Friday 1 November 2019

The Perfect Gentleman by Julie Cooper - Blog Tour - Review and Giveaway

Book cover: The Perfect Gentleman by Julie Cooper
Today the blog tour for Julie Cooper's The Perfect Gentleman stops here. Thank you for joining us!

When I first discovered the world of Austen-inspired novels I stumbled across unpublished fiction. I'm sure a lot of readers do, your book-buying budget will only stretch so far! I don’t read much unpublished work these days but in the days when I could, JulieCoop was one of my favourite authors. I hadn’t read all of her stories, but her modern ones (The Best LightPounds) have made it on to my list of stories that I’ve re-read many times.

I can understand why people are reluctant to publish but I am always so happy when writers I've enjoyed reading online make their work available to a wider audience. Julie Cooper is one such writer and so I was very keen to take part in this blog tour. Let's look at the blurb and then I'll share my review of The Perfect Gentleman with you :)

Book Description

’Tis no secret that Lizzy Bennet has dreams. The uniquely talented daughter of a woman with a dubious reputation, Lizzy knows she must make her own way in a world that shuns her. Fitzwilliam Darcy carries the stains of his family’s disgrace upon his soul and only by holding himself to the strictest standards has he reclaimed his place in society.

Now Georgiana Darcy has gone missing. If his fifteen-year-old sister cannot be found quickly, the scandal could destroy Darcy’s years of perfect behaviour. Lizzy Bennet know just what to do to find Georgiana. She is willing to join the pursuit to get what she wants but will Darcy be willing to trust her with his secrets? And what will they do when the search for Georgiana reveals what neither expected to find?

The Perfect Gentleman is a romantic adventure so big it needs two volumes in one book. Follow the adventure in A Not-So-Merry Chase and discover the surprises and temptations that await at Pemberley in Love Wisely But Well.


Book cover: The Perfect Gentleman by Julie Cooper
My Review of The Perfect Gentleman by Julie Cooper

The Perfect Gentleman is a Pride & Prejudice-based story set at the time of the original. I would hesitate to call it a variation as it is so far away from Austen’s story, and the reason for this is that the deviation from P&P happens a long time before the opening of events and is a major change. The story opens with Mr Bennet on his sick bed. He is at death’s door, and makes the confession to his sister (who here is married to Mr Charles Bingley’s father!) that he has a family that he has abandoned.

It turns out that Mr Bennet met Fanny Gardiner believing that she was a widow with a young daughter, Jane, and married her, soon leading to another pregnancy. However, Jane is actually the natural daughter of a baronet, who takes an interest in her welfare and upkeep. This meant that Mr Bennet found out that his wife had lied to him. In disgust, he abandoned his wife, step-daughter and daughter (Elizabeth). He provided a house for them in Ramsgate, but no income. Mrs Bennet had few options of how to make an income for herself, and in desperation chose to find herself a gentleman to support her and her daughters. Over the years, there have been other men providing her with financial support so it’s fair to class her as a courtesan.

Mr Bennet has also kept letters from a young Elizabeth, who wrote several times hoping to make a relationship with her father. He never replied. Charles Bingley recalls that his friend, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy has a sister staying in Ramsgate, and decides to write to him immediately to enlist his help in ensuring that the child is well, not realising that the ‘child’ is actually now one-and-twenty!

Meanwhile in Ramsgate, Mrs Bennet has raised her daughters as best she can. Although in many ways she is slapdash and deficient, she has kept them fed and miraculously kept them away from the life course that she has taken. Jane’s father paid for his daughter’s education, and her sister has also managed to benefit from this, so Elizabeth has also had some form of education.

