds-fiction, jane-austen-retelling

What girl doesn't want to be adored? Lizzie has heart set on falling in love with her own Mr. Darcy, but once she finally finds him... well its not all she expected. I enjoyed this book, great way to pass a lazy Saturday... there were a few things I would have liked: less crying by Lizzie and more swoon worthy scenes with... oh I don't want to spoil it... just more with the love interest ;). I thought this was a cute original idea and I will probably pick up another book by this author. ...more

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Jul 31, 2013 Megan rated it really liked it

Shelves: guily-pleasure-books

Yeah, so I gave birth last spring to my daughter to the 2005 Pride & Prejudice soundtrack- so I really get this book. My husband would say I get the Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy obsession a little too much.

You will never hear me claim Colin Firth is the only Mr. Darcy. Sorrynotsorry. So of course I enjoyed this book. It's a quick and fun read and it's about a girl obsessed with a specific version of Pride & Prejudice that I would take with me as my only form of entertainment to a hypothetical ...more

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Jul 29, 2013 Cici rated it it was amazing

Shelves: clean-romance, lds-romance

I really enjoyed this book. I, too, have a real fascination with a Mr Darcy. This look at modern day girl trying to figure it out was refreshing! I loved the love story and battle between the two men. Clean and romantic!

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Jun 17, 2013 Lori rated it really liked it

A sweet story. I enjoyed reading it. I thought Lizzie was a little too obsessed with looking for Mr. Darcy, but in the end, everything worked out for the best.

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