Thursday, November 29, 2018

Unwrapping Mr. Darcy by L.L. Diamond - Blog Tour - My Review

Hello, my friends! Looking for a fun Christmas read? I have just the book for you! Unwrapping Mr. Darcy! I really enjoyed this book. I'm the last stop on the blog tour, and I have a short review for you. I hope you enjoy!




Unwrapping Mr. Darcy
by L.L. Diamond

Publication Date: October 31st, 2018
Pages: 214 (Kindle Edition)
Received: I received an e-copy of the book for my honest opinion.
Rating: 4 stars

Elizabeth Bennet’s first day at Darcy Holdings was turning out to be everything she'd imagined—that is until she met her new boss William Darcy. True, he’s hotter than Hades but he's also rude, abrupt, and stares at her as though she’s committed some grievous sin. If only she could avoid him, but her friends’ not so brilliant ideas keep throwing them together.  

William Darcy put his foot in his mouth when he met Elizabeth Bennet! Now, he’s head over heels for her and needs to apologize, but how? The dreaded office Secret Santa draw is a possibility, but would that help or would it only make things worse?  

Twenty-five days of gifts? It's creepy and overzealous if you ask Elizabeth. And what’s with this weird reaction she has to Mr. Darcy? He's an ogre, isn't he? But what if her friends are correct and he isn't? Could there be more to him than she assumes? What would happen if she were to take a stab at unwrapping Mr. Darcy?

My Review 

Unwrapping Mr. Darcy is a fun holiday read! In this modern Pride and Prejudice, Darcy is Elizabeth’s boss and Secret Santa. Instead of just one present, Darcy decides to give Lizzy 25 presents! One a day until Christmas. Will that win her over or drive her further away?

On her first day at work for Darcy Holdings, Lizzy overhears Darcy saying to Bingley, “I can’t be expected to take the time to welcome a new company attorney - especially one who required her sister’s boyfriend to get her the job.”

Such a cutting remark! Lizzy is furious! She certainly didn’t need this job. She had a fantastic job at Longbourn, Netherfield, and Haye. Where it was rumored that they wanted to make Lizzy a partner. No, she is an excellent lawyer, and she doesn't need to stay at Darcy Holdings.

After Bingley convinces her to stay, she tries to avoid Darcy as much as she can, but since he’s the boss and Bingley’s best friend, that’s a little difficult to do. Jane and Bingley are dating, so that means Lizzy gets to see him outside of the office, too. But oh, how he makes her very uncomfortable - the way he stares at her!

I loved the way Darcy tries to get on Lizzy's good side, but she can’t get over that first day of work and his poorly chosen words. As Charlotte points out: “You’re so prejudiced against him, you can’t see matters clearly.”

It always tickles me to see how an author places supporting characters and names of places into a modern P&P! For instants, Charlotte is Lizzy's assistant, and Longbourn is a law firm.  

I also loved Lizzy’s cat Grunt. Named for the grunting sounds he makes. He’s a rascal! Always getting into things and breaking stuff. I love that he's on the cover of the book, too!

Unwrapping Mr. Darcy is a sweet, fun read, and perfect for the holiday season! I think you will enjoy it as much as I did! 

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book from the author for my honest review.



Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!


About the Author

L. L. Diamond is more commonly known as Leslie to her friends and Mom to her three kids. A native of Louisiana, she has spent the majority of her life living within an hour of New Orleans until she followed her husband to the ends of the earth as a military wife. Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, and now England have all been called home along the way.

After watching Sense and Sensibility with her mother, Leslie became a fan of Jane Austen, reading most of her collected works over the next few years. Pride and Prejudice stood out as a favorite and has dominated her writing since finding Jane Austen Fan Fiction.


Aside from mother and writer, Leslie considers herself a perpetual student. She has degrees in biology and studio art, but will devour any subject of interest simply for the knowledge. As an artist, her concentration is in graphic design, but watercolor is her medium of choice with one of her watercolors featured on the cover of her second book, A Matter of Chance. She is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. She also plays flute and piano, but much like Elizabeth Bennet, she is always in need of practice!

Leslie’s books include Rain and Retribution, A Matter of Chance, An Unwavering Trust, The Earl’s Conquest, Particular Intentions, and Particular Attachments. She is currently editing Unwrapping Mr. Darcy due out October 31st, 2018, and has an original modern that has some Austen inspiration, hopefully releasing Spring 2019.





