Review: What He Would Not Do by P O Dixon + Giveaway

Join Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy in this provocative Austenesque sequel to To Have His Cake (And Eat It Too). With the honeymoon over and real life pressing in, the Darcys must navigate the labyrinth of societal dictates and overcome long-held tenets.

As both the Fitzwilliam and Bennet families descend upon Pemberley for the Christmas season, the newlyweds come face to face with the stark reality of their disparate stations in Society. Experiencing her first season in town as Mrs. Darcy, can Elizabeth transcend her upbringing and prove to all, especially those censuring eyes amongst the ton, that she is truly worthy of bearing the name of Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy? When his clandestine past is made known, can Darcy convince Elizabeth she is his one and only love? And what about those set on destroying their marriage? Lady Catherine is determined to separate the newlyweds, allowing the door to open for Anne to take her rightful place. And Lady Harriette, who has had her sights set on Darcy for some years now, will not be dissuaded. Will Lady Catherine or Lady Harriette’s plan succeed, or will true love prevail?

In this story, Elizabeth faces multiple struggles:  her misgivings about her sister Jane’s cozy friendship with Colonel Fitzwilliam, the colonel’s influential relationship with Darcy, her insecurities concerning Darcy’s past, and Lady Catherine’s heavy-handed ways. Elizabeth’s struggles, both internal and external, heightened the story’s conflict. However, there were times when I became frustrated with Elizabeth’s doubts and diffidence and wanted her to overcome those obstacles already.

Even amidst Elizabeth’s uncertainties, Darcy is as dedicated and smitten as ever, and their passion connects them on an even deeper level. Darcy possesses an insatiable desire for Elizabeth, which would seem natural for any newlywed; however, I began to wonder if that is all Darcy thinks about.

In addition to some hot romance, I fancy a good formidable character. Dixon gives readers that with the feisty, cunning, and unconventional Lady Harriette. I enjoy it when a female engages in unladylike pursuits such as fencing and billiards. Add to that the result of her conniving actions and duplicity and I was, surprisingly, liking Lady Harriette, and I look forward to reading more of her story.

With so many questions and so much interference and uncertainty, one would think this book is laden with angst. That was my reservation about reading this. However, that was not the case. I found this story to contain the right amount of tension to drive the plot and maintain the reader’s interest. Like the other books by P O Dixon I have read, What He Would Not Do has a sweet ending that left my thirst for a happily ever after quenched.

Even though I am generally not a huge fan of Austenesque sequels, I decided to give What He Would Not Do a try and was not disappointed. While it is a sequel to To Have His Cake, it can be read as a stand-alone novel.

***GIVEAWAY TIME***

Want a chance to win a copy of What He Would Not Do? P O Dixon is kindly giving away ONE copy to one random commenter: ebook for an international winner or a signed paperback if the winner is a US resident.

TO ENTER, simply leave a comment on this review and fill out the Rafflecopter form!
Contest ends Wednesday, April 17! Good Luck!

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