NOW MR DARCY HAS A HANDSOME YOUNGER BROTHER ... THE DARCY BROTHERS - BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY

Are you as curious as I am to discover more about Theo Darcy, Fitzwilliam's brother?  Theo Darcy is everything his disapproving elder brother, Fitzwilliam, is not – easy-going, charming, and full of fun. A tragic event as children severed their bond of friendship, but now they are together again. They are still at odds, though, this time over the love of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and the truth about George Wickham. Will Wickham manage to divide the brothers again? And more importantly, which Mr. Darcy will Elizabeth choose? 

Find out as the two brothers lock horns in this unique Pride & Prejudice variation collectively written by five respected authors: Maria Grace, Abigail Reynolds, Cassandra Grafton, Susan Mason-Milks and Monica Fairview.

The Darcy Brothers was first conceived as an interactive group writing project and has developed into a full-length novel featuring the charismatic Theo Darcy. 

I've asked the 5 Austen-authors to answer the same question and here are their answers + an excerpt from their brilliant new book and a giveaway contest. My question is:

If you were Elizabeth, who would you choose? Theo or Fitzwilliam Darcy? 

Maria Grace: There’s no question, I would choose Darcy.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the character of Theo. He is so much fun. But he would be perfect for my sister, not for me. I’m far too serious and straight-laced for a fun loving man like Theo. I would probably bore him to death. But I’d love him for a brother-in-law.

Abigail Reynolds: I think Elizabeth couldn’t go wrong with either of them, even though they’re very different. She’d enjoy being part of Theo’s life in London, and like Darcy, he’s very honorable, yet also social. It’s just possible she might be happier on a day to day basis with Theo, but she might not feel as fulfilled as with Darcy.

Cassandra Grafton: Darcy for me! He’s a much better match for my personality. Like Maria Grace, I think Theo would be a great brother-in-law but he wouldn’t be what I was looking for in a husband. I’m also too much of an introvert to appeal to Theo, so to be honest, I’m not sure he would put himself up as a rival to Darcy if I were Elizabeth!

Susan Mason-Milks : Long term, Darcy’s the guy for me. I agree with Maria Grace - I’d love having Theo as a brother-in-law. He’d certainly make family dinners and holidays more interesting, but on a day-to-day basis, I think I’d fit better with Darcy.

Monica Fairview: I think Theo is not quite ready to settle down yet, so there would be some tempestuous moments between them if Elizabeth were to choose Theo. He would certainly challenge her lively spirits. However, her influence on him would not be quite as profound. I do think Darcy, in the long run, is a better match for her because he appreciates her in a much more complex way.

AUTHOR BIOS 

In addition to their collaborative effort in The Darcy Brothers, Monica Fairview, Maria Grace, Cassandra Grafton, Susan Mason-Milks and Abigail Reynolds between them have published over two dozen Austen-inspired books, including national bestsellers.

Monica Fairview (Mr. Darcy’s Pledge) holds down the fort for the team in London while Abigail Reynolds (Alone with Mr. Darcy) supplies cute cat pictures from Cape Cod, Susan Mason-Milks (Mr. Darcy’s Proposal) inspires with views of the Seattle skyline, Maria Grace (Remember the Past) frolics in the Texas bluebells, and British expat Cassandra Grafton (A Fair Prospect) has the critical responsibility of keeping the team supplied with much-needed chocolate from her home in Switzerland.

Look for them at the Jane Austen Variations group blog (www.austenvariations.com) where they are all founding members. 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS 

Win Two eBook copies of The Darcy Brothers! To enter the giveaway contest, simply leave a comment or ask Theo or the authors a question.

You can increase your chances of winning by visiting multiple stops along the tour! Unique guest posts will be featured on a variety of subjects, along with fun interviews with Theo Darcy and, if he can be persuaded, his brother, excerpts, and supplementary material such as letters from Theo to his friends and family.

   

BOOK BUY LINKS

The Darcy Brothers 

Amazon  B&N  

Nook Kobo

Excerpt from Chapter Eight of The Darcy Brothers

The three gentlemen walked for some distance at a gentle pace along the path toward the small copse of trees bordered by the stream. Conversation was sporadic as they all took enjoyment from the fine weather and the opportunity for exercise.

Allowing Theo to set the pace, Darcy and the Colonel let him walk on ahead for a while, his enjoyment in his release from Rosings apparent in his face and his step.

“Darcy.” The Colonel slowed his pace and spoke quietly. “You do realize, I trust, Aunt Catherine wishes to draw up the settlement.”

With a sigh, Darcy nodded. “Aunt Catherine wishes to draw up the settlement every time we visit. I have no intention of permitting her any such license.”

“And one day, you will have to tell her this!” The Colonel hesitated. “What of our cousin? Now the Anne of our youth returns to us… will it alter your intentions?”

“Not now, Richard.” Darcy nodded toward Theo who had stopped just ahead of them. “Naught has changed with me, and I doubt very much Anne is that way inclined either. She certainly never was.”