Blog Tour Schedule


29 Oct - Just Jane 1813
5 Nov - Just Jane 1813
29 Nov - So Little Time... - You are here! 


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

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

What Are You Reading? ~ Nov. 28, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finished reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list:


I'm currently reading A Danger to Herself and Others by Alyssa Sheinmel. I'm enjoying it! Hannah has been put into a mental institution after her best friend Agnes has a terrible accident. It wasn't Hannah's fault, and she is sure once the misunderstanding is cleared up they will let her out. The story is told from Hannah's POV; you're in Hannah's head and only see her realities, and slowly the details are being revealed. It kind of has a Girl, Interrupted feel to it. 

I recently finished reading Unwrapping Mr. Darcy by L.L. Diamond. It was a fun read! I will have my review for it up tomorrow! 







I also finished The Carriage Ride: A Pride and Prejudice Short Story by Mary Lydon Simonsen. I enjoyed this little snapshot of what-if Darcy and Elizabeth had to share a carriage ride together shortly after that disastrous proposal! Could they iron out their misunderstandings? 



What's next? I would like to read The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. I've heard a lot of good things about it! 








FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 



I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.


And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 


So, tell me, what are you reading? 

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

What Are You Reading? ~ Nov. 14, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finished reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Hello, friends! It's been another busy week for me. Not as much reading going on as I would like, but I'm also working on a crochet project. :)

Here's my list:


I'm currently reading Unwrapping Mr. Darcy by L.L. Diamond. I'm only a couple of chapters in but it's already fun! 





I'm also reading Emma by Jane Austen. I've only listened to about 4 chapters, and we are supposed to discuss the first half this Saturday. Yikes! I don't think I'm going to make it!





I recently finished reading Only the Dead Don't Die by A.D. Popovich. I loved it! Only the story is not over, and you have to read the next in the series. Of course, I bought it, but it looks like there may be a third that's not out yet. :(  I hate waiting... 






What's next? I'm not sure. I think I'm going to pull something off my shelves. I have two challenges I still need to complete before the end of the year. So, we'll see! :)



FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!



I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.


And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 


So, tell me, what are you reading? 

Monday, November 12, 2018

Summer of Scandal by Syrie James ~ My Review


Summer of Scandal (Dare to Defy #2) 
by Syrie James

Publication Date: September 11th, 2018
Publisher: Avon Impulse
Pages: 384 pages (ebook)
Received: I received an e-copy from the publisher via Edelweiss.
Rating: 4 stars

Book Description:

Madeleine Atherton is no typical American heiress, sent to England to marry an English lord. A brilliant college graduate who secretly dreams of becoming a published author, she wants to marry for love. After receiving a proposal from a future duke, Madeleine flees the London Season for Cornwall to seek her sister's advice, never expecting her decision to be complicated by a charming, handsome earl she's certain she dislikes—even though his every touch sets her blood on fire. 

Charles Grayson, the Earl of Saunders, has secrets and ambitions of his own. Although under pressure from his mother and gravely ill father to marry his cousin, Charles cannot find the words to propose. But this fascinating American visitor does not figure into his plans, either. 

Thrown together unexpectedly at Trevelyan Manor, Madeleine and Charles struggle to rise above their intense attraction. But as things heat up between them over a summer that becomes increasingly scandalous, Madeleine and Charles will both be forced to make a difficult choice. Can two dreamers dare to defy convention and find their own happily ever after?

My Review

Summer of Scandal is a delightful story set in 1889, England. This stand-alone novel is the second in the Dare to Defy series focusing on Madeleine Atherton, the second daughter of a wealthy American family. I didn’t read the first book but had no problem picking this one up.

After receiving a proposal of marriage from Lord Oakley, Madeleine impulsively takes the train from London to Cornwall to discuss the matter with her sister, Alex. Only to find Alex has gone to Bath, and no one is at the station to greet her. Lord Saunders, whom Maddie has been avoiding all season, to the rescue! He offers to take her to her sister's estate to wait for her return. But a storm has washed out the road, and she has no other choice but to go to his family estate. 

The summer sizzles when Maddie finds herself alone with Lord Saunders more than once, but nothing can come of it because he is bound by a promise he made to his parents to marry his cousin, Sophia. Besides Maddie would be crazy not to accept Lord Oakley’s proposal of marriage, right?! She would be a duchess for heaven's sake! 

I love that both Maddie and Lord Saunders are creative and innovative beings. Maddie wants to be an author and is writing a novel. Lord Saunders is an inventor and artisan. Both hide their talents because high society would frown upon it. It’s just not done! That would be too much like being in trade, and their families would never allow that!

