Hello, dear readers! I have a treat for you today, especially if you’re looking for a new book to cozy up with for Valentine’s Day. April Floyd is my guest today, and we’re celebrating the release of her newest Pride and Prejudice variation, Mr. Darcy’s True Love. Please give her a warm welcome!
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I would love to take a moment and thank Anna for having me once again on her blog. I am so grateful for her reviews and the opportunities she gives many JAFF authors as we seek to woo you, our dear readers!
Now for a romantic excerpt from Mr. Darcy’s True Love. My favorite parts to write and read are when Elizabeth and Darcy are alone together and the rest of the world ceases to exist. Hopefully you love those romantic scenes as well!
Don’t forget to enter to win one of the e-book copies up for grabs when you’ve finished the excerpt!
“I believe a bit of fresh air would be as welcome as the punch. Would you care to join me on the terrace, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth said as she turned and looked across the room at the terrace doors.
Mr. Darcy agreed. “It is warm with all the dancing and this crowd.”
He lifted his arm and Elizabeth tucked her hand against his elbow. Together they wove through the crowd and were soon standing shoulder to shoulder looking out over the small garden of Bingley House. Light from the ballroom only stretched halfway across and the trees that bordered the garden wall cast long shadows.
Elizabeth shivered when a cold gust of wind swept past and Mr. Darcy removed his coat. He placed it on her shoulders and Elizabeth inhaled the scent of orange and some spice she could not name. It was likely a cologne mixed by the chemists at one of the two famous shops in Town. It tickled her nose and brought back the memory of how he’d smelled the night he came to visit and ate baked apples with her. She smiled.
Mr. Darcy noticed. “I must say I have never encountered a lady who loves the outdoors as much as you, Miss Bennet. It is refreshing. It is a pity you do not ride, though.”
She laughed, a deep, amused sound, and looked up at him as she stood warm inside his coat. “Horses are far too unpredictable, Mr. Darcy. I prefer the surety of my own two feet. Besides, I never run headlong into the brambles like my old mare was wont to do. Papa tried for years to make a horsewoman of me, but it was not to be.”
He turned and gazed down at her, his eyes alight with mischief. “I could make a horsewoman of you for I have many gentle, and intelligent, mares at Pemberley. I know of one in particular that might be your perfect match. Oh you would certainly love to explore the fields and woods of my home in Derbyshire.”
Elizabeth breathed deeply to calm her racing heart. Being alone with him on the terrace, inhaling his scent, and listening as he practically begged her to come to Pemberley with him had an intoxicating effect.
“My Aunt and Uncle Gardiner wish to tour the Lake District this summer. Perhaps I might visit with them. Is your home open for private tours then?”
Mr. Darcy pushed a curl behind her ear and smiled. “It is, though I am seldom there in the summertime. I often ride North and pitch a camp near my cousin’s country estate so that I might fish and ride to my heart’s content.”
Elizabeth was surprised by this admission and by the tender touch of his fingers against her ear. “I would never have taken you for the type of man who would live in a tent, sir.”
“It is uncommon for someone of my circle, yes. But I am uncommon for someone of my circle, Miss Bennet. There is much about me that might surprise you. I hope you may come to know me better.”
Mr. Darcy leaned closer and Elizabeth stood completely still. She stared into his eyes wondering whether he might kiss her. Feeling silly, she finally looked down. “I would like that very much, I think. I am not surprised when I think that perhaps your camp is an escape of sorts. I admit that wandering in nature is my own way of being alone and sorting things in my head. Perhaps we understand one another more than we know?”
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About Mr. Darcy’s True Love
Mixed Up Valentines and Scheming Cousins threaten ODC’s blooming romance!
Elizabeth Bennet goes to London with newlyweds Jane and Charles Bingley and is reunited with a kinder Mr. Darcy than she remembers from their first meeting in Hertfordshire. Before their romance can blossom, Mr. Bingley’s cousins arrive in Town and jealousies arise. Elizabeth is uncomfortable with the attention paid her by Mr. Bingley’s male cousin and curious about his female cousin’s prior history with Mr. Darcy.
Will mixed-up valentines and an unwanted marriage proposal keep Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy apart? Oh no, an HEA must be had!
Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple iBooks
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About the Author
April Floyd lives in Alaska with her husband and youngest son. She loves happy endings, nice people, and reading great stories. Once upon a time, she was an Army wife and a phlebotomist and recently ran a successful ebook deals site for four years. Historical fiction, Jane Austen, and fantasy/dystopia are her favorite genres.
