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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

'Definitely Not Mr. Darcy' by Karen Doornebos


What is this book about?


This is no ordinary Regency romance. It’s reality.
Chloe Parker was born two centuries too late. A thirty-nine-year-old divorced mother, she runs her own antique letterpress business, is a lifelong member of the Jane Austen Society, and gushes over everything Regency. But her business is failing, threatening her daughter’s future. What’s a lady to do? Why, audition for a Jane Austen-inspired TV show set in England, of course. What Chloe thinks is a documentary turns out to be a reality dating show set in 1812. Eight women are competing to snare Mr. Wrightman, the heir to a gorgeous estate—and a one-hundred-thousand-dollar prize. So Chloe tosses her bonnet into the ring, hoping to transform from stressed-out Midwestern mom to genteel American heiress and win the money. With no cell phones, indoor plumbing, or deodorant to be found, she must tighten her corset and flash some ankle to beat out women younger, more cutthroat, and less clumsy than herself. But the witty and dashing Mr. Wrightman proves to be a prize worth winning, even if it means the gloves are off…


First thoughts: "I would SO love to jump into this book!"

Reading this book was a great adventure. Take a little bit of Survivor, a dash of The Bachelor, and mix it with plenty of Jane Austen and you're bound to have fun!! The whole premise was pretty original for me and I absolutely understood and cheered on the main character, Chloe. I thought it took a lot of guts to leave all security behind and to risk everything to win $100,000 and the chance to have Mr. Darcy fall in love with you. The characters were just right and the story never lost its fast pace. The dialogue was spot on...I believed it all could happen and that's what made this book so enjoyable.

Recommend? Yes! If you're looking for a modern day twist of Pride & Prejudice with plenty of humor and dashing men, then pick this book up...you won't be disappointed!

Rating: 8.5/10

Genre: Fantastically fun Mr. Darcy book
Pages: 368 
Published: September 06, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Trade
ISBN:  9780425243824

Disclaimer:Thank you to Heidi at Penguin Group for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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Posted by Staci at 5:00 AM
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22 comments:

  1. Jan von HarzNovember 9, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    I can totally see you throwing your hat into this reality show. The book sounds like a lot of fun too.

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  2. AnneNovember 9, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Great review! I will definitely be reading this one. I can never get enough of Mr. Darcy.

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  3. bermudaonionNovember 9, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    That sounds like the perfect book for you. I think the cover is great too!

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  4. Julie Tucker-WolekNovember 9, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    What a great idea for a novel! I loveeeeeee it!! Sounds soooooooo FUN! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  5. JoAnnNovember 9, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Ha! This would be perfect for my oldest daughter... you've helped me with my Christmas gift list. Thanks, Staci.

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  6. JoanneNovember 9, 2011 at 8:21 AM

    Sounds way too much fun to pass up -- I'm off to add this one to my list! Thanks!

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  7. rhapsodyinbooksNovember 9, 2011 at 8:43 AM

    This sounds like it would be so much fun to do. How do these Jane Austen author-fans keep coming up with such great ideas?!!!

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  8. BlodeueddNovember 9, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Yes I totally want it :D
    I am hopelessly addicted, that I confess

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  9. AnnaNovember 9, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    I've been anxiously awaiting this review! So glad you enjoyed it. I really need to get started on it. I think I'd jump at the chance to have Mr. Darcy fall in love with me, too. ;)

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  10. KailanaNovember 9, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    I might just have to read this. I am getting a bit tired of all the Jane Austen fan fiction, but there are still a few that sound fun.

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  11. LindaNovember 9, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Sounds like a fun read. Great review!

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  12. Nise' November 9, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Another book going on my TBR list!

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  13. kayerjNovember 9, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    sounds fun :)

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  14. Beth(bookaholicmom)November 9, 2011 at 3:20 PM

    Now this sounds like very fun read. I love the reality shows so I think this may be a book I could have fun reading.

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  15. SerenaNovember 9, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    This book is on my wish list.

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  16. AnonymousNovember 9, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    P&P plus Survivor. I'm totally in!

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  17. RyanNovember 10, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    Against my better judgement this one almost sounds fun.

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  18. MargotNovember 10, 2011 at 1:34 AM

    Wow - 8.5/10? That means I'm going over to the library's website and check to see if it's there.

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  19. TeddyreeNovember 10, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    It does sound like fun, I'm still yet to read a P&P variant but your reviews and enjoyment just make me smile :)

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  20. HarveeNovember 10, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    This one has a fun plot, a little difrerent from the regular Austen spin offs.

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  21. DarleneNovember 11, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Oh, this sounds fantastic. I'd love to read this one. I'm really starting to get into all these spin off type books.

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  22. UnknownNovember 11, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    I do like the sounds of this book. Will keep an eye out for it.

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