Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of Caroline Bingley sounded like quite an intriguing concept to me. But unfortunately this novel was boring. Absolutely nothing happened. Caroline had zero personality and zero character growth throughout the course of the novel. It felt like she was just sitting around waiting for Mr Darcy to return which was utterly pathetic.

Miss Bingley Requests: A Pride and Prejudice Regency Variation by Judy McCrosky is a standalone story which as the title suggests is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice but from Caroline Bingley's perspective.

It is difficult to review this book because on the one hand there are of course many references and scenes used which were in the fabulous Pride and Prejudice. On the other hand, sometimes a better insight into characters isn't always a good thing. I enjoyed the former but didn't enjoy the latter. Even though he is a proud man I love Darcy and seeing how his love for Lizzie developed. In this book, he comes across as an ignorant, childish gossiping man. Caroline and her sister come across as really nasty pieces of work too. I found it very hard to believe that Caroline would fall in lust with another man (Mr Tryphon) when she is supposed to love Darcy so much. She was such an unlikeable character that it started to detract from the Pride and Prejudice story. I think that is the problem with variations of an already perfect story, it's like fan fiction and what the author sees as a good addition to an already perfect story can come across as spoiling a good thing.

I will admit that there were a couple of amusing scenes that I did enjoy, but despite being well written this book was too long and only grabbed my attention when scenes were retold from the original story. It's a shame really as the synopsis of the book sounded quite promising. Perhaps for a person who hasn't seen or read Pride and Prejudice, this would be a far more enjoyable book. There would be no chance of them comparing the original characters to this author's take on them.

DNF

I would like to thank netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I've had two tries at this book and I've just lost interest.

I quite enjoyed this new slant on Pride and Prejudice but I didn’t love it. It lacked impact and I felt that the Caroline Bingley MCcrosky portrays is a completely different character to the Caroline Austen presents us with. I suppose I was a tad disappointed with this book, I think I expected more than it was.

While the writing of the book was fine, I wasn't a fan of the story from Caroline's perspective, so I wasn't able to finish reading the book.

I love retellings so I was so excited to go into this - however this didn't turn out to be the book for me. and I really struggled through it and honestly didn't retain too much of the content when I put it down. I'm sure this will be perfect for so many people as there were no real issues with it but I just didn't feel engaged with the plot.

RATING: 1 STAR
DNF @8%
2018; Crooked Lane Books
(Review Not on Blog)

I just could not get into this book. While I like Pride and prejudice it is not my favourite Jane Austen novel. The jury is still out on what I think about retellings, but I cannot help but want to try them. Caroline was the ultimate jealous mean girl, but I was hoping with this novel we would learn more about her (through another writer's lens). I didn't get very far with this book or skim to really gage if this does get better, so check out other reviews!

***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***

A unique twist on Pride and Prejudice, with one of its most detested characters, Caroline Bingley, taking center stage. She of the arrogant mien, so hateful toward the Bennet women, so desirous of Darcy. MISS BINGLEY REQUESTS is true to Austen’s original story, but takes us full into Caroline’s life beyond the original. I disliked Austen’s character then and here so much that I found it hard to be invested in her. 3/5

Pub Date 13 Nov 2018. Available on Amazon.

Thanks to the author, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#MissBingleyRequests #NetGalley

Here is a fun re-telling of the Pride and Prejudice, unlike any of the stories I’ve read so far. The fact that we go through the story in Caroline Bingley’s perspective, is both original and a bit horrifying considering her role in the original novel. The best part is that Judy McCrosky kept the most of the original story with making any major changes to the plot, and that includes Caroline herself.

Presented by Jane Austen, Caroline is nasty, ignorant, arrogant, shallow, and vain. On a more positive note (yes, it’s possible even for her), she also determinate and confident in her values. We through the story in Caroline’s perspective entirely, with means some of the scenes in the original novel had to change so she could be included somehow. While in some scenes I found that her presence would be rather unlikely, in others, it actually makes sense. McCrosky was able to include Caroline in a way that doesn’t feel intrusive to the story. It flows perfectly almost from the beginning to the end.

Caroline is the product of her education and upbringing, she’s well aware that her social class allows her to act the way she does, especially with people she considers to be inferior. In her arrogance, she doesn’t fully listen to conversations, interpreting them and retaining only what she finds interesting. In her conversations with Mr Darcy, it’s clear she hears one thing and responds to something completely different. Also, she interprets Mr Darcy’s actions as interest for his part of marrying her, even though it’s clear for the reader he tries to discourage her advances at every turn. She lives in constant hope, and constant desire and almost need, for him to do so.

