Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Chance and Circumstance...Kara Louise

Available on Amazon
I am so thrilled to have Kara Louise as my guest today. She is one of my all-time favorite writers and it has been way too long since she has been my guest! Today she is giving us the description for her newest release, Chance and Circumstance, and she is telling us a little about it. Sounds exciting, doesn't it! Wait until you read about Darcy's rival! I will stop chatting and let you start reading. Thanks, Kara Louise, and welcome back! Oh, she has an awesome giveaway too! :)

Darcy’s Rivals… by Kara Louise

Thanks, Janet, for letting me come by today and talk about my new book, Chance and Circumstance. You may wonder about the title of the blog post. Rest assured, I am talking about Darcy’s rivals (in general) and not “Mr. Darcy’sRival,” (the book which I published in 2015).

I think it’s fun to give Mr. Darcy a rival in a story, as it humbles him and makes him examine himself more deeply. I think I have given him a rival in every one of my books where he and Elizabeth are not married, except “Darcy’s Voyage,” (or “Pemberley’s Promise” if you read the original self-published version with that title).

In “Mr. Darcy’s Rival,” his rival was a cousin of Anne’s on the de Bough side of the family. In “Pirates and Prejudice,” it was a cousin of Elizabeth’s on her father’s side of the family, and in many books (including Pride and Prejudice) there is always Mr. Wickham.  For the record, in Chance and Circumstance, Elizabeth finds Wickham interesting and engaging, but he is never truly a rival for her affections. His lies about Darcy, of course, and encourages her to dislike Mr. Darcy more.

Mr. Darcy’s rival in Chance and Circumstance, however, is none other than his good friend, Mr. Bingley! Here is the book description:

Chance brings about an early encounter between Charles Bingley and Elizabeth Bennet soon after his move into Netherfield. He soon begins to favour this pretty and lively young lady. Circumstances have kept Jane Bennet and Mr. Darcy from the neighbourhood, thereby changing the events that Jane Austen penned in "Pride and Prejudice."

When Mr. Darcy finally arrives, will he be able to keep from interfering when he meets this young lady his friend so greatly admires? When Jane returns from touring the Lake District with her aunt and uncle, will the young gentleman who returns with her prove to be better suited for her than Mr. Bingley ever was?

In this "Pride and Prejudice" variation, chance and circumstance greatly affect the way several of Jane Austen's characters arrive at their happily ever after, but not necessarily in the way you think.
Because Mr. Bingley meets Elizabeth first, as both Jane and Mr. Darcy are away, he begins to show her particular attention. When Mr. Darcy does arrive, Mr. Bingley is well on his way to being in love with her. Oh dear!

This changes things for Mr. Darcy and makes things difficult. First, when he meets Elizabeth, he finds himself fighting the attraction as he realizes she is very much the kind of woman he could love. His integrity will not allow him to even consider trying to steal her from his good friend. (Well, perhaps not in a way Bingley would notice.) Secondly, he feels she and Bingley are not well-suited at all and does not think his friend should have begun to show such favoritism to a young lady so early, despite his own heart’s inclination to do the same.

So our Mr. Darcy is faced with having to stand back and watch the interaction between the two. Elizabeth seems to return Mr. Bingley’s admiration, despite what Darcy sees as some great differences between the two in intellect, interests, and personality.

And what does Mr. Bingley think of Miss Jane Bennet? She does not return to Longbourn until just before the Netherfield Ball, because she has been in the Lake District with her aunt and uncle. While up there, she meets some previous acquaintances of the Gardiners who have a son she has come to admire. When Jane and her aunt and uncle return to Hertfordshire, he joins them. Will these mixed-up couples be able to get things straightened out? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

If you would like to read the chapters I posted online, (about half of the book), you can find Chapter 1 here: Austen Variations

Links to the book:


I am offering a copy of a paperback (US) and also an ebook (US or International) to 2 commenters whose name will be drawn at random.

Thank you, Janet, for allowing me to visit!

You are welcome, Kara Louise. It has been so good having you stop by and I hope it won't be too long before you visit again. You are always welcome. As you know, I love your writing and am always excited when I hear you are working on a new book. I can't wait to read this one. 