Through an accidental encounter with one of her mother’s gentleman callers, a kindly man called Mr Wickham, a young Elizabeth was introduced to sculpting with clay. This unleashed an artistic fervour which now provides the family with an additional source of income in the form of selling ornaments to tourists. It has also fuelled Elizabeth’s dreams of one day becoming a serious artist earning serious money.
She tamped down her exasperation with Jane’s scruples by silently repeating her goals. See Jane happily wed and earn enough to take care of Mama without relying upon the men.
When Darcy arrives in Ramsgate, he finds his sister not in residence, and has a big surprise when he meets a lady who he supposes is Mrs Bennet, but turns out to be the young Miss Bennet that he is seeking. Darcy in this story also has an altered back story. He has been at pains to avoid even a whiff of disrespectable behaviour owing to an old family scandal, which the Darcy family is still trying to live down.
He had, possibly, shielded Georgiana overmuch from their family stains. In protecting her from the shame he suffered, had he failed to teach her how narrow the path and how steep the fall if she succumbed to dishonour?
Learning that Miss Darcy’s companion is Mrs Lydia Younge, one of Mrs Bennet’s acquaintances due to their similar ‘profession’, Lizzy is determined to save Miss Darcy from the results of her indiscretion, and offers her help to Mr Darcy. There begins a romp of the first order, as the young couple (she with no reputation to lose, and he incognito) set off in pursuit. Chasing clues while all the while fighting their attraction to each other.
It was imperative she understand precisely why the idea that she accompany him, under any pretence, was out of the question. “Do not be a green girl. No one who sees how I look at you would ever believe you my sister,” he whispered.
Lizzy did something she hadn’t done in years; she blushed.
I really enjoyed this part of the story. It was such fun to see Elizabeth and Darcy try and track Georgiana down because they come from such different worlds. They are attracted to each other but neither fully understands the other. There were some really corking funny lines in this section too:
Lizzy had believed the hired hack comfortably spacious, but she hadn’t adjusted for the amount of room a Darcy and his glacial stare must occupy.
The blurb describes this book as a book in two halves and it very much is. The adventure story of chasing Georgiana and the story of what happened next. I won't say much about part two for fear of spoiling part one. Although the first part of the story, when Elizabeth and Darcy are seeking Georgina was my favourite part of it, I also enjoyed the second. I thought some of the ideas explored are rarely considered in historical fiction, such as the fact that women of the time were not expected to have dreams any greater than of marriage and taking on the management of a home. In cases where a woman had gone from a very small household to mistress of a great estate this would have been extremely daunting as well as possibly soul-destroying, if they had other dreams in mind.

In general, I like to see characters close to Austen's characters, and for the events to differ, but I found the characters are quite different from canon. Not so much Darcy, but Elizabeth particularly is changed. To be fair, in this instance this made perfect sense as the upbringing that this Elizabeth had was vastly different to canon Lizzy. She didn’t have the influence of her father, she didn’t have standing in society, and her education would also have been quite different, so it's not so much of a downside as a comment.

On the flip side of this comment on characterisation, I loved Mrs Bennet in this story. She still chattered inconsequentially but she was such a kind lady, and a loving mother. I know a lot of people don’t rate canon Mrs Bennet as a mother, but I always think she was doing the best she could to secure her daughters’ future and this Mrs Bennet most definitely looked after her girls in the most vital aspects.

One reservation I had regarding this story is some events and behaviour stretched credibility a little too far for me, I didn’t quite buy some of what happened, and found some behaviour unlikely. You have to be willing to go with it, to enjoy this romantic and exciting story. There was also some unexpected humour, which I enjoyed. I would have liked a little bit more information on some parts of the story, such as how the relationships between the younger and older generations would continue, that was left a little open-ended.

So what of the title, is Darcy The Perfect Gentleman? I’d have to say, he comes pretty close. He is arrogant, but not above noticing that, and realising where he has gone wrong. As for Elizabeth, she was very different to canon, but likeable and warm-hearted. I felt that there were times when neither of them put themselves in the other’s shoes, but I enjoyed seeing this odd couple work through their differences, and they’re not the only odd couple in the book! For those who prefer to avoid sex scenes, you’d be safe to read this, there is romance, there is lust, but no on-page sex.

In summary, if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief for a while and go along for the ride, this is an enjoyable read. I’d rate it as a four star book, and will look forward to reading Julie Cooper’s next published work!