However, I feel McCrosky missed the target when it comes to the familiarity between the characters. Caroline’s arrogance and need to be close to Mr Darcy at all time would never extend to the lack of manners. Her interruption of his meetings and her attitude as mistress of the household would be highly unappropriated for a lady at the time, no manner the level of proximity between people. Also, the way the characters address each other is something that was simply not done at the time. The use of the first name is something personal and it happens only in more personal relationships, like when Darcy calls Elizabeth by her first name when she proposes the second time. Darcy would simply not call Caroline by her first name, nor Bingley address Mr Darcy as Fitzwilliam. I understand what the author tried to do, to bring out the familiarity between the two families. But it should have been done through the character’s actions, more than their speeches. The 19th century is known for being its unique mannerisms and those were always in the spotlight, especially among the bourgeoisie.

Overall, it was an interesting read. Hands down to McCrosky for re-telling the story of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of the villain in a nice way and in a style of writing that matches the historical period and Austen’s style.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher Accent Press and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.

Ever since she met him, Caroline has intended to wed Mr. Darcy. Intelligent and well educated, Caroline is an ambitious rising star in fashionable society―some might say conniving―but in Regency England, what can she do to better her situation but marry well? Surely, Mr. Darcy is aware that Caroline will make the perfect wife and hostess at Pemberley, his grand estate. Now, all she need do is await his proposal.
First, I should say that I am a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice and have good and bad versions, spin-offs, and sequels. Caroline is definitely my most disliked character. That being said, the author did an excellent job recapturing a vapid character and making her true to Jane Austin’s original character. With that, I didn’t want to see her get her happy ending, which puts me at odds and splits me right down the middle. I would like to see this author’s take on some of the more likable characters.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This was a Pride and Prejudice retelling told from the perspective of Caroline Bingley. I have never liked Caroline. However, this novel made me dislike her more. She makes many foolish decisions. She is still vain and self-centered. I had come into this novel hoping to sympathize with her, but I couldn’t. I did find the ending to be very satisfying because I believe that is what she deserved. Still, this novel may interest many fans of Jane Austen.

Miss Bingley Requests presents a unique look at Pride and Prejudice. While Elizabeth got the guy, what did Caroline Bingley get, other than a bad attitude? I basically despise her character, and this story did not change my opinion. I'm glad to read a different version of the classic, but Caroline is too shallow and taciturn to be likeable at all. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I had hoped.

I finished this book thinking, “Well, okay.” I enjoy variations of Pride and Prejudice as much as the next Regency lover, but this story of Caroline Bingley felt almost pointless. Caroline was static as a character - I’m not sure she changed from the start of the story to the end. Isn’t that a requirement for a protagonist? The book is very well-written, but only barely kept my attention to the end.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Miss Bingley Requests by Judy McCrosky is Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice from Caroline Bingley's point of view. While covering all of Austen's plot points and fleshing out Miss Bingley's life, McCrosky does nothing to change the fact that Caroline Bingley is a snide, unlikeable character. I couldn't even feel sympathetic when she finds out the truth about Mr. Tryphon and Lady Amesbury.

Having read Jane Austen's original and many variations and viewed every movie version available, including one from Bollywood, I was open to new takes on the story line. While McCrosky writes well, this didn't cut it for me.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

The story starts before the Bingleys moved to Netherfields. Then it follows the P & P story with some additional and modified events and with new characters. It narrates Caroline’s mind/perspective on things. There is a slight touch of mystery about the new characters and Mr Darcy’s feeling about them. I find some parts were amusing.... Ms Bingley is really clueless. There is a HEA for ODC. I don't want to give any spoilers but I was expecting (and hoping) something different for Caroline.

This is an enjoyable book. A break from variations based on Lizzy and/or Darcy’s perspective.

Note: I have received an advance copy to read to give my opinion on the book.

In this variation we see the events of Pride and Prejudice from the viewpoint of Caroline Bingley. A viewpoint which is delusional as far as her aspirations towards Mr Darcy go. The story also introduced a couple of new characters to add to the tale.
(If you are only interested in the angst between Darcy and Elizabeth then this is not for you.)
I found this an entertaining well-written read and at times felt even sorry for Caroline Bingley. Though I am someone who enjoys reading about the secondary characters of P&P and variations of other Austen works.

Revisit the world of Jane Austen’sPride and Prejudice, through the eyes of the woman who is determined to win Mr. Darcy’s affections, in this sumptuous and romantic novel.

To Jane Austen’s faithful readers, it is a truth universally acknowledged that the hearts of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy are forever entwined. But if Miss Caroline Bingley has her way, all will transpire very differently.

