Thursday 23 August 2018

The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth by Victoria Kincaid in Audio - Guest Post and Giveaway

Today I'm welcoming the lovely Victoria Kincaid who is treating us again, this time with a guest post and a giveaway of an audio copy of The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth. This is one of Victoria's earlier novels which has now been made available in audio. I'll start by sharing the blurb with you, and then hand over to Victoria for a guest post.

Book Description

Book Cover: The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth by Victoria Kincaid - Audio
What if Darcy and Elizabeth were plunged into the war between England and France?

In 1803 a treaty has allowed England and France to enjoy a brief peace in the midst of the Napoleonic wars. With Darcy despondent over Elizabeth’s refusal of his proposal, Colonel Fitzwilliam proposes a trip to France as a distraction. In Paris Darcy unexpectedly encounters Elizabeth, who is visiting with the Gardiners. This is his opportunity to court Elizabeth properly.  But before he can make much progress, England declares war again and Darcy must help Elizabeth flee France.

En route, Elizabeth and Darcy must battle brigands, French soldiers, illness, and their own mutual attraction – all without a chaperone.

When they return to England, they have their own secrets to conceal – even from those closest to them.

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Guest Post from Victoria Kincaid

Hi Ceri,  Thank you for having me back so soon!  I am thrilled that The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth is finally out on audiobook.  Narrator Stevie Zimmerman did a terrific job (I particularly like her voice for Darcy).  Readers are in for a real treat! 

Here’s an excerpt from near the beginning of the book:

Slumping into his chair, Darcy regarded Richard through half-closed eyes, unwilling for his cousin to realize how shaken he was by the news about Georgiana. “I can see you will not grant me any peace until I have revealed all.”

“Now you are talking some sense.”

Darcy grabbed the bottle of port from the table next to Richard and quickly poured himself another glass, quelling Richard’s incipient protest with a glare. He would not tell the humiliating story without fortification. But after sipping his port, he fell silent, reluctant to relive the farce.

“Well?” Richard prompted.

“I…proposed to a woman, and she turned me down….Something many a man has had to grapple with. Not much to tell actually.” He strove to keep his tone matter-of-fact and his voice steady.

“What?” Whatever Richard had expected, it was not that. He simply stared at Darcy. “You—?”

“Yes.” Darcy found his cousin’s shock oddly disturbing, as if it confirmed the enormity of his failure.

“I cannot believe it! All of London has been holding its breath waiting to see who you will marry. For eight years, you have not favored a single woman. You have been leaving a trail of broken hearts in your wake—”

“I hardly think…”

Richard ignored his protest and barreled on. “She refused you? Who in the world would do that? Who did you propose to? A princess?”

“Believe it, there are women in England who do not care about my fortune. At least one. She refused me because she does not care for me.” She was right to do so, a voice in his head whispered.

“She does not like you? Darcy, who is this paragon who has seen through you?” Richard meant it as a light-hearted jest, but it struck Darcy to the quick. He scowled; that was exactly what Elizabeth had done.

“Does it matter?” The words came out almost as a groan. Darcy rubbed his face, realizing how tired he felt. Hopefully, Richard would leave soon so he could stumble up to his bedchamber.

“Yes, because I am dying of curiosity.” Richard sat up straighter in his chair.

“I think I would rather let you perish.” Darcy no longer attempted to conceal his irritation.

“Wait, is this Miss Bennet we are discussing?”

Darcy sighed. “Yes.”

“I noticed you were in a foul mood when we departed Rosings, but I believed that was because you wanted her but thought she was beneath you.” Richard’s teasing tone disappeared, apparently sensing how seriously Darcy took this situation.

“It appears I am beneath her.” Darcy gave a mirthless smile.

“Come, it cannot possibly be that dire. I know she found pleasure in matching wits with you at Rosings. What reasons did she give for her refusal?”

“I am proud, arrogant, and insensitive.” Darcy ticked the points off on his fingers. “Also, her opinion of my character was shaped by conversations with our great friend George Wickham….And….I helped persuade Bingley to separate himself from her sister.”

