Publishers Weekly
Dec 15, 2011
‘Benneton’s contemporary debut rides the wave of Austen-mania as miscues and misunderstandings threaten to separate Fitzwilliam Darcy, an obsessive-compulsive millionaire, and Dr. Elizabeth Bennet, an infectious disease specialist working in Vietnam. Darcy travels to Da Nang to support wealthy friends who are adopting a trendy Vietnamese baby, but he’s driven to distraction by imagined tropical perils and hides in his hotel room. Once he and Elizabeth meet, there is definite chemistry, but their courtship is doomed first by Darcy’s shame about his disorder and second by Elizabeth’s assumption that he and Charles Bingley are a couple. Worse, Darcy’s manipulative Aunt Catherine and her conniving stepdaughter have their own ideas about the shape of his marital future. Die-hard fans of everything Austen will enjoy this update of her classic tale. Agent: Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Feb.)
Fresh Fiction Review
Jan, 2012
‘Nina Benneton has taken the best elements of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and spun a tale with a delightful modern twist, which will more than satisfy the most fickle of Austen fans. COMPULSIVELY MR. DARCY is exquisitely romantic. This is a tenderly written novel which would make even Jane Austen swoon. The Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy who stole your heart in Jane Austen's novel are written to perfection in COMPULSIVELY MR. DARCY.’
Best Book review from Long and Short Review (Book of the Month)
Jan 17, 2012
'A smooth read with plenty of eccentric and quirky characters, this story was a meaty delight with a hero and heroine I enjoyed getting to know. Compulsively Mr. Darcy had moments of sheer literary genius that took turns making me smile, sigh, or laugh out loud. Some of Ms. Benneton’s turns of phrase were brilliant and utterly entertaining.'
Darcy, a/k/a Will, was a wonderfully developed hero with compulsion issues that took turns at amazing me, making me giggle or completely fascinating me. The author put a very human spin on what other people would term, ‘crazy behavior’. In fact, it was very clear that the behavior did not define the man and that really impressed me.'
'...Dr. Elizabeth Bennet, a/k/a, Lizzie. What a fun character! She’s impulsive, emotionally passionate, tender hearted and has a sparkly snarky wit full of cheek and sauce. My absolute favorite aspect of her personality was her acceptance of Darcy’s compulsive behavior. Her viewpoint was refreshing, very positive and optimistic with a healthy dose of understanding and acceptance.'
Whenever I saw the word “broth” I nearly fell off my chair. I’m not sure what the author was thinking or how she came up with it, but it’s priceless. In fact that whole germ thing was truly inspired. That was the best piece of writing, ever.'
'Hands down, Compulsively Mr. Darcy is a must read book for lovers and fans of classic romance. The story delivers characters with quality personalities, a conflict that has substance without being dark and a happy ever after that ends with a giggle. It’s well rounded, entertaining and thoroughly lovable. I’d recommend this book as a must read, even for those like me, who’ve never read a Jane Austin book. Thank you, Ms. Benneton, for a story that had such a wonderful heart, I read it in one sitting. It’s that good.
Imainlinefiction Review.
Jan 29, 2012
‘When I read the summary for this book, I was a little leery of reading it. I was worried the Darcy character would be ruled by his OCD and be less romantic. Boy was I wrong! In this wonderful adaptation by Nina Benneton, Darcy’s OCD is sensitively handled; Darcy is a man with OCD but he is not defined by it….’
‘…I loved that way Ms. Benneton worked in the characters from the original book and from other Jane Austen books as well. Some of the characters follow a similar path as the original version, but others go a different direction and it all works. Elizabeth and Darcy have a strong relationship that overcomes their own mistrust and outside influences. The bad people get punished and when you read the last page you think to yourself…. That was really an enjoyable read! I hope that we will see more from Ms. Benneton.
My Book Addiction Review:
Feb 1, 2012
…“Compulsively Mr. Darcy” has many facets to the story. Starting with misconceptions between Mr. Darcy and his friend Charles Bingley. It has love, a modern day romance, an old theme with a new idea, misconceptions, understanding, sweet sensuality, misunderstandings and of course strong characters. A must read for anyone who enjoys Pride and Prejudice but in present day. “Compulsively Mr. Darcy” was a wonderful read with sexy, beautiful characters who live in today’s world and have a few quirky ways about them. A great read!
Peeking Between the Pages.
Feb 1, 2012
‘Compulsively Mr. Darcy is the debut novel of Nina Benneton and it was a really fun read! This take on our beloved Pride & Prejudice finds Darcy and Elizabeth tackling the modern world and more than a few misunderstandings along the way. This funny and entertaining modern adventure is a great adaptation of an old and favorite classic!’
‘…Of course it wouldn’t be Darcy and Elizabeth without a few misunderstandings and it’s fun to watch them both try to navigate a relationship when neither one of them has ever been very successful at it before.
I thought Compulsively Mr. Darcy was an interesting take on Darcy for sure. To make this strong, good looking man have obsessive compulsive issues was very real and yet the author added a funny spin on it too. She took an illness that is usually swept under the carpet and put it out there and best of all Elizabeth accepts him completely for who he is, strange habits and all. My favorite character was Darcy and I got a giggle out of how he had to always be in control of a situation to be comfortable and yet Elizabeth manages to mess that up for him pretty good in most cases. The romance between the two was sweet and funny and all in all this was a really good read for me and a few hours of time well spent!
Books Like Breathing
Feb 6, 2012
I love, love, love Jane Austen adaptations. Especially ones that take me out of my Austen comfort zone. This one was definitely very far from my comfort zone. And I absolutely loved every minute of it.