Ever since she met him, Caroline has intended to wed Mr. Darcy. Intelligent and well educated, Caroline is an ambitious rising star in fashionable society―some might say conniving―but in Regency England, what can she do to better her situation but marry well? Surely, Mr. Darcy is aware that Caroline will make the perfect wife and hostess at Pemberley, his grand estate. Now, all she need do is await his proposal.

Caroline’s brother, Charles, takes a country estate, Netherfield Park, where he is drawn to Jane Bennet. To Caroline’s initial amusement, Mr. Darcy takes note of Elizabeth Bennet, but humour turns to concern when his interest increases.

At the same time, Caroline meets Mr. Tryphon, a young man new to London and introduced to society by Caroline’s friend, Lady Eleanor Amesbury. Try as she may, Caroline finds it well-nigh impossible to maintain her decorum in his company. Despite her growing feelings for Mr. Tryphon’s dark eyes, and the touch of his firm forearm beneath her gloved fingers, Caroline knows that her future life is entwined with that of Mr. Darcy. And nothing, not love, passion, friendship, or loyalty shall stand in the way of Caroline’s aspirations in Miss Bingley Requests, Judy McCrosky’s richly romantic reimagining of Pride and Prejudice.

Review, spoilers!!!:
…. I`m not sure what I read….
I`m still angry I didn`t get an HEA. Until the end, I really was enjoying this book. I mean it is well written, the words flow and I enjoyed being inside Miss Bingley`s head. But then she doesn`t end with Mr. Tryphon.
I understand it`s an historical romance and she couldn`t jump his bones, but come on… He was cute. So he has no money and probably is an fortune seeker, at least he could kiss.
Ok I`m still mad I didn`t get an HEA…

What I liked:
I love historical, so I was so happy to read this book. Until the end.

What I didn`t like:
Where is my HEA??

A fun Austenation. Didn't make any major changes to canon, being largely a straight retelling of Pride and Prejudice from Caroline Bingley's POV. I was surprised (being a veteran of these types of stories), that the author really made no changes to Caroline's character as presented by Austen. Caroline in this book was just as shallow, vain, nasty & delusional as she has ever been. Kind of comforting, actually. A self-aware and kind Caroline Bingley would sort of shake the foundations of the world, wouldn't it? I did feel the book could have benefited from a bit more editing, there were a few passages that drug on and on. But all in all, a good read, with a satisfying ending.

Eh,not what I was looking for, this book tried to put waaay to many modern spins on things and I just didn't find myself enjoying the characters or where their stories lead them, I was so disappointed.:(

Judy McCrosky’s <I>Miss Bingley Requests</I> is the telling of <I>Pride & Prejudice</I> from the point of view of Miss Bingley. However, to give an added twist, before Netherfield is let, Miss Bingley happens to read a love poem that Mr. Darcy was reading. After a chance meeting with a Mr. Tryphon, new to London, Miss Bingley is scrambling not to let the meaning of love deter her from her goal of becoming Mrs. Darcy. Throughout it all, the classic <I>Pride & Prejudice</I> is taking place, with our dear couple (Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett) generally none the wiser to Miss Bingley’s turmoil.

I’m a big fan of <I>Pride & Prejudice</I> variations. It’s fun to see these characters play through different adventures. One of the important things in writing a variation is characterization. Overall, McCrosky seems to have the gist of most characters, especially the Bingley family. While Jane Austen didn’t delve too deeply into these characters, there is a general feeling, an <I>air</i> if you will, to who they are. In structuring a story primarily around Caroline, McCrosky stays true to the generally understood characterizations. There were a few instances, however, when Mr. Darcy did something joking or playful that felt terribly out of character for him, as staid a gentleman as ever Austen wrote. As a fan of the original, I found those moments tended to pull me out of the world McCrosky was rebuilding.

One of the most fun parts of <I>Miss Bingley Requests</I> is the degree to which Miss Bingley misunderstands the interactions between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. Getting to see their story playout from her point of view where she misinterprets – sometimes deliberately – Mr. Darcy’s words and thoughts regarding Elizabeth is fascinating and fun. Her focus on gaining Darcy’s attention herself, convinced that she has the right of things, all while possibly falling for someone else, makes for a great variation the original.

The changes made to the story overall by the introduction of Mr. Tryphon and Lady Amesbury are surprisingly minimal, though they do give the events a somewhat foreboding feeling, but – I won’t lie – most of that was due to my love of Miss Bingley gets her just desserts style stories. By the time a third of the story had past, I was feeling firmly protective of Caroline. While I didn’t want a change to the base story, I still wanted her to find a happy ending. Overall, I would happily read another of McCrosky’s variations. I’d also be interested to see what she does outside of the <I>Pride & Prejudice</I> frame work.

I was provided an e-ARC by Crooked Lane Books via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.