4 star read

Author Julie Cooper
About the Author

Julie Cooper, a California native, lives with her Mr Darcy (without the arrogance or the Pemberley) of nearly forty years, two dogs (one intelligent, one goofball), and Kevin the Cat (smarter than all of them.)  They have four children and three grandchildren, all of whom are brilliant and adorable, with the pictures to prove it. She works as an executive at a gift basket company and her tombstone will read, "Have your Christmas gifts delivered at least four days before the 25th."  Her hobbies are reading, giving other people good advice, and wondering why no one follows it.

You can connect with Julie Cooper via Facebook.

Book cover: The Perfect Gentleman by Julie Cooper
Buy Links

The Perfect Gentleman by Julie Cooper is available to buy now - in paperback, kindle and for kindle unlimited - Amazon UK / Amazon US / Amazon CA / Add to Goodreads shelf

Giveaway Time!

You can win a $50 Amazon gift card from Quills & Quartos Publishing! The contest ends on November 13. To be eligible, just comment on any of the blog tour stops and Quills & Quartos will select a random winner from the comments. You need not visit all the stops (one point per stop and comment), however, it does increase your chances of winning by earning more entries. Please check the Quills & Quartos Facebook to find out about winners.

I love to read your comments, but a few blog visitors have reported difficulties in commenting while using the Safari browser. If you are unable to comment, please try using another web browser, such as Google Chrome, or please contact me and I will add your comment for you :)

Blog Tour Schedule

Check out the other stops on the blog tour!

Blog Tour: The Perfect Gentleman by Julie Cooper

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53 comments:

  1. The more I read about this book, the more I feel I will love it!
    I like the idea of Darcy and Elizabeth travelling all over the country together looking for Georgiana.
    I love the quote from Darcy re the way he looks at Elizabeth ��.
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

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    1. Thank you Glynis! Fingers crossed that you will!

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    2. It is funny, Glynis, he's never met anybody quite like her so he's at a bit of a loss at some of the things she says :)

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  2. Hi Ceri.
    I’m glad you enjoyed this story even if you did have to suspend your disbelief,now and again.
    Can’t quite believe Mrs B’s occupation...I guess beggars can’t be choosers. At least her girls turned out well.
    I’m looking forward to reading this book and the reviews,generally,have been good.
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

    On a different note,hope your extension is finished and that you and your family are enjoying the extra living space.

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    1. Hi Mary. I felt so sorry for Mrs Bennet. Desperation drove her to it. This is not to say that she feels bad about it now, so many years down the line, and she enjoys herself, but she's very aware that she needs to keep the money coming in.

      Regarding your other point, the main extension was finished a while ago but unbelievably, it's still not 100% finished. Things like skirting etc. But we love the extra space :)

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  3. Certainly is a change that Mrs Bennet is liked, I have always thought she tried to do her best but didn't get enough or any help from Mr Bennet

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    1. He certainly was disinterested in seeing his daughters placed, in canon. We sort of took it to the next level in The Perfect Gentleman. Thanks Vesper!

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    2. I agree with you, Vesper. Canon Mrs Bennet is embarrassing and could use more refinement, but she was making efforts to get at least one of them safely married off, and thereby securing the futures of them all, and Mr Bennet was making nowhere near as much effort. I have a soft spot for her.

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  4. Loving the blog tour and I'm sure this book will be an awesome read.

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    1. Glad you're enjoying the tour, Jen. I hope you enjoy the book when you read it :)

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  5. After reading your review, I want to read this book even more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it.

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  6. Hi darcybennett - thanks for your interest!

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  7. Thank you for the thorough review, Ceri! I’m intrigued to see this different from canon Elizabeth!
    I remember this novel since the excerpt sent to my mail and the cover reveal (great cover by the way!) and I’m looking forward to reading it. :-)
    Thank you both for the giveaway!
    Alexandra Rivers

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    1. So glad you liked the cover, Alexandra!

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    2. This Elizabeth is very entertaining, Alexandra. As I said in the blog post, she is different to canon but that makes perfect sense.

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  8. Love the review! I am really looking forward to this book.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Danielle!