“That was her sister you told me about?” Richard groaned. “I am afraid I conveyed that information to Miss Bennet.” He appeared genuinely contrite.
Darcy waved this concern away. “It does not matter. No doubt she would have discovered it another way.”

“These do not seem to me to be insurmountable obstacles. You can explain the truth behind your dealings with Wickham and fix the situation with Bingley. Then you only need to be nicer to her…I know that will be the hardest part.” He gave Darcy a wicked grin, his teasing nature resurrecting itself.

Darcy stood and started pacing, rather unsteadily, on the carpet before his desk. “I already refuted Wickham’s lies in a letter to her. I also confessed my sins to Bingley two weeks ago. Hopefully, he will forgive me someday.”

“That was well done.” Richard nodded approvingly. “Will he return to see the sister?”

“I believe he will visit Netherfield next week.” Darcy stared bleakly at the pattern on the carpet.

“You should accompany him. Perhaps you can change Miss Elizabeth’s opinion of you.” Richard’s voice was full of hearty encouragement.

Darcy considered it for a moment; perhaps his letter had altered her view of his character, but, no, it could not possibly change enough. He shook his head in despair. “I am afraid it is a hopeless cause. She made that abundantly clear.”

“Surely there is some small reason for hope.”

“She said she had not known me a month before she knew I was the last man in the world she could be prevailed upon to marry. I defy you to find cause for hope in that.”

Richard gave a low whistle. “That is…impressive.…”

Darcy raised his eyebrows in appreciation of Richard’s reaction. “Indeed.”
Richard rubbed his chin with his palm. “Well, she is a spirited woman with decided opinions.”

“Yes.” That is why I love her.

“So, may I ask, what purpose does the port serve?” Richard’s voice was gentler and less teasing. Did he sympathize with Darcy’s despair?

“The theory behind the port is that it dulls the pain and causes me to forget, at least for a little while. It also helps me sleep. And then the following day, I feel so awful that I cannot think of anything else.”

“So that is the theory. How does it work in reality?” Richard asked.

Darcy shook his head, realized that it made the room sway, and stopped. “A life in tatters with drink is still a life in tatters.”


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Author Bio

Victoria has a Ph.D. in English literature and has taught composition to unwilling college students. Today she teaches business writing to willing office professionals and tries to give voice to the demanding cast of characters in her head.

She lives in Virginia with an overly affectionate cat, two children who are learning how much fun Austen’s characters can be, and a husband who fortunately is not jealous of Mr. Darcy. A lifelong Austen fan, Victoria has read more Jane Austen variations and sequels than she can count – and confesses to an extreme partiality for the Colin Firth miniseries version of Pride and Prejudice.

Visit her at www.victoriakincaid.com

Goodreads • Twitter • Amazon US Author Page •

Buy Links

You can buy this book in print, e-book or audio to enjoy today - Amazon UK / Amazon US, Audible UK / Audible US. Or, you can enter the giveaway to win an audio copy.


Giveaway Time

Book Cover: The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth by Victoria Kincaid - Audio
Victoria is offering an international giveaway of The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth. To enter, just comment on this blog post by the end of the day on 29 August 2018. Please leave a way for me to contact you, should you be the lucky winner.

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32 comments:

  1. I loved this book. I bet the audiobook is awesome! Thanks for hosting and sharing such a great excerpt! Ceri, you have my email. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

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    1. Victoria Kincaid23 August 2018 at 17:49

      Hi Janet, I'm happy you enjoyed the book, and good luck with the giveaway!

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    2. Hi Janet! I hope you enjoy listening to this as much as reading it :)

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  2. I've already won this audiobook and I'm listening to it. The book is great, and I love Stevie's French accent.

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    1. Victoria Kincaid23 August 2018 at 17:47

      Hi Kate, I'm glad you're enjoying it! Stevie does a great job.

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    2. Glad to hear it's a good audio, KateB! A good narrator really helps the enjoyment of a story.

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  3. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and the premise is so interesting. I am a walker and can only motivate myself by listening to audiobooks. How I would love to read this one in audio! Thank you for the giveaway. evamedmonds(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Victoria Kincaid23 August 2018 at 17:50

      Hi Eva, Audiobooks are good motivators. They definitely make driving more pleasant for me. Good luck with the giveaway!

