Discover the Pride and Prejudice body-swap romance that has readers laughing in surprise and delight.For most, this is a glorious evening of music and dancing. But out in the garden two men are arguing, while a ferocious rainstorm swirls round. Then the unthinkable happens: a lightning bolt from heaven strikes. In that instant everything changes.Jane Austen’s heartthrob hero becomes the bumbling … heartthrob hero becomes the bumbling Reverend Collins. Shorn of his fortune, his social standing, and his good looks, Mr. Darcy is trapped in Mr. Collins’ body. And Mr. Collins wakes up to discover that he is master of Pemberley. Could there be anything worse?
But the inner man is still Darcy. He is in love with Elizabeth Bennet. And now he is living in her house.
If you enjoy a smart, sparkling Regency romp in the classic “Heyeresque” style, then you will love Laura Hile’s Darcy By Any Other Name.
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I very much enjoyed reading this P & P variation. A body swap between Darcy and Collins? Hilarious.
Reviewed: July 18, 2016
My Rating: 4.5*
Deliciously diverting! Try to imagine Mr. Darcy looking in a mirror and seeing the face and body of Mr. Collins! Horrifying and not something he chose to do very often. Now imagine Mr. Collins looking in a mirror and seeing the face and body of Mr. Darcy! Shocking indeed, but his reaction is completely different.
This book was so much fun with many laugh out loud moments but at the same time you are cringing inside as you see Elizabeth slowly changing her opinion. The angst of whether or not they would ever return to their own bodies was palpable. Then throw into the mix Lady Catherine’s presence at Netherfield and tangling with Caroline Bingley as they both try to gain control over Mr. Darcy (Collins inside). Anne de Bourgh arrives with the doctor and Wickham works his charms on the ladies and Mr. Collins (Darcy inside) is scrambling to set things to right.
This was a delight to read however, there were a few loose ends that I wished had been addressed; especially regarding the Bennet family.
The body swap no Darcy lover wanted to think about.
For every good thing, there is an equally bad one. For every lover, there is a fighter. For every hero, there is a villain – or at least a bumbling fool. What happens when one of classic literatures most beloved, and complex, heroes switches places with the antithesis of his characteristics? Chaos. Mayhem. Total Confusion.
What ever possessed Laura Hile to write Darcy By Any Other Name is beyond me. It can only come from one crazy, twisted imagination – and it is a joy to read. The level of creativity required to alter such a beloved character is something many are unable to tap into. Or at least don’t wish to even approach. Laura Hile on the other hand said, “Lets go there. Lets twist this proud man and this glutton like an orange on a juicer and see what comes out.” (No, she didn’t really say that, but that is the level of bravery it takes to do this.)
Throughout the story you get a deeper understanding of who Darcy really is. The reader gets to see his inner most thoughts and feel his pain‘s in a whole new way. A Pride and Prejudice aficionado may not appreciate the level of liberties Laura Hile took to create this body swap plot line. But I sure did. There wasn’t a detail she missed and just when I begin to question how she was going to bring it back around to the original context, she amaze me with how effortlessly she did just that.
I was unsure how well I would like this adaptation but found that I was entranced with “what will happen next” each night. “One more chapter” became my Moto each time I looked at the clock and saw The minute hand approaching midnight. Thank you, Laura Hile, for being brave enough to make this attempt and entertaining us all so magnificently that putting this book down becomes difficult.
*I was given a copy of this story from the publisher through CelebrateLit. My honest view of this story in entirely my own.
It can be difficult to find unique works based on Jane Austen’s novels. This one, however, has a premise unlike any other I have read, yet remains true to the original characters, further fleshing out both Darcy and Collins, giving the reader insight into their thought processes in this unusual situation.
Picking up at the Netherfield Ball in the original Pride and Prejudice, a storm somehow switches Darcy and Collins. They retain their own memories and sense of self, but their bodies are now the other’s. This leads to some interesting revelations for each character and a better understanding of the people in the worlds they now inhabit.