April’s Website | Amazon Author Page
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Giveaway
April is generously offering 5 ebook copies of Mr. Darcy’s True Love to my readers. To enter, please leave a comment with your email address. This giveaway will be open through Friday, February 1, 2019. The winners will be chosen randomly and announced in the comments section of this post. Good luck!
Thank you, April, for being my guest today, and congratulations on your new book! I hope you all come back closer to Valentine’s Day for my review!
April, you said “…as we seek to woo you, our dear readers!” I think JAFF readers are easy marks, pushovers, a sure thing! Like the great philosopher said, “You had me at ‘Hello’.”
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So true Ginna! But we do love to tempt you with new titles, LOL. Good luck with the giveaway!
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Love the excerpt and April’s books. Hope the angst isn’t too high and is quickly resolved.
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This one is so sweet, both for Bingley and Jane and for Elizabeth and Darcy. There is a smidge of angst, but it is quickly resolved. Good luck with the giveaway!
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What a cute interaction between them. I loved when he pushed her curl behind her ear, so sweet. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. jadseah4(at)yahoo
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Aww, thank you! I love when Darcy is tender with Elizabeth like that, makes me swoon. Good luck with the giveaway!
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Very nice excerpt and I look forward to reading what mischief the cousins will bring forth. Best Wishes with your new release, April and thanks to Anna for hosting. Jen Red
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Thank you so much Jennifer! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Oh dear, it looks like Mr Bingley is no more able to keep his cousins under control than his sisters. He really needs to take charge and throw people out who delight in harassing his friend and his sister-in-law.
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Oh Glynis, I think Mr. Bingley will make you very happy in this title, then. He does take care of the trouble without delay. Good luck in the giveaway!
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I thought that Elizabeth was very bold to ask Mr. Darcy to go out on the balcony for fresh air! Is Caroline also in this mix of jealous cousins? Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway.
evamedmonds(at)gmail(dot)com
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Fortune favors the bold! These cousins vex Caroline and that delights Elizabeth (until they begin to vex her as well). Good luck in the giveaway!
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Alone on the terrace? His coat on her shoulders? How fun!
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Right Theresa?! Those are elements for some dreamy Darcy and Elizabeth scenes. Good luck in the giveaway!
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I can’t wait
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Good luck Gail! Fingers crossed for you.
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Ohh, this promises to be another great book! Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!
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Oh, I do hope you enjoy it Cyndy! Good luck with the giveaway.
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Congratulations on your new release! Thank you for the delightful excerpt and for a chance to win a copy. 🙂
stluc3@sbcglobal.net
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Thank you Virginia! I wish you luck in the giveaway!
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That was just lovely! Go to Pemberley, Elizabeth! I bet Mr. Darcy will be there waiting for you!
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book. I’d love to read it.
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Thank you Pam! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Good,more Bingleys to cause trouble
meikleblog(at)gmail(dot)com
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Oh, but a *little* trouble is always more fun than not, I think. Good luck in the giveaway!
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April, you know I am a BIG fan of all your books. Thanks for the giveaway!CM
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How kind Lily, thank you! Good luck in the giveaway!
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Having read many of April’s variations and loving P&P versions best of all, please count me in the give away. Thanks for the chance. odara7rox(at)rcn(dot)com
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Congratulations on this release. It sounds like a fun read. I would love to win a copy.
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This is an intriguing version of a developing relatoinship between Darcy and Elizabeth. I’M interested! Thanks for the giveaway chance!
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Loved the excerpt. I have added this too my wish list. Thank you for the generous give away.
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This sounds delightful. That terrace scene was so romantic. I wanted to yell ‘kiss her’ but that would not do. Thanks, Anna for hosting and thanks to April for her generous giveaway. jwgarrett13(at)hotmail(dot)com
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This is such a tender scene between these characters. Love it. no need to enter me. I cannot wait to host April on my blog.
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Awesome! Looking forward to your post!
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That was an awesome excerpt, April. The blurb had me curious on what sort of characters Bingley’s cousins are that can arouse jealousy in both Elizabeth and perhaps Darcy. Thank you for the generous giveaway too.
evangelineace2020@yahoo.com
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Thank you all for stopping by to check out the excerpt. The winners are: deborahanne2, virginiakohl, alp1788, sheilalmajczan, and cyndyhenry. Happy reading (and please check your email)!
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