7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Different Take on Pride and Prejudice, April 17, 2010
This review is from: A World of Expectations, Book 1: The Alliance (Paperback)
This isn't your usual romantic story about Darcy and Elizabeth; although, there is romance and our favorite couple do eventually end up together. It takes a lot before that happens, however.
This is primarily a story about five men who form a business alliance. There are three Gentlemen and two Tradesmen in this alliance, which was unheard of in Regency England in the early 1800s. There is also a series of games with high competition between the men. Romantic competition between Darcy and Lord Blake over Elizabeth Bennet comes into play, primarily, while the men are still at Netherfield Park.
There are also enemies working behind the scenes who try to make certain this alliance isn't successful.
If you're a reader who loves sexual scenes/situations, especially between Darcy and Elizabeth, don't look for it in this story. I usually like a few spicy scenes, but here I didn't miss them at all. They weren't necessary and would have been completely out of place, even distracting. Ms. Messick writes a tale that stands on its own without sex being involved. Make no mistake, there is romance, just not sex.
This is a book that will interest both men and women. Book 2 takes place primarily in London, and I would urge readers to buy both books as a set.
There is tension, angst and lots of mystery. I can usually guess "who done it," but not in this one. I was completely surprised by the "bad guys," and I think you will be too.
Ms. Messick's writing is excellent, the story is well plotted and, thankfully, she had a good editor.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Long Winded Story With No End, June 30, 2010
This review is from: A World of Expectations, Book 1: The Alliance (Paperback)
If you are a true lover of Pride and Prejudice variations, this isn't the book for you. The story is about a business deal among an unlikely set of gentlemen that share names with the characters some of us hold near and dear. The book is full of intrigue and suspense but there is little mention of Elizabeth Bennet. And, when she is present she is paired with a new male character to which she has developed feelings. Elizabeth comes off as bitter when dealing with Darcy instead of playful and defiant. More story is dedicated to Lydia Bennet than Elizabeth and Darcy even has scenes with Lydia. I honestly felt like the author doesn't like Elizabeth Bennet. It was an odd read and did not hold my attention. The levels of intrigue that are attempted are too complicated and the book ends before any type of resolution can occur but honestly, I'm not really interested in the story enough to buy the continuation.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A World of Expectations "The Alliance" Book 1, April 27, 2010
I found this story to drag on and hard to keep my attention. It also finishes to continue to book 2 "The Confrontation" which it seems so far you only can get in a Kindle version but not the book form. I can deal with buying the book but to have it continued and not be able to buy it in book form was a waste of my money. Very disatisfied customer.
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