I really liked how the author grows and changes the characters. We do not see a lot of Elizabeth’s thought processes, but since readers are already familiar with her from the original novel, this is no problem. The real change is Darcy; his experiences when his looks and status are radically different create opportunities the original character never could have had.
Of course, the whole body-swap idea requires us to suspend disbelief, but if a reader is unsure whether the trip is worth it, I highly encourage reading this novel. I love how the author uses the idea of it being a miracle that God uses rather than some sort of occult happening, and the results to Darcy’s spiritual development are a nice addition to the story.
I would recommend this book for those who read and enjoyed Pride and Prejudice—it might be possible to read as a standalone, but I think it would be difficult to understand how the characters react and grow without knowing the originals. This book is well-written, engaging, thoughtful, and worth the time to read. Those who like fantastic tales without magical elements will be pleased, as I was, to find something wonderful within these pages.
I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Looking at this book as I began to read was very overwhelming at first. The book has over six hundred pages which I thought was going to be a very long story with unnecessary parts that could have been left out. I learned a lesson after a few pages. We all know the saying, “Never judge a book by its cover, ” which is what I had already done without opening the book.
I am happy to say I was wrong in my judgment and quickly turned page after page because the story is very well written. The characters become alive as the author breathes importance into each character with gifted words. I began to forget everything around me and was transported to a time where ballrooms where used to find a companion to dance with and perhaps get noticed by the well to do. The music played as the couples swayed with the beat.
Welcome to a story that is not what it seems. Two characters change bodies and off we go into a world where laughter, love and shenanigans abound. Have you ever said you wished you were more like so and so? In this story two characters will have the opportunity to see how the other is treated and what people think of them. It is a wonderful play on a Jane Austen book with characters that experience the ups and downs of the wealthy .
There are quite a few funny moments that are highlights in the book. The frustration of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins is an Oscar winning performance. The author delivers a tale where the unexpected is at every turn. Along the way the two men learn valuable lessons which change their outlook on life. Wealth plays a part in the story as the author shows the characters looking at life in a different way.
Love is in the air in this funny take on a classic novel. Who will end up with whom? Will Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins return to their own bodies? Get ready for an adventure that explores the transformation of two men as they realize what is really important in life. Oh how I loved the devotion Darcy had for Elizabeth. But does Elizabeth like Darcy or Mr. Collins? The twists are a treat and the author delivers a powerful story of what ifs. I enjoyed the story and needless to say, the book never felt long like my first reaction was. It does move at a good pace and you quickly immerse yourself in hoping for happiness as love is sprinkled among the characters.
I received a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Darcy by any other name
Darcy by any other name is a book I really enjoyed. After a lightning strike hits Mr. Darcy he becomes trapped in Collins body. Really a fun story with their roles being reversed. I loved all the conversations between the characters.
This is a book over 600 pages. I don’t usually read a book with that many pages. But it was a fast reading book, very well written. It would take a lot of time and work for the author to write a book that large. Also would take a lot research being a historical and about characters that has been written so much about.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
What I think you should know:
Darcy By Any Other Name is an imaginative retelling of Pride and Prejudice. Laura Hile, the author has created a story in which a freak accident causes Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins to switch bodies. Even though the author took creative liberties she stayed true to many parts from the original story.
What I enjoyed about this book:
While I admit that it has been several years since I read the original I the gist of the story sticks with you. I was intrigued to see what changes the author would make to the story, Who would Elizabeth love in this story, would the men stay switched, and how in the world would it end. I must say I was happily surprised with the story and the twists that the author made. I would not recommend this to an Austen purist, but if you are ok with artistic changes this would be a fun read for you.
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Author Laura Hile has penned an interesting version of Pride and Prejudice in Darcy by Any Other Name. This Christian Regency Romance novel is exceptionally written. It captured my attention and had me turning pages wanting to see what would happen next.
I enjoyed the author’s writing style. Her prose was easy to read and flowed smoothly. Twists made the story riveting. Descriptive writing took me back in time and over to England where I made many new friends.
The characters were spot on. Very like their Pride and Prejudice predecessors they were well rounded, complete with flaws. Some were downright eccentric.