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    2. Thanks Danielle! I hope you enjoy it when you read it.

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  9. Now, that sure whetted my appetite for this new one. Neat how it varied way back in the beginning and led to an adventure.

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    1. I hope you'll read Sophia Rose! Thanks for commenting!

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    2. It's quite a change, Sophia, and not just for Elizabeth. Darcy's family is also altered.

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  10. This unique variation has my attention! Looking forward to reading

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    1. Very glad to hear it BeckyC!

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    2. That's just the word for it, Becky. I've read lots of variations and often the variation has a similar springboard point, but not this one!

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  11. I read and enjoyed this book. Thank you for your generosity to all the readers here.

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    1. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the book! Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. So glad you enjoyed it too, Sheila :)

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  12. I love stories with Darcy and Lizzy working together to help Georgiana. Looking forward to reading it. Congratulations Julie.

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    1. Thank you so much KateB! Hope it can be enjoyed.

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    2. Hi Kate! Well they are trying to work together, but they have some battles of will!

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  13. Thanks for sharing your review. This book looks really interesting.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by NovElla! We think its a book that can hold your interest to the last page :)

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    2. Thanks for your comment NovElla. Hope you get to read this one soon.

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  14. Carole in Canada3 November 2019 at 03:24

    Lovely review, Ceri! I am looking forward to reading this adventure. I too was also wondering about your renovation. Would love to see pictures one day when everything is 100% done! Thank you for a chance at the giveaway!

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    1. Hi Carole, thanks for stopping by. I will have to take some pics of the house (or rather, post some pics because I have taken many!). I keep waiting for it to be 100% done and life keeps getting in the way.

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  15. LOved the excerpt. I concur with your assessment with Mrs Bennet.For this story and even the original. The mother hen just always takes care of her little chicks that's why she acts that way.Thank you for this engaging excerpt. Looking forward to reading this.

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    1. Yes, that's how I see her, guarding her babies. It's not to say that she goes the best way about it, but I think it's at the root of her motivation. Glad you enjoyed the post!

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  16. I am so intrigued by your storyline. Looking forward to reading it - thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. I thought it was a premise from way outside the box, Lily, and was very interested to see how it would play out! Good luck in the giveaway.

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  17. Oh boy, Mrs. Bennet and Wickham have a pass... That's definitely a new twist. Can't wait to read this story!

    FYI - Ceri, I do have trouble leaving a comment when I'm on my mobile device. I have to use my computer to actually get a comment posted...

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    1. Hi Dung. Yes, both Mrs Bennet and Elizabeth have met a man called Wickham, and he left a lasting impression on Elizabeth.

      Thanks for the feedback regarding the difficulty with comments. I'm pretty sure it's an incompatability between blogger and Safari. It doesn't seem as though blogger are trying to fix it. I have to decide whether to take the plunge and switch platforms. On the one hand, I want everybody to be able to join in, but the problem is having the time to learn new software and make the move. I'm starting to think that I'm going to have to do it though :(

      Thank you so much for taking the time to visit the blog on your computer so you could comment!

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  18. Oh my, what a premise! Thanks for the great review, Ceri! Off to Amz. This sounds like a fabulous read!

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    1. It's a premise that's outside the box, isn't it, Joana! Hope you enjoy it when you read it.

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  19. Thanks for the review... Oh, Elizabeth and sculpting?! Another sooo lovely twist!

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    1. I liked that too, Agnes. I saw a promo picture for the novel, which was a veiled face of a lady, in marble I think. It's just like one in the novel that Lizzy makes, once she moves on from sculpting into clay into working with harder materials.

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  20. Glad you liked it!!! Thanks for such a thorough review.

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  21. What a lovely and spoiler-free review, Ceri. From what I read of the blurb, this is totally different from canon which is sometimes a good thing. I'll be sure to add the Perfect Gentleman to my tbr list.

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    1. Hi Luthien! I like to go a bit further off canon sometimes. It's interesting to see where an author thinks the same characters will differ and how their lives will end up.

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  22. Love this book Julie. So happy to join you on your blog tour. Congratulations on a job well done!

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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