I  loved the title of this post and the implication, almost, of your previous book, which I enjoyed tremendously. When you mentioned Darcy's Voyage, I swooned. Oh, how I love that book! It is such an awesome read. I may have to read it again soon. In most of your books, you do give Darcy some serious rivals, even a dog named Reggie once. (Master Under Good Regulation) Well, I guess he really wasn't a rival though, was he? He was adorable, I must say!

Thank you again for sharing a little about your new book with my readers and for offering them such a generous giveaway. Dear Readers, to enter please share some love with Kara Louise. Tell us what you think of Darcy's rival. Can you believe it is Bingley? I know, I know! Fascinating, isn't it! The giveaway will end at 11:59 PM Central Time on the 13th of November. Remember there are two books up for grabs. One paperback, US only, and one eBook, US or international are being given away. Good luck to all of you.

49 comments:

  1. I really can't imagine any circumstances where Elizabeth could be happy with Bingley. She would soon be bored rigid and he would be overwhelmed by her intellect. So if they can just dispose of Mr Collins, hopefully Bingley will admit that Jane suits him better and leave the way clear for Darcy to sweep Elizabeth off her feet. ������

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    1. My sentiments exactly, Glynis. It makes for a nice premise though, doesn't it! Thanks for stopping by though.

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  2. This is Regency England, perfect partners are rarely found so Bingley would be a good fit - he is rich and amicable and can provide for her family

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    1. Valid point, Susan. Love/happiness were not the determining factors, were they.

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  3. I thought you wrote the rival issue brilliantly, Kara. You used facts from canon to throw a truckload of angst into this story (Bingley’s penmanship) and I thoroughly enjoyed the way you brought our couple together. I’m rereading it already. Great story.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Joy. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the story. I can't wait to read it. I have a few of yours on my TBR list too! :)

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  4. I enjoyed reading the chapters that were posted online and can't wait to find out how it ends. Thanks for the chance to win a copy with this giveaway.

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    1. Good luck, darcybennett. Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. I, too, have read the chapters posted online and look forward to the remaining chapters. Loved the POV in Master Under Good Regulation--delightful!

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    1. Wasn't Master Under Good Regulation delightful! I loved that story, but then I've loved all of Kara Louise's books.

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  6. All of you are too kind! Janet, I had not even considered Reggie, in Master Under Good Regulation, a rival, but Elizabeth was certainly drawn to him, wasn't she? Thanks again for your comments, and good luck to each of you!

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    1. Had you not? He definitely got much of Lizzy's attention. :)

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  7. I've enjoyed reading the posted chapters, look forward to the whole story! mbresticker(at)Hotmail(dot)com

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  8. I loveniybwhen Darcy has a rival. It does make him take a look at himself. The story is wonderful, but I have always enjoyed your stories. They are so much fun, especially Pirates and Prejudice, although I adored Reggie.
    Thank you for the giveaway. Please only enter me for the paperback as I already have the ebook.

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    1. Hi Debbie! Glad you stopped by. I'll make note that you are entering for the paperback. Oh, I love Pirates and Prejudice, too! It was such a great book with a Darcy that made me swoon! Whew!

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  9. Bingley! Upon my word - it can not be!

    Thank you for the opportunity for a fantastic read.

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  10. I've read all of the chapters you posted online and can't wait for the new book! I read Only Mr. Darcy Will Do and was hooked on your books...you have such a gift...truly.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Kristina. Doesn't Kara Louise have a gift! She is an excellent writer.

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  11. I'm so excited about this one b/c I've actually wondered why Lizzy and Bingley never hit it off romantically in any of the variations since in the original, they got on rather well. Not that I felt they would be a good long term match, but as far as early attraction...

    Great idea, Kara Louise! ;)

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    1. Hope you get to read this one soon, Sophia! Interesting that you had wondered of this possibility.

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  12. I love the premise of this book! Not only does Darcy have a rival in Bingley, but also his attitude and the lies from Wickham have certainly put huge roadblocks in front of him! Can't wait to see how he gets himself out of this one! Then I need to know how Bingley wins Jane!