The author has a brilliant imagination to produce this whimsical tale. It easily could be a Hallmark movie. Due to an accident Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins exchange bodies. Let the chaos begin!
The switch was done exemplary and made for a fascinating tale. I kept wanting to skip to the end to see how or if they switched back. My interest was piqued and held steady throughout this extraordinary book.
Whether you are a tried and true P&P fan or a never before read it person, this book will delight and amuse you. You will find history, life lessons, faith, inspiration, prejudice, greed, and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Anyone will enjoy this treasure.
I highly recommend this book. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
This was an interesting story. This starts with a lightening strike. And 2 men getting hurt. I won’t say what happens next so I don’t ruin the story. It is enjoyable. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Having heard the saying, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” made me interested in reading this book. Plus, I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them. So as I began reading this book, I had an idea of what to expect. Mr. Darcy was about to become someone else. The idea of Mr. Darcy changing into Reverend Collins and vice-versa I was sure would prove to be an interesting story.
I appreciated how Mr. Darcy trapped in Reverend Collins’ body found himself in Elizabeth’s home, but how he would capture her heart and how the two men would find themselves back in their own bodies, I was sure would be quite the tale.
As with the other books by this author, I found myself unable to put the book down. So if you like historical fiction with a twist, check out this book for yourself. It is definitely worth reading.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
My Thoughts on Darcy By Any Other Name :
Darcy By Any Other Name is a fun story. I’d never really thought about what would have happened if Jane didn’t fall for Darcy. I mean, thats just the way it’s got to be. She falls for him, he becomes less aloof with her and boom it’s powerful love and what dreams are made of.
But what if Darcy wasn’t Darcy? What if Darcy was really Collins and vice versa? That’s the premise of this book and it makes for loads of laughter!
Can Darcy’s mind and heart be enough to sway Jane to him even when he’s in Collins body? With no wealth or fortune or power?
What about Collins? Can he command people when he’s in Darcy’s body or is he going to be the same sniveling brown noser we all love to hate?
I loved this book. It’s a great read. Captivating. You can’t stop reading. It’s like watching a trainwreck. You might want to look away but you can’t because you have to see how this will play out.
Not that this book is a trainwreck. It’s amazing!
I’m going to be searching out some more of Laura Hile’s books as it seems she’s making a name for herself rewriting stories with some of the regency best. I’ve always been a huge Jane Austen fan and love getting a different peek at her characters though nothing will ever overtake my love of the original book.
If you love Jane Austen and her characters definitely give this book a read and let me know what you think!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
What do you get when you mix Freaky Friday with Jane Austen? Why, Darcy By Any Other Name, of course! A delightful, well-written, well-edited, and creative story that had me reading chapter after chapter, even while cooking and when I should have been doing other things. 😉
I still can’t get over the original idea of switching Mr. Darcy’s and Mr. Collins’ bodies! The romance, the secondary characters, and the changes to Jane Austen’s masterpiece all worked. Normally I don’t usually like messing around with Austen’s universes, but this was superbly done!
The only four things I didn’t like were 1) the overuse of nursery rhymes and songs from that time period (it felt like the author was just showing off her research); 2) a slight amount of steaminess that I can’t quite condone; 3) the insinuation that to add any cream or sugar in coffee amounts to over-indulgence and gluttony; 4) the use of the Epilogue. This is a pet peeve of mine. The epilogue was actually the real resolution. The last chapter ended way too quickly. Only the last sentence could be considered resolution. The epilogue was a necessary part of the book and should be a regular chapter.
But other than these minor things, I absolutely adored it!
Favorite quotes:
Chapter 7, Location 1080: “Hill sat down on the end of the bed, and Darcy heard her give a long sigh. ‘Something’s not right,’ she said at last. ‘I feel it in my bones. The Mistress, bless her, has no notion of what’s what, and the Master indulges the girls.’” I thought it highly interesting to give such perception to a character who has nary a speaking line in the original Austen.
Chapter 19, Location 3560: “It was all Darcy could do not to skip and cavort. For he was limed, a ready prisoner to Elizabeth’s blushing admiration. And glory be, the roads were yet impassible.”