Elizabeth was just plain awesome. She was intelligent, self-motivated and just about every other word that can adequately describe the awesome that is Elizabeth Bennet. She is also very presumptuous…she assumes Darcy and Bingley are a homosexual couple looking to adopt and that Darcy is poor and unemployed. Watching her overcome her presumptions was quite fun. I absolutely loved OCD Darcy. There was something so vulnerable about him. I am used to Darcy being all imposing and starchy but seeing him as a modern, sensitive man was quite refreshing.
I am usually very easygoing with my Pride and Prejudice adaptations. Any permutation of the same plot would do. But do happen to be very attached to the English setting. I was completely surprised that a setting that was so different from my usual could be so very appealing and work so well for me. I really loved everything about this book. Lizzy and Darcy were so squishy sweet and I found myself chuckling at their adorableness at times. 5 Gold Stars
Jakki L's Book Review
Feb 7, 2012
'From her humorous one-liners and wit, to her portrayal of her characters, Nina Benneton offers a great diversion. With chapter titles such as "Two Men and a Baby," "Escort Service," and "What the Frick?" amongst others, I knew I was in for a real treat.
'At one point, Benneton had my heart aching for the couple, yet the story never lost that lighthearted feel.'
'In addition to the entertaining plot, Benneton captures key characteristics from Austen's characters, while giving them a modern spin... How appropriate that Caroline Bingley is a socialite whose only interests are Hollywood, Mr. Darcy, and tabloids.'
'While some do not like Austen or her characters to be tampered with, Benneton did an exceptional job in successfully transplanting them to Vietnam and the twenty-first century. I do not know much about that country, but after reading Benneton's story, I feel like I have been to Vietnam myself on a mini vacation.'
'For readers who enjoy modern Pride and Prejudice variations, lighthearted reads, or want a vacation, this book should be on the top of their to-be-read list.
Savvy Verse and Wit
Feb 7, 2012
‘…Benneton’s wise-cracking and dry humor is delightful as Darcy and Bingley bumble their way through Vietnam as tag-a-longs with the Hursts who are seeking the latest rage in high society –to adopt a third-world child — and climb the social ladder. The first meeting between Lizzy and Darcy is not pleasant and some presumptions are made by Lizzy about Darcy and Bingley’s relationship. Although the original meetings and situations from Austen’s work are altered, there are brief nods to the famous writer in the dialogue between Darcy and Lizzy. The chemistry between Darcy and Lizzy heats up once the misconceptions Lizzy and Darcy have about one another are quickly dispatched, but there are other obstacles to test their whirlwind relationship, especially from family members Richard, Anne, and Catherine.
Some may find the sex scenes a little too detailed, but they certainly heat up the tension between the lovers as they come to know one another better and stumble along the way. Benneton’s Lizzy and Darcy still fail to trust and must build it from the ruins of misconception, but they are stronger for it. Benneton showcases her wit in this rendition of the Darcy and Lizzy love story, and the additional behavioral disorders of the main heroes was entertaining. More than a love story, Compulsively Mr. Darcy is about loving someone faults and all, accepting and not changing who they are, and growing together in love. Steamy, sexy, and fun, it will have readers giggling and blushing at the same time.’
Austenprose
Feb 11, 2012
'I'm always amazed at how many new situations authors can drum up to place Elizabeth and Darcy in. Even with all these new ideas, Benneton's story tops my list of most creative.'
'What's fascinating about giving Darcy OCD is the amazing side of Elizabeth that comes out. Sure she still makes rash assumptions at first, but the unconditional love she has for Darcy (ALL of Darcy) is inspiring. She looks beyond Darcy's OCD to see the man deep inside who isn't riddled with an incessant need to wash his hands and control everything around him, and loves him. She accepts him just the way he is, a trait hard to find in people sometimes.'
'Not only does Compulsively Mr. Darcy give us a peek into what life with OCD is like, but we get to experience new cultures! I for one had not a clue what life in Vietnam was like, whether it be about their cuisine, fashion, or rituals. Benneton does a great job at infusing tidbits of knowledge about these things into the storyline in an intriguing manner, making the reader want to pick up a book and study the culture more. (I'll also admit that her descriptions of the landscapes and landmarks there have made me add Vietnam to my bucket list of must visit places).
'Benneton's unique and inventive story is a wonderful addition to the Jane Austen fan fiction world. However, Compulsive Mr. Darcy is definitely not for the Austen purists out there. A more mature audience will appreciate this romantic, sensual new retelling of our favorite duo, Elizabeth and Darcy.
Deb's Book Bag Review
Feb 15, 2012
'Compulsively Mr. Darcy is Nina Bennetons’ debut novel. And what a debut it is. With a sharp with and a knack for developing, eccentric, quirky chracters, Benneton will easily score a ton of fans...Benneton stays true to Austen’s original vibe for each character, but gives them a few unexpected twists that will appeal to many readers.'
'I'm a big Pride and Prejudice fan and love just about everything Austen related there is. So I admit to a bit of skepticism. But I was completely taken aback by how well this book flowed. With how the author was able to turn a phrase and how spot on she was with her ideas for updating some of the most beloved characters of all time.'
'She modernized them, but she still stayed true to Austen’s vision for these people...'Benneton’s real strength seemed to be in bringing out aspects of Austen’s characters that were always there, they just weren’t elaborated on.'
'The overall theme is the same as in the original Pride and Prejudice, the author just takes a few liberties with the time and setting of the story. I loved the modern twist and thought it was fun to read. The humor is exceptional and readers who love Austen will find it hard not love Benneton. Great first effort! I hope to see more from this author in the future.'
