Reviews for By Duty Bound
Below is a small sample of reviews. To see more of the 567 (average 4.2 stars), go to the original Amazon page, though I kindly request that you purchase from me at the NEW Amazon page.
5-Star Reviews (all verified purchases):
I loved this book! I've read the author's earlier books and bought this one based on loving her prior books (you should check them out too!). Her writing is so good and she keeps you on the edge of your seat -- will Elizabeth and Darcy actually get together? It seems yes, then a twist, then no way, then another twist. Responsibilities, family and duty all intervene but doesn't love always find a way? You'll have to read it to find out. I literally couldn't put her book down - I finished it in two sittings in one day (we had a dinner reservation or I would've finished it in one sitting)! -- Mara
If I wanted to read the exact same characters with the exact same characteristics I'd re-read Austen's Pride and Prejudice (which yes, I have done multiple times over the years). However, I love retellings where there is a bit of drama, and a sense of not knowing exactly what will happen - or at least, since of course we know how it's all basically going to turn out - a bit of mystery surrounding how we'll arrive at the denouement. This book does that. I was drawn into the author's world immediately, and the characters were familiar but unique. I thought I knew what they were going to do or how they were going to act, but then they would surprise me and take a completely different turn. I didn't think any of them acted drastically out of character, but they were just different enough from the original to keep me wondering what they were going to do or say. If you're looking for a dry retelling of a familiar story, pass this one by. But if you want a unique take on a traditional story, BUY THIS BOOK!!! -- Pixelgirl
✔️ ODC in love
✔️ A favorite relative falls ill
✔️ Tragic, life-altering news
✔️ Insult at the Meryton assembly
✔️ Meeting again at Pemberley
✔️ Happily Ever After
The path from love to the happy ending is not a smooth one, however. This is a bit of a dark and tortured Darcy, but tempered with a really compassionate and understanding Elizabeth. Elizabeth loves Darcy well from afar, and even for a time up close when she becomes his sister's particular friend. It turns out that Darcy's duty is fueled by a large secret, but is it one that will destroy ODC forever? -- the_blue_eyed_bluestocking
This re-telling is more than I could have hoped for. I so enjoy Michelle Ray's storytelling and this did not disappoint. A beautiful, thoughtful, and well-researched twist on a beloved classic. Ray's own love for Austen's masterpiece is evident and yet, this deeper insight into Darcy and Elizabeth hit just right. Though my copy came early, I waited until this weekend when I knew I would have time to sit with some tea and scones and immerse myself. My only issue is I read too quickly and as always I just want more. -- C. Ancrile
This was a different Jaff. Darcy was a second son and lots of expectations upon him. He loves Elizabeth early on but leaves her. Some hardships and sorrows along their way to happiness. A bit on the heavy side. But still a good read. Great Jaff -- FabulousMrsB
This is a well written, interesting and fresh take on the P&P universe. I loved the pacing, the story, the writing. Everything drew me in and enveloped me in the story. Nostalgia and comfort in these characters paired with a fascinating spin on them made for a great read! -- Ariellaflower
What an incredibly moving story! Our heroes were certainly put through their emotional paces. I especially enjoyed the fact that you could have removed all mention of P&P and it would still have held up as a solid novel. A lot of JAFFs tend to rely a little too heavily on the canon material and their audience's expectations because of it. Not so with this book! It also may have made me a tentative fan of first person POVs. This is not something I normally enjoy, but the deep insight the author gave us to Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings, that could only be accomplished in first person, were well worth my initial distaste. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. -- Aimee J.
5-Star Reviews (all verified purchases):
I loved this book! I've read the author's earlier books and bought this one based on loving her prior books (you should check them out too!). Her writing is so good and she keeps you on the edge of your seat -- will Elizabeth and Darcy actually get together? It seems yes, then a twist, then no way, then another twist. Responsibilities, family and duty all intervene but doesn't love always find a way? You'll have to read it to find out. I literally couldn't put her book down - I finished it in two sittings in one day (we had a dinner reservation or I would've finished it in one sitting)! -- Mara
If I wanted to read the exact same characters with the exact same characteristics I'd re-read Austen's Pride and Prejudice (which yes, I have done multiple times over the years). However, I love retellings where there is a bit of drama, and a sense of not knowing exactly what will happen - or at least, since of course we know how it's all basically going to turn out - a bit of mystery surrounding how we'll arrive at the denouement. This book does that. I was drawn into the author's world immediately, and the characters were familiar but unique. I thought I knew what they were going to do or how they were going to act, but then they would surprise me and take a completely different turn. I didn't think any of them acted drastically out of character, but they were just different enough from the original to keep me wondering what they were going to do or say. If you're looking for a dry retelling of a familiar story, pass this one by. But if you want a unique take on a traditional story, BUY THIS BOOK!!! -- Pixelgirl
✔️ ODC in love
✔️ A favorite relative falls ill
✔️ Tragic, life-altering news
✔️ Insult at the Meryton assembly
✔️ Meeting again at Pemberley
✔️ Happily Ever After
The path from love to the happy ending is not a smooth one, however. This is a bit of a dark and tortured Darcy, but tempered with a really compassionate and understanding Elizabeth. Elizabeth loves Darcy well from afar, and even for a time up close when she becomes his sister's particular friend. It turns out that Darcy's duty is fueled by a large secret, but is it one that will destroy ODC forever? -- the_blue_eyed_bluestocking
This re-telling is more than I could have hoped for. I so enjoy Michelle Ray's storytelling and this did not disappoint. A beautiful, thoughtful, and well-researched twist on a beloved classic. Ray's own love for Austen's masterpiece is evident and yet, this deeper insight into Darcy and Elizabeth hit just right. Though my copy came early, I waited until this weekend when I knew I would have time to sit with some tea and scones and immerse myself. My only issue is I read too quickly and as always I just want more. -- C. Ancrile
This was a different Jaff. Darcy was a second son and lots of expectations upon him. He loves Elizabeth early on but leaves her. Some hardships and sorrows along their way to happiness. A bit on the heavy side. But still a good read. Great Jaff -- FabulousMrsB
This is a well written, interesting and fresh take on the P&P universe. I loved the pacing, the story, the writing. Everything drew me in and enveloped me in the story. Nostalgia and comfort in these characters paired with a fascinating spin on them made for a great read! -- Ariellaflower
What an incredibly moving story! Our heroes were certainly put through their emotional paces. I especially enjoyed the fact that you could have removed all mention of P&P and it would still have held up as a solid novel. A lot of JAFFs tend to rely a little too heavily on the canon material and their audience's expectations because of it. Not so with this book! It also may have made me a tentative fan of first person POVs. This is not something I normally enjoy, but the deep insight the author gave us to Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings, that could only be accomplished in first person, were well worth my initial distaste. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. -- Aimee J.