Madeleine is such a wonderful character! She is smart (a college graduate, not something many women of the time did), independent, and kind.  Unconventional in not only her writing but likes to discuss new ideas and explore other options, and she's not afraid to share her opinions.

Maddie also formed a dear friendship with Sophia. Not wanting to hurt Sophia, Maddie tries to steer clear of Lord Saunders, especially since every time they are alone together there seems to be kissing involved! 

As much as I loved both Madeleine and Lord Saunders I was disappointed by some of their actions.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed Summer of Scandal! It was a fun read!  

Note: I would recommend this for mature readers.

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book from the publisher for my honest review.

Buy: Amazon • B&N
Add to Goodreads

Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!



About the Author


Image and Bio was taken from Goodreads
Syrie James is the bestselling author of a dozen critically acclaimed novels of historical fiction, historical romance, contemporary romance, & YA. Syrie is passionate about strong women, sexy heroes, and books that keep you turning pages long into the night! Her books have been translated into eighteen languages.

Syrie's name, which was her mother's invention, is pronounced just like the iPhone App, but she likes to think her name is spelled better. :)

Syrie loves All Things British and enjoys reading in a variety of genres. Syrie lived in Paris as a child and had visited more than two dozen countries by age eight, which instilled in her a lifelong love of traveling. Her other favorite pursuits include movies, theater, great food, games with family and friends, Scrabble, photography, sewing, and the out of doors. Syrie designed and maintains her website, syriejames.com. She welcomes visitors and messages, and invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! 

Syrie lives with her husband in Los Angeles, California. She is a member of the WGA, RWA, and a life member of JASNA (the Jane Austen Society of North America). She spent many years as a screenwriter and enjoys writing both novels and screenplays.


Here is another book from Syrie James that I've reviewed:


Many thanks to Syrie James and Avon Impulse for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! 

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

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Praying with Jane Winner!

Hello, my friends! It's time to announce the winner of the Praying with Jane Giveaway! 

First, let me thank Bethany House and Rachel Dodge for having me on the blog tour! Thank you!! I adore this beautiful book!

Without further ado, the lucky winner picked by Random.org is:


Darcy! 



I have sent Darcy an email and am awaiting her reply!

Thanks to all who entered!




Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!


If you didn't win you might want to check out the other giveaways! 


Blog Tour Dates

October 31 – Praying with Jane, My changed Relationship with Jane, Jane Austen’s World, Vic Sanborn
November 1 – So Little Time... Candy (that's me!)
November 2 – Laura’s Reviews, Laura Gerold - Giveaway
November 3 – Burton Book Reviews, Marie Burton
November 4 – Sophia Rose's Place, Sophia Rose - Giveaway
November 5 – Jane Austen in Vermont, Deborah Barnum - Giveaway
November 6 – Calico Critic, Laura Hartness
November 7 – A Bookish Way of Life, Nadia Anguiano
November 8 – Diary of an Eccentric,  Anna Horner
November 9 – Becoming, Nichole Parks
November 10 – My Jane Austen Book Club, Maria Grazia
November 11 – My Love for Jane Austen, Sylvia Chan - Giveaway
November 13 – Faith, Science, Joy … and Jane Austen,  Brenda Cox


Wednesday, November 7, 2018

What Are You Reading? ~ Nov. 7, 2018

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What are you reading? Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finished reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Hey, friends! I hope you've had a great week! It seems like I'm getting this out later and later in the day! Ugh! I've had a busy couple of days! But, it's all good! 

Here's my list:

I'm currently reading Only the Dead Don't Die by A.D. Popovich. I'm loving it! It's a post-apocalyptic/zombie story. It's a little out there, but it could happen, right? ;) You've got to be prepared! Lol! Just kidding! I'm usually not into zombie stories, but I love post-apocalyptic story, and I'm enjoying this one. :)

I recently finished reading Twisted Up by Erin Nicholas. This contemporary romance was a good fun read. Natural disasters keep throwing this Avery and Jake together. 4 stars. Also, it is for mature readers.



What's next? I want to start Unwrapping Mr. Darcy by L.L. Diamond. I'm reviewing this for a blog tour coming up at the end of November. So, I need to get started on it! Looks cute! 


I also need to start reading Emma by Jane Austen for the JASNA reading group I'm in. I bought this on Audible so I can listen to it.




FTC Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!


I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.


And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 


So, tell me, what are you reading? 
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