Wednesday, April 10, 2013

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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25 comments:

  1. Ooh, I am surprised you liked Lady H. I am never fond of anybody who deliberately sets out to break up a marriage and I felt she was let off Scott free with her behaviour. I liked the fact that Darcy was completely oblivious to it though! I know what you mean re. E, I felt she might have been a bit more feisty in this situation but this E tended towards being sulky or despondent at those times. I still enjoyed it though, very entertaining.

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    1. I was surprised I ended up liking her too, Ceri! Shocked, in fact! I despised her for the same reasons you did. I can definitely see how you feel she got off scot free. I guess I was amused at the just desserts she received at the end as a result of her duplicity and am looking forward to reading more of her story.
      Thanks so much for stopping by, Ceri! :)

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  2. I read the first book some time ago and the sequel wasn't out yet. I forgot to go back and check on it. It sounds great. I'm not big on unnecessary angst so I'm glad you brought that up in your review. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. Don't you hate when that happens, Sophia Rose? By the time you realize the next book is out, you have an even larger pile of TBR books and need to fit the sequel in somewhere. ;) I hope you enjoy the book! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  3. Great review, Jakki! Like Sophia Rose, I read the first book long ago. I do remember liking it a lot. Now, not only do I want to read this one, but I want to go back and read the first again!

    Thanks for a chance to win a copy!

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    1. That's exactly what I did, Candy. I read THHC when it was posted online a couple years ago. I recently reread THHC so it would be fresh in my mind when I read WHWND. So glad I did; I am enjoying this series. Good luck in the giveaway.

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  4. I have this one, and THHC (so no need to enter the giveaway) and I'm ashamed to think how long they've been waiting for me to read them. There are just not enough reading hours in the day! I think I'll like to see the thwarting of Lady H! Lady C would hate Her Royal Highness the Queen if she were after Darcy lol.

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    1. I think we all have books that have been sitting there for some time waiting for us to pick them up, Monica. You should see my book shelf! ;)
      You are correct about Lady C.! You will just have to read them to find out more! *wicked grin*

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  5. I haven't read either of these books by P O Dixon, although I have read several others. I loved 'He Taught Me To Hope'. (both books) I also enjoyed 'Bewitched, Body and Soul'. Your review was very good so now I will add these to my long TBR list! :) Thanks for such an informative review, Jakki!

    Thank you also for the giveaway opportunity.

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    1. Hi Janet! I *loved* He Taught Me To Hope! What a great book! I hope you find time to read this series and enjoy them as much as Dixon's other books. :) Good luck in the giveaway!

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  6. This one sounds so interesting, Jakki! I love original characters, they really make P&P sequels so much fun when you have someone new step in. Lady Harriette sounds like she stirs the pot a little.

    Must say, it is so nice to read one of your great reviews again! ;)

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    1. Me, too, Meredith! I just love it when authors incorporate original characters and then further develop them. I think it adds something to the story too.
      Thanks for the kind words! It was refreshing to write a new review. :)

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  7. definitely added to my WishList!!
    thank you for the giveaway!!!

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    1. Hi Cynthia! Thanks for stopping by and good luck in the giveaway! =)

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  8. This is also on my wish to read list. I have greatly enjoyed her other books so I am certain this will not be any different.

    I do hate to see Darcy and Elizabeth at odds but then a novel always needs that extra drama and excitement to move it along!

    Cant wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. I hope you get to read this, Carol. It is no fun seeing our dear couple at odds, but you are right; the excitement can help move the story along. I did like the their troubles were no where near as bad as I thought they would be. Good luck in the giveaway! :)

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  9. I love the novels that takes place after the end of Pride and Prejudice.

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    1. Then I hope you enjoy this one, BookLuver! Thanks for stopping by! =)

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  10. Lady Harriette is an interesting character that I would like to get to know her better. Hope I will get the chance to read the book.

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    1. i hope you get a chance to read the book too, Sylvia! Good luck in the giveaway. =)

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  11. I read Bewitched, Body and Soul and really enjoyed it so it would be great if I could get this one.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Michelle. I hop you enjoy What He Would Not Do as much as you enjoyed BBS! Best of luck in the giveaway! :)

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  12. I've loved all your books. I'm sure this one will be no different!

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    1. Thanks, Bonnie! It is always a pleasure hearing that my books are enjoyed.

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    2. Hi, Bonnie! So glad I am in good company with enjoying all of Dixon's books. :) Good luck in the giveaway! :)

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