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A review by holtfan
Haunting Mr. Darcy by KaraLynne Mackrory
3.0
First, I think I have the other cover but for some reason it is listed as an entirely separate book and I don't feel like figuring out why.
Second....I wanted to like this one so badly. I actually bought it and saved it for when I would need a good book. I figured it would either prove super cheesy (in which case, win) or tell a really good story (less likely but also a win.) And when I started reading and quickly got suckered into the story, I was delighted to find it was a really good story. I laughed out loud often.
But then it dragged and dragged and dragged. It was like episodes 12-17 of a K Drama. Nothing happens and everything is angsty. I started reading corny passages out loud to my sister. Everyone is so squeaky clean and good, except maybe Colonel Fiztwilliam who not coincidentally was my favorite character.
You can tell if this will be the type of book you like right from page one. Second paragraph starts:
"Aargh!" Darcy expelled as his muscles stretched and fulfilled their master's command, tossing [his cravat] into the air. The light silk unraveled and spun slightly, twisting and turning like the mesmerizing dance of a fire before floating harmlessly to the floor mere feet from him. Laughing humorlessly, Darcy sighed. "A fine metaphor, I should say."
Sound a little dramatic? Welcome to this book.
It is creative, fun, clean, and over-the-top dramatic. And all those thing work...until the plot winds down and I was left wondering why there was 40% to go on the book.
I laughed a lot reading it. But sometimes I laughed because I was cringing so hard.
Perhaps in reality the story could land closer to 4 stars, but it indulged too frequently in what I am rapidly learning is my greatest pet-peeve of Austen spin-offs: direct dialogue from the original book spoken by the wrong characters. Elizabeth in this book in particular kept saying things Mr. Darcy said in his proposal scenes. And just...whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
So, if the idea of ghost Lizzie hanging around Darcy sounds amusing, go for it. It was. But also know you will get over-the-top noble characters whose only fault is misunderstanding, passionate glances, and an ending that just. doesn't. end.
Pre-Review
I want this and I want it right now.
Or at least after I finish the 7 books I am currently in the middle of.
And, oh shoot, what is this I hear about midterms??
Second....I wanted to like this one so badly. I actually bought it and saved it for when I would need a good book. I figured it would either prove super cheesy (in which case, win) or tell a really good story (less likely but also a win.) And when I started reading and quickly got suckered into the story, I was delighted to find it was a really good story. I laughed out loud often.
But then it dragged and dragged and dragged. It was like episodes 12-17 of a K Drama. Nothing happens and everything is angsty. I started reading corny passages out loud to my sister. Everyone is so squeaky clean and good, except maybe Colonel Fiztwilliam who not coincidentally was my favorite character.
You can tell if this will be the type of book you like right from page one. Second paragraph starts:
"Aargh!" Darcy expelled as his muscles stretched and fulfilled their master's command, tossing [his cravat] into the air. The light silk unraveled and spun slightly, twisting and turning like the mesmerizing dance of a fire before floating harmlessly to the floor mere feet from him. Laughing humorlessly, Darcy sighed. "A fine metaphor, I should say."
Sound a little dramatic? Welcome to this book.
It is creative, fun, clean, and over-the-top dramatic. And all those thing work...until the plot winds down and I was left wondering why there was 40% to go on the book.
I laughed a lot reading it. But sometimes I laughed because I was cringing so hard.
Perhaps in reality the story could land closer to 4 stars, but it indulged too frequently in what I am rapidly learning is my greatest pet-peeve of Austen spin-offs: direct dialogue from the original book spoken by the wrong characters. Elizabeth in this book in particular kept saying things Mr. Darcy said in his proposal scenes. And just...whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
So, if the idea of ghost Lizzie hanging around Darcy sounds amusing, go for it. It was. But also know you will get over-the-top noble characters whose only fault is misunderstanding, passionate glances, and an ending that just. doesn't. end.
Pre-Review
I want this and I want it right now.
Or at least after I finish the 7 books I am currently in the middle of.
And, oh shoot, what is this I hear about midterms??