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    1. Doesn't it sound good! I love the idea of Bingley as a rival too.

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  13. I love your work. Congratulations on the book. I hope I win the giveaway.

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  14. Elizabeth and Bingley? Never! 😊. Sounds very intriguing, though! Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy. I love your books!

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  15. Bingley as a rival doesn’t worry me as much as the Colonel does in some of the other variations I’ve read! Bingley just isn’t suited to our Lizzy! There’s only one man who completely suits Lizzy and that’s our beloved Darcy!! Can’t wait to read this book!! ❤️

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    1. Aww, yes, the Colonel has been quite the rival in some stories, hasn't it. That one hurts my heart too.

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  16. I am very eager to read this book!
    I can see how Elizabeth would return Mr. Bingley’s admiration. However, I also think that, much like her relationship with Mr. Wickham, her heart will be only slightly touched. And we know that Bingley falls in and out of love easily.
    Thank you for the giveaway. If I were able to choose, I would prefer an e-book.

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    1. Me too, Ginna. Good luck! I'll make note that you prefer the eBook.

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  17. This a new premise I’ve never came across before and very eager to find out how the story evolves with these changes. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  18. Very interesting premise. I really want to win this book!

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  19. I own both of these books and while I almost cringe when I think of Lizzy with someone other than Darcy, Kara did a marvelous job on both stories. Thanks for featuring her here.

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    1. Good to know how you feel, Jen. Thanks for sharing with us. I always love having Kara Louise visit. You need your turn to visit!

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  20. I have often thought that Bingley would have found Elizabeth enchanting. I think without Jane around he would have given her more attention. Though perhaps not a perfect match it would be a practical one. I look forward to seeing Darcy struggle with his own feelings and his friendship with Bingley. Thank you for the chance to win!

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    1. Hi Sagan, I'm glad you stopped and shared your thoughts. Good luck.

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  21. It is not surprise that Bingley would find Elizabeth enchanting since her liveliness is like his, and Jane and Darcy are not around. It seems awkward that there would be a switch for Elizabeth and Bingley to do. How is Darcy going to manage without hurting his close friend. I did the chapters which were posted and look forward to reading the book. Thank you for the giveaway.

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    1. We hope that no one ends up getting hurt, don't we!

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  22. I love when Darcy has a rival for Lizzy's affections as it really shakes him up and makes him see her through the eyes of another and appreciate her positive qualities.

    I cannot imagine her being matched with Bingley!! He would be the supreme gent, however he would soon find himself a stranger in his own home,married to a lady far superior to him intellectually,devoid of suitable company and growing listless and unhappy,a former shell of his former ebullient self,day by day.

    Bingley,I'm presuming,soon realises that Jane would be a more apt partner,but the presence of a rival for her affections will hasten his wishes to detach himself from Lizzy's side and temsin steadfast by Jane.
    I'm certainly looking forward to reading this!

    Best of luck with it,Kara!!
    Cheers for such a delightful post,Janet!

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    1. This is going to be interesting for sure. I'm looking forward to reading it too, Mary! Thanks for stopping by and visiting.

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  23. I agree with you, Eva. I think in personality, Bingley and Elizabeth are very much alike, but in essentials, he and Jane are better suited. It was fun to explore this angle to see how the two would suit (or not suit). I felt that without Jane to get his notice by her beauty, he would have enjoyed Elizabeth's liveliness. And while she enjoyed his bubbly personality and fine manners, she does come to realize some big differences. I hope you will enjoy the adventure this book takes you on! Again, good luck on the giveaway!

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  24. Bingley and Elizabeth? I have never imagined them as a couple before since there is always Darcy in the picture. This should be interesting to see how the mess can be untangled.

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    1. I think it will be interesting to see how the mess untangles too, Sylvia! Looking forward to reading this. Good luck.

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  25. Wow, I'm curious about the Elizabeth/Bingley pairing. Can't wait to see how that plays out!

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    1. Me, too, Anna! This should be quite interesting! Thanks for stopping by.

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