Chapter 20, Location 3687: “He gave her hand a squeeze. ‘Poor and content is rich, and rich enough.’ Shakespeare, Darcy realized, was quite a wise fellow.”
Chapter 43, Location 7128: “His voice was surprisingly compassionate, and somehow this was familiar. But that could not be right. Mr. Darcy was never kind.”
Chapter 48, Location 7954: “’Your job as best man,’ he added, ‘is to keep Mr. Collins standing upright.’ ‘May the best man win,’ murmured Darcy, before he could stop himself. Collins gave him a dark look.”
(I received this book for free. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.)
Darcy By Any Other Name is the first book I have read by Laura Hile. I thought it was interesting how she was able to bring a twist to the classic by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. It was quite unique to read a book of “body swapping”. Especially, of a beloved character. The author does a great job of making it believable. I found this concept to be fun and delightful. I have to admit I had a few laughs throughout the book. I enjoyed the lessons learned at the end. Lessons that we all can learn from.
Darcy By Any Other Name is getting four stars from me. I would love to read more by Miss Hile in the future. I recommend this one for fans of Jane Austen. I believe they would appreciate this intriguing retelling of Pride and Prejudice. It is a good, clean and fun read.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
‘Walk a mile in their shoes’
This review contains SPOILERS.
There are several variations of the above saying. Whether it’s you’re understanding of another person’s experiences, or not judging a man, or truly knowing someone…until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. The expression is still the same. You have walked a mile in their circumstances…as them. That is the premise of this P&P variation.
First: I LOVE the book cover… it is most excellent, beautifully done. Next, I just want to say I was hesitant in reading this as I had not read this author before and the premise was a bit strange. I couldn’t imagine P&P as a Freaky Friday type of story. It just didn’t set well with me. I turned to the reviews and studied those that I know and read, depended on and trust… those that I rely on to tell me the truth, and decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did.
In the beginning:
Darcy was over-the-top awful, prideful, arrogant, disdainful and couldn’t wait to get out of the area and take Bingley with him in order to separate him from the awful Bennet family. At the Netherfield Ball, every sense he possessed had been assaulted beyond bearing and he simply couldn’t take it anymore. He finally stepped outside for a breath of fresh air in order to avoid that annoying parson, Mr. Collins.
Collins was this awful toad that made himself and his relations ridiculous. He embarrassed Elizabeth to the ninth degree with his lack of dancing skills and imprudent manners. The clueless sycophant shamelessly followed Mr. Darcy outside and continued to impose himself on him as a storm approached.
They were standing under the arch to a stone Folly when lightning struck and they were both knocked unconscious. Mr. Darcy was taken into Netherfield and Mr. Collins was moved to Longbourn. Each awoke days later with a shocking realization that they had switched bodies. Mr. Collins was now in Mr. Darcy’s body and Mr. Darcy was in Mr. Collins’ body. Heaven help them.
This story is about second chances. The opportunity to see that the grass is not always greener on the other side. The chance to see life through the eyes of others, in different circumstances and perspectives. To notice the servants and how they are treated when no one is watching. To watch those around them [Darcy watching Longbourn and Collins watching Netherfield], and how the occupants conduct themselves. And lastly, the opportunity to be happy in the skin they wore. I really liked how Laura Hile managed to pull understanding out of the chaos of emotions as these men adapted to their new circumstances.
Darcy was humbled as he was forced to experience life as William Collins. The deference he had always been given, and unquestionably expected, was no longer his. He noted the changes in the way that people looked at him, over him, through him, or chose to not look at him at all. He was nothing and no one of consequence. He no longer had the means to command a carriage whenever he wanted, so he was forced to walk in all manner of conditions [rain, freezing temperatures, sleet, snow, fog, etc.], and in clothing not appropriate for the season. Even Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who prided herself on her thoughtfulness, often overlooked his needs and comforts. He was only her parson, after all; no one of consequence.
