Review and GIVEAWAY: A Most Civil Proposal by C. P. Odom

Book Blurb:

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." When Fitzwilliam Darcy spoke these words to Elizabeth Bennet as part of his marriage proposal, they expressed his concealed feelings completely, but their meaning was at odds with the rest of his prideful and arrogant offer of marriage. It was therefore rather easy for Elizabeth to reject his offer in much the same manner. But what if Darcy, never one at ease when trying to speak of inner sentiments, had realized beforehand how his intended proposal would sound to the young woman he hoped to make his bride? What if he had attempted a much more civil and thoughtful proposal of marriage? Could Elizabeth Bennet have coldly and angrily rejected an offer made in such a manner? A Most Civil Proposal, a variation on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," examines and explores how the lives of the two main characters and their families and friends might have turned out differently had Darcy realized his error beforehand and thus avoided being so forcefully instructed and corrected by the love of his life.






Paperback, 302 pages
Published: February 28th 2013 
Meryton Press



My Review:

Loved this story!! As you probably know by now, Pride and Prejudice variations/what-ifs are my favorite stories to read. A Most Civil Proposal is a variation that I am going to have to put into my top 10 favorites!! It’s that good!

What if, Darcy was more thoughtful during his proposal to Elizabeth? What if he took the time to think out his proposal, and write it down on paper before going to the parsonage to make an offer to Elizabeth? Would Elizabeth be more willing to accept him, despite her anger at him for separating Jane and Bingley? And what about her resentment for the way Darcy treated Wickham - could she overcome those prejudices with "a most civil proposal"?

I loved this proposal! Realizing that he becomes so taken with Elizabeth when he is around her that he can’t remember what to say, Darcy prepares himself the night before. He carefully writes down his thoughts. Thankfully, he has his notes with him and can pull them from his pocket to refer to them. (I found it pretty funny that he actually pulls out a “cheat sheet” to propose!) I loved seeing the stoic Darcy become so rattled!

I also loved this Bingley!! When learning that Jane has been in London (something I’ve always wanted to happen! Thank you, Odom!), he immediately goes to her. After being cautions and unsure of himself in the past, he realizes now he needs to be quick and get right to the point. It’s a lovely scene. Oh, and he is not too happy with Caroline for not telling him Jane was in London. Bingley finally grows a backbone, without losing his sweetness.

I did feel that Darcy and Elizabeth rush a little too quickly to the altar, and Elizabeth was a little too agreeable on that matter. In my humble opinion, I felt that waiting a few weeks would have been better. 

I would highly recommend A Most Civil Proposal for your reading pleasure, especially if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice spin-offs!

**Warning: I would rate this mature for adult content**

5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy the book for my honest review.

Buy your copy at Amazon. (Disclaimer: Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link I will receive a small commission.)

To learn more about the author, you can read an interview with C. P. Odom at Leatherbound Reviews! You can also read more about him at More Agreeably Engaged!

A Most Civil Proposal completes my 5th selections of the Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge 2013 hosted by Austenprose.

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

Update! If you look at the comments below, Michele Reed from Meryton Press has graciously offered to giveaway one Free Trade Paperback copy of A Most Civil Proposal to one lucky commentor! How awesome it that!! This giveaway is open Internationally. The last day to enter is April 1, 2013.
Please, leave an email or twitter name so we can contact the winner!

Good luck everyone!!

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!