About book Two Shall Become One: Mr And Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy (2007)
I'm all for light reading and a bit of fluff once in awhile, but this was painful to read. I've enjoyed many Austen adaptations, variations and spin-offs for what they are, not expecting them to rival the original works, but if any of them could bring Jane back to this world in a fit of rage, it would be this one. This could be turned into a college drinking game by taking a shot every time the author uses the words "my beloved, my heart, my love," etc. Everyone would be passed out under the table by chapter 3. Perhaps I should cut-and-paste the opening lines from my Time After Time review. This was another case of not loving a book someone enthusiastically and sincerely and optimistically recommended as one I would love. Despite my protestations that I don't like romances - and that I mostly loved Pride and Prejudice for my imaginary best friend Lizzy and wasn't all that jazzed about Mr. Darcy - my friend insisted I would love this book. ...Sigh.For a work fan-fiction, it's not too badly written. Lathan effectively sidesteps the he-said/she-said trap and mostly avoids purple prose despite venturing frequently into the Darcy's bedchamber. Unfortunately, a regency romance - and that's basically what this is - typically ends where this one begins; reading page after page of married bliss and mature mutual love really isn't all that interesting. Toss in a heavy dose of mad lust and you have a hot mess on your hands.I confess, about halfway through I started skimming, only reading enough to know the bliss was interrupted by the obligatory misunderstanding, the appearance of the equally obligatory boor-with-unseemly-attentions, and the not-altogether-unexpected brush with death. Along the way we are treated to a delightful ball, detailed descriptions of the lovely Pemberley, and reminders of the deep enduring love - and serious case of the hots - between Darcy and Lizzy. Of course, Darcy rises to all occasions and they live happily ever after. The End. All that aside, the real reason I disliked the book was Latham's characterization of Elizabeth. After a promising start with some reasonably charming daydreams and witty repartee, things falter with decisions and dialogue that doesn't ring true. I was mostly willing to stick along for the ride until the whole thing went irrevocably off track when Elizabeth teased Darcy about being, "so cute." Sorry, but my friend Lizzy simply wouldn't say that.
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Very good follow-up from the 2005 film adaptation.
—JustYourAverageBeast
