Monday 23 February 2015

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 BrothersTo 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



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/)
  
Individual Links

Monica Fairview
Twitter: @Monica_Fairview

Maria Grace
Blog: Random Bits of Fascination (http://RandomBitsofFascination.com)
Blog: English Historical Fiction Authors (http://EnglshHistoryAuthors.blogspot.com)
Twitter: @WriteMariaGrace

Cassandra Grafton
Twitter: @CassGrafton

Susan Mason-Milks
Twitter: @susanmasonmilks

Abigail Reynolds
Twitter: @abigailreynolds


28 comments:

Cass Grafton said...

Thank you for hosting Theo on his tour, Maria Grazia!

We really enjoyed responding to your question! Good luck to your readers in the Giveaway!

Cassandra

Pam Hunter said...

Yay! Another chance to win! I'd love to be lucky enough to win this book. :-)

Thanks for the excerpt and for the giveaway!

Abigail Reynolds said...

Thanks for hosting us and Theo, Maria Grazia! I hope you enjoy him as much as we do.

Susan Mason-Milks said...

Thanks for hosting this excerpt! Hope everyone enjoys Theo.

Vesper said...

I wonder Theo how close do you come to falling for Elizabeth, or do you immediately recognise Fitzwilliams feeling and withdraw?

Anonymous said...

To Theo: What advice would you give your sister, Georgianna concerning your older brother?

Shirley said...

Thanks for the tour. I can't wait to read about the other Mr Darcy.

Monica Fairview said...

Thank you for this lovely opportunity to appear on your blog, Maria!Theo wants you to know that he is honored that you are receiving him.

Monica Fairview said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Wow. I really am behind. I had no idea this was available. I don't believe I've read a book with darcy having a brother in this light. Hmm. Fascinating. I'd love to read this.

Patty said...

Enjoyed reading and following Theo's blog.

ColleenL said...

Hey Theo... I missed the story when it was being posted on AA, but did pick up a bar of soap for my hubby inspired by you at ShirleysHandicrafts Etsy shop. I get to enjoy a wiff of Theo every morning in the shower... as odd as that sounds. Thanks for the giveaway chance, I'm really looking forward to reading about you and your hunky big brother, hopefully sometime soon :)

schilds said...

How were you able to write your parts of the story and have the whole story flow so well? I never would have known that there was more than one author. Thanks for the giveaway.

junewilliams7 said...

Oh, you naughty ladies, leaving us on that cliffhanger! XD

I was a bit surprised that not one of you ladies chose Theo. You invented him, shaped his character, molded his personality... so shouldn't he be your ideal man in some ways? <3

Fitzwilliam Darcy lhas that magic touch!

Anonymous said...

Oh, how we await thy presence, sirs! We are much prepared for your impending arrival within the fortnight!

Sonja said...

Love this kind of book. I really hope to have a chance to win this! Thanks for this interview. I am happy I signed up for your blog!

TLeighF said...

I agree with June that it is surprising not one of you picked Theo, especially since several of you have publicly said you're in love with him :). I am loving the book tour and learning so much. I can tell from the excerpts that there are several changes to the story from the original and I am excited to read the enhanced version.

Danielle said...

I can't wait to read this book, I have been hearing a lot of great things about it.

How hard was it to have multiple writers working on it? Or was it easier?

Danielle

Lúthien84 said...

What a suspenseful way to end the excerpt. Although I followed the story when it was posted on AuAu, I almost forgot what happened next. Would love to win the e-book. Thank you for the generous offer.

Cass Grafton said...

June and TLeighF, we may all love Theo, but that does not necessarily make him a good match for us as individuals! ;) I think he would be the boyfriend you had a great time with but not necessarily the one you decide is best as your partner in life!

Danielle and schilds, for me it was a lot of fun to work with other writers, especially such a talented group! The ideas flew thick and fast (no matter which way the readers sent us!), and creating Theo as a team was a lot of fun, as was watching how he evolved on the page as the story progressed. I did prefer working on combined chapters rather than when we had a chapter to ourselves because it gave the chance to work one on one with each author in turn as well. I think this also helped to blend our 'voices'.

Elillie, Theo is wiser than he is sometimes given credit for and you will see in the book how and when he is able to advise his sister. Georgiana does, of course, also turn to her other guardian, the Colonel, in times of need.

Vesper, Theo thanks you for your question but says he cannot answer your it fully, as it would reveal what happens in his story! ;) He does admit, however, to finding Miss Elizabeth Bennet both charming and attractive!

Thank you for all the questions! Good luck in the draw to win a copy of the book!

vicjbr said...

I would love to win this! mrsbrinius@comcast.net

Deborah Ann said...

I can't wait to read this. hanks for the insight Cassandra. Please do not enter me in the give away as I already have the ebook.

Dung said...

What a great excerpt and such a cliffhanger! Looking forward to reading this novel. Thank you for the giveaway!

cyn209 said...

i'll always be partial to Fitzwilliam!!!

what a great concept; cannot wait to read this!!!

cyn209 at juno dot com

BeckyC said...

Love the excerpt. Once you meet Theo, you can't help but love him. But I think I am with the majority and it will always be Fitzwilliam. Thank you for the giveaway.

Monica Fairview said...

Dung Vu -- thank you for your support throughout the tour!

cyn209 and BeckyC -- I'm with you. Theo is adorable but of course we're all in it for Fitzwilliam!

Maria said...

Thank you ladies for the excerpt! I'm so happy that you all worked together to give us readers such a wonderful gift!

Melody said...

How fun, another Darcy man!