“Yet she is now eight and twenty—and I suspect seeking a life free of the shackles of Rosings.”

“But not with me,” Darcy muttered as they reached his brother.

“How I relish being outdoors once more!” Theo held his face up to the sun, removing his hat and closing his eyes.

“You had best heed the dangers of walking blindfold outside, Cousin, else you will end up getting wet!”

Theo did as he was bid with a laugh, duly noting the stream as he replaced his hat, and they made their way under the boughs of the first trees. They had gone but a few paces further when the Colonel, who now led the way, stopped.

“There is someone up ahead.”

Darcy looked up quickly; he had hoped their paths might cross with the ladies at some point, but he was to be disappointed.

Theo narrowed his gaze and followed the direction of his cousin’s hand. “Oh, it is just Watling.”

“The old gamekeeper? Hah! So it is,” laughed the Colonel. “I forgot he was still retained despite his near blindness! He is well removed from the shoot!”

Darcy frowned. “He must have lost his way, though it is probably best for Farrell and his guns that he has.”

“I say, Watling!” The Colonel stepped forward to greet the elderly man, who turned in the direction of the voice hailing him.

“Is that you ag’in, Ma’am?”

Theo burst out laughing. “You must have need of changing your cologne, Richard!”

“Good morning, Watling,” Darcy said formally as he joined them, ignoring the rolling of Theo’s eyes. “You are not shooting, I trust, without your young assistant’s aid?”

The old retainer squinted up at Darcy, then shook his head. “No, no, no—not I, Sir.” He waved his shotgun in the air. “Stray pheasants seen down yonder.” He pointed into the undergrowth ahead. “Them poachers will be at ‘em if someone don’ track ‘em down. Just tryin’ to rouse ‘em.”

“Good. Well, we will leave you to your duty.” They took their leave and returned to the path, soon entering a small clearing.

Though he knew his brother would not wish to own it, Darcy could detect some weariness in Theo’s gait now and, reluctant though he was to end their foray into the park, he did not wish his brother to face a setback.

“We have come sufficient distance for today, Theo. Let us turn back.”

Theo raised a hand. “Wait! I recognize this spot!” He turned to face Darcy and the Colonel. “This is where I first encountered the delightful Miss Bennet!”

Darcy’s interest was caught as Theo continued. “Yes—see there.” He pointed across the stream. “Those very branches caught her bonnet after it sailed through the air.”

Theo removed his hat with a flourish. “Shall I see if I can snare my own in such a manner? We shall have some fine sport retrieving it!”

Before Darcy could protest, Theo had flicked his wrist and tossed the hat skywards. It did not gain much height, but before it had chance to secure a perch or return to its master’s hand, a loud bang shattered the peace of the day, and the hat fell to the ground and rolled towards his cousin.

Laughing loudly, the Colonel stooped and retrieved the hat, now sporting a hole in its brim.

“Watling must have mistaken it for some sport! He will not make much of a meal from it!”

Theo found this highly amusing, and taking the hat from his cousin, he inspected the damage. “His aim is not half bad for one with such poor vision! He must have been a crack shot in his youth!” He held the hat out, ready to swing it skywards once more.

“Theo, no!” Darcy’s warning tone drew his brother’s attention. “Do not be so foolhardy. The man is a liability, even if the bullets are blanks.”

With a challenging look in his direction, Theo tossed his hat a second time, but with little regard for his recent injury. All of a sudden, three things happened in rapid succession: a shot rang out close by, Theo let out a yelp of pain and a lady screamed.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS 

Austen Variations: (http://AustenVariations.com)

White Soup Press (  (http://whitesouppress.com/)

 Theo is at  http://thedarcybrothers.com

  

Individual Links

Monica Fairview

Website: www.monicafairview.com

Blog: www.monicafairview.blogspot.co.uk

Twitter: @Monica_Fairview

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/monica.fairview

Pinterest: http://uk.pinterest.com/mfairview/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1399009.Monica_Fairview?from_search=true

Maria Grace

Blog: Random Bits of Fascination (http://RandomBitsofFascination.com)

Blog: English Historical Fiction Authors (http://EnglshHistoryAuthors.blogspot.com)

Twitter: @WriteMariaGrace

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorMariaGrace 

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mariagrace423/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/873801.Maria_Grace?from_search=true

Cassandra Grafton

Web site: http://cassandragrafton.com

Twitter: @CassGrafton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassie.grafton

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cassandragrafto/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7008798.Cassandra_Grafton?from_search=true

Susan Mason-Milks

Web site: www.austen-whatif-stories.com

Twitter: @susanmasonmilks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masonmilks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/susanmasonmilks/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5228893.Susan_Mason_Milks?from_search=true

Abigail Reynolds

Web site: www.pemberleyvariations.com

Twitter: @abigailreynolds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigail.reynolds1

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/abigailreynolds/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/559634.Abigail_Reynolds?from_search=true