With me today on the blog is the fabulous author and Readers’ Crown finalist from the Southern Rockies, Aileen Harkwood. She has a very exciting book bundle to tell you about in a bit, but first she's agreed to talk heroes with me, one of my favourite topics...
Darcy vs. Mr. Knightley
Ask any woman who has ever read Jane Austen which of that author’s heroes is their favorite, and you’re likely to hear a distinctly non-21st century swoony sound, followed by a single utterance. “Darcy.”
As someone who, during bouts of insomnia and Chocolate Therapy ice cream overload, embarrassingly moons over the video of Colin Firth rising dripping wet from the lake at Pemberley, I can testify to the truth of Darcy’s heroic sublimeness.
Or, as Lizzy says to her father in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, “I didn’t always love him, but I love him now so very dearly. He is truly the best man I have ever known.”
Yes, but is he Austen’s most perfect hero? I would argue that while he is the romantic equivalent of a bungee jump in the arms of someone you know will never let you plummet to your death, another of the author’s heroes should also be considered.
Darcy vs. Mr. Knightley
Ask any woman who has ever read Jane Austen which of that author’s heroes is their favorite, and you’re likely to hear a distinctly non-21st century swoony sound, followed by a single utterance. “Darcy.”
As someone who, during bouts of insomnia and Chocolate Therapy ice cream overload, embarrassingly moons over the video of Colin Firth rising dripping wet from the lake at Pemberley, I can testify to the truth of Darcy’s heroic sublimeness.
Or, as Lizzy says to her father in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, “I didn’t always love him, but I love him now so very dearly. He is truly the best man I have ever known.”
Yes, but is he Austen’s most perfect hero? I would argue that while he is the romantic equivalent of a bungee jump in the arms of someone you know will never let you plummet to your death, another of the author’s heroes should also be considered.
I'm all ears.
Wildly underestimated in comparison to Darcy, Mr Knightley from Emma is the hero I believe many of us would actually bond with in the real world. Darcy plays the larger-than-life stranger who dangles happiness in front of a socially straight-jacketed Lizzie, but Mr. Knightley—the mild-mannered country neighbor to spoiled, rich girl Emma—represents a love so intuitive and understanding it can never go wrong.
Wait. I hear the cries of dissent now.
That was me!
Yes, yes, a nice man, plus he’s rich, which never hurts, but boring!
Mr. Knightly is steady, solid and familiar, which does sound boring, though his steadiness is one secure enough in his manhood to allow Emma to explore her world without trying to force her back into society’s mold. His solidness offers Emma a safe, rock-sure foundation to which she can always return. He does have a spine, readily calling her out for her thoughtlessness toward poor Miss Bates and meddling in Harriet's love life. Yet his ability to forgive is never in question, as Lizzie fears is the case with Darcy during her moment of crisis. And as for being familiar, I find something completely satisfying and, yes, romantic, in knowing you have always been accepted for who you are, always loved by another.
Let me fantasize a galloping epic of a love story with Darcy, but in real life, please direct me toward my own Mr. Knightley.
Wildly underestimated in comparison to Darcy, Mr Knightley from Emma is the hero I believe many of us would actually bond with in the real world. Darcy plays the larger-than-life stranger who dangles happiness in front of a socially straight-jacketed Lizzie, but Mr. Knightley—the mild-mannered country neighbor to spoiled, rich girl Emma—represents a love so intuitive and understanding it can never go wrong.
Wait. I hear the cries of dissent now.
That was me!
Yes, yes, a nice man, plus he’s rich, which never hurts, but boring!
Mr. Knightly is steady, solid and familiar, which does sound boring, though his steadiness is one secure enough in his manhood to allow Emma to explore her world without trying to force her back into society’s mold. His solidness offers Emma a safe, rock-sure foundation to which she can always return. He does have a spine, readily calling her out for her thoughtlessness toward poor Miss Bates and meddling in Harriet's love life. Yet his ability to forgive is never in question, as Lizzie fears is the case with Darcy during her moment of crisis. And as for being familiar, I find something completely satisfying and, yes, romantic, in knowing you have always been accepted for who you are, always loved by another.
Let me fantasize a galloping epic of a love story with Darcy, but in real life, please direct me toward my own Mr. Knightley.
Though I don't mention it above, I was thinking about my hero in The Last Wedding at Drayhome, the novella included in Magical Weddings. Ax isn't an exact match for Mr. Knightley, not by a long shot. For one, he's rather Celtic-warrior-brutish to the other's refinement, nor is his standing in the community terribly high. However, he's a strong hero when you need one, who possesses a startling gift in his own right, and his love for the heroine has remained steadfast, if unspoken, for years.
Okay, I'm starting to see your point. So tell us a little more about this box set you're part of. (I have to confess, I've already booked my copy. - Lots of great authors!)
Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable. And irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.
From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set, 14 of them new releases, cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love’s hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1GEDBPe
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ewV9SE
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1dyBCRp
B&N: http://bit.ly/1dAAdtJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1SrS6us
iTunes: http://apple.co/1RcL2Ai
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1emycBp
Looks fab! so tell us a little bit about your particular book, Aileen.
Okay, I'm starting to see your point. So tell us a little more about this box set you're part of. (I have to confess, I've already booked my copy. - Lots of great authors!)
Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable. And irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.
From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set, 14 of them new releases, cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love’s hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1GEDBPe
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ewV9SE
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1dyBCRp
B&N: http://bit.ly/1dAAdtJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1SrS6us
iTunes: http://apple.co/1RcL2Ai
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1emycBp
Looks fab! so tell us a little bit about your particular book, Aileen.
The Last Wedding at Drayhome is the prequel to two concurrent series of fantasy romances, Spell Touched: Breens Mist Witches, Book 1, and Wedding Spell, first in the Breens Mist Weddings series, due out in September 2015. She’s passionate about green chile and the mysteries hiding in antique photographs. Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.
I can't wait!!!
Okay, this magical box set is out on June the 16th - only just over a week to go, so grab your copy now.
Thanks so much for coming on, Aileen and all the best with your books. :-)
I can't wait!!!
Okay, this magical box set is out on June the 16th - only just over a week to go, so grab your copy now.
Thanks so much for coming on, Aileen and all the best with your books. :-)
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