Feb 3, 2009

Mr. & Mrs. Darcy: Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan

I would like to thank Danielle at Sourcebooks for sending me Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan, which is now available in select Target stores and will be released everywhere else in March.

Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy is a scintillating novel that will have readers blushing right alongside Elizabeth Darcy as she and her husband embark upon the rest of their lives as a married couple. Mrs. Darcy gets acclimated to life as Mistress of Pemberley, while her husband relishes his wife's attentions and delights in helping her fit into his world without losing the passionate and independent woman he loves.

"Darcy attacked the superb provisions with relish and Elizabeth was not too far behind. They had fun with the process: feeding each other morsels, licking and sucking each other's fingers, kissing honey-smeared lips. Eventually even Darcy's appetite was quenched, and with a satisfied sigh, he reclined on an enormous pillow. Elizabeth leaned against his bent knee and gazed dreamily into the fire. Neither spoke." (Page 37)


This novel provides an look at the intimacy this classic couple shares behind closed doors and away from society's prying eyes. Readers will begin to feel like voyeurs as they become drawn into Pemberley's world and the coupling of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy. In the background hovers the ominous presence of Lady Catherine and the rumors she spread about Elizabeth Darcy and her future, detrimental affect on Pemberley and the Darcy name. The word play between these two characters continues and is a delight. It's fantastic to see Col. Fitzwilliam return as well and inject his wit as well.

"Darcy greeted his cousin heartily. 'Darcy, old man, you are positively beaming! Married life surely agrees with you,' Col. Fitzwilliam decreed.

'More than I could possibly verbalize, cousin. Someday you must give up your reckless bachelor ways and discover the joys of matrimony.'


Richard shuddered. 'Not too hasty, Darcy, not too hasty. Mrs. Darcy, if I may be so bold, you are radiant. Shocked I am, to tell the truth,' he said, with a sly glance at Darcy. 'Personally, I thought you would be weary of this old codger by now!'" (Page 147)


Readers will find this romance novel stays true to the original Austen characters and develops their relationship more fully within the bounds of matrimony and society's conventions. It is good to see Mr. Darcy soften with the help of his wife, learning to laugh and interact with others with less rigidity, and it is equally as fascinating to see Mrs. Darcy garner maturity in his presence, while continuing to blossom as a woman and wife. One drawback for me in this novel was the absence of conflict until the very end of the novel and some readers may find the sexual tensions and actions of these beloved characters too intimate at times. Overall, this is a good romance and a great way to spend an afternoon or two in wedded bliss with Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy.


About the Author:

Sharon is a married, RN, specializing in neonatal intensive care. She is a native Californian who married her very own Mr. Darcy. Two Shall Become One evolved after Lathan watched Pride & Prejudice on the big screen, starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen.


***Look Forward to Sharon Lathan's guest post and giveaway on March 10***


Also Reviewed By:

Diary of an Eccentric
Becky's Book Reviews
The Book Nest
Book Zombie

25 comments:

Toni said...

Wow.. this sounds GREAT!!! And isn't the author just a doll! Can't wait to read this one!

Serena said...

I loved this book from beginning to end! I had to revise my review because I did find conflict near the very end...

Jo-Jo said...

This sounds like an excellent book Serena! Thanks for giving such a thorough review of it! Can't wait to check it out.

Anna said...

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I love the passages you pulled. I'm reading this now, and already I'm finding it very entertaining. Great review!

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Serena said...

Jo-Jo: I had a great time reading this book. I can't wait to see her guest post next month.

Anna: There were so many passages I wanted to include, but I had to pick just 2.

Jeanne said...

After reading The Darcys and The Bingleys in January, I am embarking on a Pride and Prejudice sequel binge, I guess, so this one's next. Thanks for the review!

Cheryl Brooks said...

Too intimate? IMHO there's no such thing....

Terry Spear said...

LOL, Cheryl! Woohoo on the great book, Sharon!!! Can't wait to get it!

Serena said...

Jeanne: I haven't read the Darcys and the Bingleys. Is it good?

Cheryl: That's how I feel about it, but some may like their historical fiction more chaste when it comes to these two characters.

Terry: its a great book. I read it cover to cover with out much complaint. :)

Darlene said...

This sounds awesome SErena-great review by the way. I'd love to read it. I'll be back tomorrow.

Serena said...

Dar: thanks for checking out the review. the guest post will appear next month! LOL

Darlene said...

lol-I just realized when I read that you had said March 10 and I'm thinking to myself-it isn't March yet. LOLOL-I'm losing it slowly but surely!

The Bookworm said...

this sounds so good, I have to add this to my TBR mountain.

http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

Serena said...

Dar: you are too funny.

Naida: I love that you call it a tbr mountain.

Jenners said...

This was interesting! What a brave author to take on classic characters like that!

Anonymous said...

Great review!!! I love this and all of Sharon's books! Sharon is a master at capturing the love and passion shared by my all time favourite literary couple Darcy & Lizzy!
As a devoted fan of Sharon's work for at least two years I can assure you Sharon brings everything to her novel. Romance goes without saying, sizzling passionate, beautiful. However everyone will be pleasantly surprised with the history the humour the drama and the richness of storyline as her Saga continues into her next novel.
Keep a look out for the next installment its a wonderful uplifting tale of the glorious couple.

Serena said...

Jenners: She is brave. I'd be freaked out that I would mess up the characters, but Sharon does a great job.

Vee: Thanks for stopping by. I'm looking forward to the next book.

TheChicGeek said...

Really nice review, Serena! I'm going to have to add this one to my ever-growing "to read" list :)

Serena said...

ChicGeek: Glad to see that I am helping that list to grow!

Sharon Lathan said...

I am chiming in a bit late because, frankly, I was not sure if it was cool for me to comment about my own review! I am still so new at this whole 'publishing thing' that I do not want to step over any lines. But my fellow authors assured me that it was fine to say thanks. So, Thanks!! I am so happy that you enjoyed the book Serena and appreciate you taking the time to write up a fabulous summary. Of course I think it is perfect, but it is never tiresome to receive verification. I am looking so forward to joining you on the 10th of March. I promise I will join in the discussion then!

God bless, Sharon Lathan

Serena said...

Sharon, thanks for stopping by and saying hello to my readers! I look forward to our March 10 date.

Anna said...

I added your review link.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Serena said...

Thanks, Anna!

Anonymous said...

Leave it to the Americans to ruin a great British literary masterpiece.

I absolutely hated this book.

WHY? Why ruin the wonderful images of Lizzy and Darcy.

I don't get it.

Serena said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Maria.