Dreaming of Mr. Darcy by Victoria Connelly

Title: Dreaming of Mr. Darcy Publisher: Sourcebooks Imprint: Sourcebooks Landmark Pub Date: January 01, 2012 ISBN: 9781402251351 Source: Netgalley Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance Rating: 4/5 Synopsis: Fledgling illustrator and Darcy fanatic, Kay Ashton, buys a B&B in the seaside town of Lyme so she’ll have a quiet place to finish her book, The Illustrated Mr. Darcy, and she’s delighted to discover that a film company is in town making a new big-screen adaptation of Persuasion. Kay has a history of falling for the bad boy so it’s no surprise that she’s soon under the spell of handsome actor Oli Wade Owen, who is playing Captain Wentworth. But what exactly is it that Oli is hiding from Kay? His apparent dissembling is making her nervous, so she confides her misgivings to quiet, handsome Adam Craig, who always seems to be there when she needs a sounding board. Screenwriter and producer Adam Craig hasn’t been in a relationship since he had his heart broken years ago. Throwing himself into his work, the last thing he expects is to fall in love again but that’s exactly what happens when he meets Kay. But she seems smitten with that cad Oli Owen, who he knows isn’t right for her. Can Adam overcome his crippling shyness and insecurity in order to find a happy ending of his own? It will take more than good intentions for Adam to convince Kay that her real happy ending is with him… Victoria Connelly’s first novel was promoted in Germany to celebrate World Book Day and was adapted into a TV movie. Her second novel was published as a lead title in the UK and chosen as a “hot pick” in Closer magazine. Her new trilogy is her first foray into Jane Austen-related fiction. Connelly lives in London. My Review:

I’ve never read any book from Victoria Connelly, but have to admit I enjoyed reading this one. Kay is an artist and Jane Austen fan, and a dreamer.- dreams of the perfect guy. After the death of a friend and she receives an unexpected inheritance, Kay resigns from her job, packs and moves to Lyme Regis, buys and Bed & Breakfast. She meets Oli Wade Owen who is filming Persuasion, and playing the part of Captain Wentworth. And to her, he is the perfect Captain Wentworth. Although Oli’s behavior is nothing of the sort.
Then there’s Adam, who is just a normal guy and adores Kay. But Kay has eyes only for Oli and tries fixing Adam up with Gemma, one of the actresses filming Persuasion. Eventually after Oli breaks her heart, she takes some time to think about things. And when she is emotionally ready, Adam’s there to heal and love her.
Kay’s story is about love: not seeing what is right in front of us until, that love is right there just waiting. I can’t fault Kay, because, realistically it does happen. Too blinded by what someone sees as perfection to see what is real.
Victoria Connelly did a great job with the characters. And enjoyed reading this book a lot. Can’t wait to read more from this author