Bargain with the Devil

In Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy learns of the debacle involving Elizabeth Bennet's sister several months after he was rejected by Elizabeth, and volunteers to help find her sister, of his own accord.

But what if Miss Elizabeth had requested Mr. Darcy's aid in just a few days after the disastrous proposal at Hunsford, and he was still very angry with her refusal? What if he decided to be ungentlemanly, and demanded a very particular reward from her in exchange for his assistance?

This steamy, funny Pride and Prejudice what-if short story explores that scenario with wit, emotion and intriguing plot twists that take this perennial favorite to another direction.

REVIEWS

5 Cups of Coffee from Coffee Time Romance = Ultra Rare Extraordinary Read

Bargain with the Devil is a sweet story of love with a dark side that will ensnare the reader. Enid Wilson skillfully provides a view into the private thoughts of the hero and heroine. This insight allowed me to see the situation through the eyes of both characters. I found it fantastic that the heroine was depicted as very human and rational, unlike other historical heroines who are unable to look past the rules of society. This book is an engrossing story that will grab the reader and take them on a wild ride that will last until the very last sentence.

- Delane, excerpt from www.coffeetimeromance.com

5 Stars from Reading with Monie

I started with Pride and Prejuice by Jane Austen and then moved on to the movie starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen (when Mr. Darcy flexed his hand after helping Elizabeth into the carriage my heart broke!) and wrapped it up with Bargain with the Devil. I devoured it in one sitting.

I found my new favorite fictional male character in Mr. Darcy (move over Rourke from J.D. Robb's In Death series) and in Bargain with the Devil he is certainly a scoundrel but Enid did a wonderful job on this what if story. I especially liked the unfortunate circumstances of Miss Bingley. I'm sure that Enid had lots of fun writing this book because it shows.

- Monie, excerpt from www.readingwithmonie.com

True to the characters, Straight From Hel

Wilson stays true to the characters. You can see those original characters here in Bargain with the Devil. They’re alive again and going off on an adventure similar to the original book, yet very different. It’s that different path they take that sets this book apart from the original. Wilson has definitely modernized the story, while keeping it set in the same time period as the original.

Mr. Darcy is more of a rogue in this book. Elizabeth is more daring. Together, they make an excellent team. She asks him to help her find her sister. He agrees - but expects a payment from her. She agrees - but stands up to him eye to eye, or perhaps “stands up” is the wrong term.

This is a sexy, romantic, romp through a story and time that was probably not as sedate as we today believe.

- Helen Ginger, excerpt from straightfromhel.blogspot.com

4 Stars from San Diego Examiner

I quite enjoyed the ride through history as Enid has captured the essence of Jane Austen's world. The story is rich in detail, and while it is an homage to Pride and Prejudice, the story does take turns and twists not envisioned in the original. I could not stop reading. The story pulled me in and held on until the last page, which in this reviewer’s estimation makes this a damn fine book!

- Acquanetta Ferguson, San Diego Examiner

Very Refreshing, Wendi's Book Corner

I found the book to be very refreshing - giving an altogether new twist to the story of Elizabeth and Darcy's relationship. What if. . . what if Darcy's feelings and pride were still stinging from Elizabeth's rejection. . . what if she turned to him for help when Lydia ran off with Wickham. . . and what if he requested a reward to be named at a later date in exchange for helping find Wickham and Lydia and get them married?

The story is more complicated than that, but that is how it all starts. Add to that the joy of getting to see the thoughts of Elizabeth and Darcy (shown in italics) as they deal with uncertainties surrounding their feelings for each other, a VERY unexpected turn of events surrounding Wickham and Lydia, and a little black magic among other things and you've got a fun afternoon read!

- Wendi Barker, excerpt from wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com

EXCERPT

“My father is here in London. He has been trying to find her for the past three days, with my uncle’s assistance. He sent for me from Kent at the same time. That was the reason I requested this meeting. You have known Mr. Wickham since your youth. I beg for intelligence to help us in our search.”

Mr. Darcy made no answer. He continued to pace for a while, then stopped and looked sharply at her.

Elizabeth returned his gaze through teary eyes.

“And what would be my reward for helping you?” He asked at last.

It was Elizabeth’s turn to widen her eyes. “Reward? I am appealing to your gentleman’s nature to help a family in distress.”

He laughed coolly. “As I recall, you stated yourself that I had a selfish disdain for the feelings of others, and that I was no gentleman. Why would such a man help a family in distress without some reward in view?”