As Darcy struggled with his situation, he sought a higher power in his understanding of what had happened and what it meant to him. It wasn’t so much a crisis of faith as it was a crisis of personality. He studied the scriptures etched in the Folly and looked up others in the Bible related to pride. His epiphany was profound and suddenly the feelings of others became important to him as he saw the world through new eyes. He was a changed man.
Collins, down the road at Netherfield, awoke as Fitzwilliam Darcy, master of Pemberley, Derbyshire. When Darcy was able to get to him and explain what he thought had happened to them, there was a new realization for Collins. He was now situated in Darcy’s fit handsome body, wealthy beyond reason, wearing warm, comfortable clothing, was staying in the best appointed guest room, had access to finer things like expensive liquor, cigars, all the fine food he wanted, and enough servants available to answer his every need. Yes, he was beginning to enjoy the good life, especially all the attention he was receiving from one Caroline Bingley. He certainly was enjoying her fawning all over him.
But as a gently breeze can quickly turn into a blinding gale, Collins soon found that, as Darcy, his position in society and the expectations for his time were beginning to creep into his comforts. Obligations and demands began to confuse and muddle his thinking. Lady Catherine showed up and was demanding that he marry her daughter Anne. Caroline Bingley was strongly suggesting that they all leave immediately for London where he could attempt a political career. When she realized he was confused and addled, she offered instead to marry him and then travel to Pemberley where she could care for him as he recovered from his injuries. Her descriptions of the size and grandeur of Pemberley were daunting and a bit frightening. On top of all that, Collins quaked when Bingley and others expected him to ride a horse [which he was deathly afraid of]. It was simply too much.
Colonel Fitzwilliam showed up as a result of Darcy sending him a letter. He was no help at all and I didn’t like him. In fact, he was so horrified that he left right away in order to seek a specialist. He was convinced that both Darcy and Collins were mad. Lady Catherine was in agreement and insisted on a special license so Darcy could marry Anne regardless of whether he was mad or not. Her intentions were to take him back to Rosings. Collins, as Darcy, blanched at the notion. He didn’t want to marry Anne, and he certainly didn’t want to live at Rosings. Anne was having no part of it as she was in love with another.
When the unthinkable happened at Longbourn, Collins soon realized, that as the heir, he could live the simple life of a gentleman on the smaller more manageable Longbourn Estate. He would never again have to live under the thumb and condescension of Lady Catherine. Nor, he rejoiced, would he have to deal with Caroline Bingley [he didn’t care for her controlling manner, and her sharp, shrewish tongue]. He certainly didn’t want a political career [Parliament, House of Lords or anything else], and he could forget about Pemberley and all of its responsibilities. Plus, he giggled, he would have the beautiful Elizabeth Bennet by his side as wife. Suddenly, he no longer wanted all the stresses and demands of being Mr. Darcy.
Intrigues, drama, filial rebellion, attempted elopements, Wickham’s machinations, Mary attempting to catch the eye of Mr. Collins [or Mr. Darcy], the Jane and Bingley courtship, Lydia’s and Kitty’s friendship with Anne de Bourgh as they introduced her to the officers, was exciting and very entertaining.
***SPOILER*** [ The resolution was quick as a lightning strike and was instantaneous. When Mr. Collins found himself back in his parson’s body, he danced about happy to be himself again. The gut wrenching part was the restored Darcy watching Elizabeth walk away on the arm of a smirking Collins.
It was heart breaking to see Collins scheme to keep Darcy away from Elizabeth. He read and then burned the letter from Darcy that explained what happened at the Folly and of his being in love with her. Collins didn’t want her to realize that he was his loathsome self again. He remembered how she felt about him before the accident and that she was actually in love with Darcy and not him. He even sent for a special license so he could marry her immediately, before she realized who he was… or wasn’t. ] **** End Spoiler ****
The HEA was taken right down to the wire. I was really worried.
There were a few editing problems/errors: missing words, or left out words, a few confusing sentences, also was it Colonel Forster or Foster, also both theatre and theater were on the same page.
There were several threads left dangling. The epilogue was short; however, it didn’t answer any of my questions… such as what happened to Caroline, Anne de Bourgh, Wickham, and the Bennet women?