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    2. Hi Eva. I listen to audios when I'm walking too. I find it good because I can read and walk safely at the same time. I've been known to read a print book and walk at the same time, but I don't recommend it, audio is much safer :)

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    3. I could not walk and read a book at the same time!

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    4. I don't think I can either! I used to do it sometimes when I was a child but I have more sense now and walk listening to audio. That being said, it's much the same as walking with your face buried in your phone, which is a common sight these days!

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  4. I enjoyed reading the excerpt; now I'm off to Amazon to buy the book! Would love to hear the audio version.

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    1. Victoria Kincaid23 August 2018 at 17:51

      Hi Helen, I hope you enjoy the book and good luck with the giveawy!

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    2. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Helen! Good luck in the giveaway.

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  5. I enjoyed the excerpt and really love the premise. Sounds like a very action-packed story with them fleeing France together. Thanks for the giveaway, I believe you already have my contact info but if not, please let me know.

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    1. Victoria Kincaid23 August 2018 at 17:52

      I'm glad you find the story intriguing. Good luck with the giveaway!

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    2. Hi Darcybennett, I have your info. Good luck in the giveaway!

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  6. I thought I'd read all her books, but lookie here, I missed one. And, now its out on audio. Congrats to Victoria and now I must add it to my list and enter the giveaway. :)
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

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    1. Victoria Kincaid23 August 2018 at 17:53

      Hi Sophia, I'm happy to have you add this to your collection! Good luck with the giveaway.

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    2. Isn't it great to find an extra book to read, Sophia! Hope you enjoy it :)

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  7. I absolutely LOVE this book!! I've read and re-read this book many times over the past few years!! I own the Kindle edition. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I loved watching Darcy and Lizzy's admiration and love grow in France. There were so many plot twists and turns...that once I started reading this lovely, engaging novel, I couldn't put it down. LOVE it!!!!

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    1. So glad you loved this one, Lisa! In case you didn't know, Victoria's latest book, The Unforgettable Mr Darcy, also takes the characters to France. I haven't read it yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

      Good luck in winning the audio of The Secrets of Darcy and Elizabeth!

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    2. Victoria Kincaid24 August 2018 at 14:25

      Hi Lisa, Wow, you made my day! I'm so glad to know you enjoyed Secrets so much. Good luck with the giveaway.

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  8. I was lucky enough to win a Kindle version of this when it was first published but hadn't realised it was Victoria's first book back then. It's amazing, as have been all of hers published since. Now I'm listening to the audio version on my commutes and, as Victoria says above, Stevie Zimmerman's performance is just wonderful!

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    1. So glad you're enjoying the audio, Anji.

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  9. It's great to learn that our dear couple is in a different country other than dear old familiar England. That will surely level the playing field and allow them to depend on each other. And it's also timely to that this audiobook is released at almost the same time when The Unforgettable Mr. Darcy is published. Both novels has France as the setting where the stories takes place.

    Thanks for the generous offer, Victoria.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I think that's a great coincidence too, Luthien, as if you get a taste for a book with France as a setting, then Victoria has another for you to enjoy :)

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  10. I have read and enjoyed this one very much - I would love to listen to the audio! I'm so glad many good books are being published in audio format as well. It is useful to fill some otherwise unused time like commuting or housework alone with listening to audiobooks.

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    1. I completely agree, Agnes. Although I prefer to read with my eyes rather than my ears, I think many of us would like more reading time, and listening to audio books is a great way to make a little more time to read.

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  11. I enjoyed reading this book and having listened to Stevie narrate other books, I know that she does a beautiful job.

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    1. So glad to hear this praise of Stevie's narration. I haven't listened to a book that she has narrated yet.

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  12. The winner has been posted here: http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.com/2018/08/winner-audio-of-secrets-of-darcy-and.html

    Thanks all for stopping by and commenting.

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If you're not logged in to Google please leave your name in your comment or it will post as anonymous. Thanks! - Ceri