Valentine Guestblog & Giveaway: Mr. Darcy the heartthrob

Mr. Darcy the heartthrob
One of the leading romance publishers in USA once did a survey about what their readers want in a hero, in terms of the physical appearance. A majority of the readers voted for TDH: tall, dark and handsome. Even if the story is about a blond hero, readers want the book cover to feature a dark hair hunk.

It is therefore amazing for me to know that Miss Jane Austen only used a few words to describe one of the biggest heartthrobs of literary history, Mr. Darcy:

“Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien.” – Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 3

How did Mr. Darcy do it, to engage so many hearts of women from around the world?

It all comes down to his character. Mr. Darcy might be the most arrogant jerk at the beginning of the story but he was courageous enough to mend his way.

And he was constant in his love for Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Darcy overcame the censure of his family, the scandal of her sister and every material reason to love Elizabeth at all cost. What more could a woman want, but for her man to stand by her, for better or for worst?

I’ve fallen in love with Mr. Darcy for many years and I’ve written several retelling of Jane Austen’s story. With my latest novel, Really Angelic, a Pride and Prejudice with a paranormal twist, I hope I created a memorable Mr. Darcy for my readers too.

Here is an excerpt from my novel:

When Mr. Bennet left the room, Mr. Darcy was prepared for a dressing down from his angel, regarding the way in which he had forced her to agree to the marriage. He sat down by her side and held her hands again, resigned to his fate. But before he could utter a word, she drew a deep breath and revealed the crux of the matter to him quite simply.

“Mr. Darcy, as an angel, I have been told that I am incapable of bearing a child. We cannot – must not – marry, because I cannot give you an heir.” She looked at him squarely, clearly braced to accept the sad news that he was ending the engagement.

Emotions of shock, anger and sadness passed through him but he swallowed them down. She was the most important person in the world to him. “Then we shall marry without delay and make the most of the time we have together. Georgiana can beget the Darcy’s heir. Perhaps we can even raise her second son as our own.”

Tears ran down her face as she whispered, “You truly love me enough to accept my…flaw?”

“I love you, deeply ardently, utterly.” A tear ran down his cheek as he lowered his head to kiss her tenderly on the lips. “And that is all the more true now that I know that you refused to marry me only for my own good. How can I not love you? And you do not have any flaw.” He kissed her again. “In my eyes, you are perfect.”

***
Well why do you think Mr. Darcy engages the hearts of so many women?

The above excerpt was adapted from Enid Wilson’s latest novel Really Angelic, a steamy paranormal retelling of Pride and Prejudice. (The book contains adult content) Enid is delighted to offer a paperback copy of her book to ONE of you. Just tell us what you think by commenting below before February 28th and you have a chance to win it. Entry opens to worldwide readers. To read more about Enid’s books, you can visit SteamyDarcy

~purchase a copy of Really Angelic~