Thank you, Regina, for taking time out of your hectic schedule to host me today on Every Woman Dreams. So exciting to hear about your upcoming Regency Romances for Dragonblade mystery series associated with the Lyon’s Den Realm and your new Jane Austen variation, Leave Her Wild, coming out in February! I hope one day to be as prolific as you are.

Today, I’m celebrating the release of my newest Pride and Prejudice variation “Sudden Awakenings”, which is third standalone P&P variation in The Other Paths Collection. Each book operates in its own “universe” and featuring a different path to Happily Ever After for Darcy and Elizabeth, so you can enjoy them in any order.

In this twist, Elizabeth’s sleepwalking condition puts her in a bind when she accidentally wanders into Mr. Darcy’s room while they are guests at Netherfield Park, forcing them to get married to save Elizabeth’s reputation. Enemies to lovers is one of my very favorite tropes, especially when combined with forced marriage or arranged marriage situations, so it was a lot of fun to write this story, and I hope you will all enjoy it.

Blurb:

What could be worse than awakening in the bed of the man you hate?

Elizabeth Bennet, haunted by a family history of sleepwalking, has spent her life navigating the challenges and eccentricities of her condition. 

A sudden encounter during a sleepwalking episode forces her and Mr. Darcy into a marriage of convenience. As they navigate their newfound relationship, their initial prejudices give way to unexpected feelings. 

However, Darcy’s formidable aunt, Lady Catherine, opposes the match and schemes to break them apart. Can Elizabeth and Darcy overcome the obstacles placed before them and awaken to the realization of the love between them? 

This clean, heartwarming romance will leave you captivated and yearning for more. A unique Pride and Prejudice variation culminating in a happily ever after for Our Dear Couple.

Excerpt from Chapter 2 of Sudden Awakenings

Mr. Bingley returned to Netherfield Park the following week, accompanied by Miss Bingley, along with his elder sister and her husband, the Hursts. During his absence, the servants set up the house for him. The rooms were cleaned and readied, the larder stocked, and Bingley’s own possessions unpacked. He had little in the way of furniture or decorations, having lived the life of a bachelor for some time now, so it was fortunate the owners had left the house furnished and in good condition. 

The quality was not up to Miss Bingley’s standards, however. “When you purchase a house, Charles, I hope you shall let me decorate it. This house is positively ancient, and these furnishings are at least ten years out of date. I suppose it is to be expected in this rustic neighborhood.”

“I find no fault with the furnishings, Caroline,” he retorted, plopping himself onto the sofa and stretching himself out comfortably. He was the sort of man who could be comfortable in any environment, whereas Caroline loved to criticize at every turn. In her eyes, their abode, no matter whether in London or the countryside, always appeared to be too poor, too shabby, too outdated. The exception was when they were guests at the home of someone far wealthier than them. There, no room could go without praise or exclamation from her; she must comment on its size and proportion, the colors of the decor, the comfort and style of the furnishings, and the excellent taste of the art. 

“I positively dread giving a dinner here,” Miss Bingley continued. “Did you see how small the dining table is? We can hardly fit six couples. Such a large dining room could easily accommodate a table twice that size. What a pity the owners did not think to purchase a larger one before they vacated the house.”

“Perhaps they could not afford to,” Mr. Bingley suggested. 

Mrs. Hurst quipped, “As you have no acquaintances in the neighborhood yet, I do not think you must worry about having too little room at your table to accommodate them. Your worry lies in filling the seats you already possess.”

Miss Bingley glared at her sister over this remark, prompting a chuckle from their brother.

***

Mr. Bennet’s call on Mr. Bingley was paid, despite all his assurances (and Mrs. Bennet’s fears) that it would not, and the connection formed. Mr. Bingley, having heard of Mr. Bennet’s beautiful daughters from Sir William Lucas, and finding Mr. Bennet to be an agreeable man, was keen to return the visit at the earliest convenient time. 

Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst accompanied him to visit the Bennet family. Though themselves not anxious to develop acquaintances in that region, they wished to form an opinion of the people with whom they would be forced to mingle during their stay. Mr. Hurst, who cared for nothing that did not relate to his victuals, his sleep, or his recreation, saw no advantage to paying calls and chose to remain behind for an afternoon nap. 

Mr. Bingley thought all of the Bennet sisters to be beautiful, but he was especially taken with the eldest. Miss Bennet’s fair features and sweet disposition would have been enough to make him declare her an angel, but when coupled with her pert lips and her perfectly-proportioned figure, accentuated by the empire waist of her crisp, white, morning gown, he found himself quite entranced. 

Mrs. Bennet noticed his immediate attraction towards her daughter and insisted that Jane exchange seats with her to be nearer to their guests. From then on, she took pains to promote Jane’s finer qualities at every opportunity. 

Mrs. Bennet’s forward inquiries about Mr. Bingley’s business, his prospects, and his intention to remain in the neighborhood were not lost on his sisters. It became equally apparent to them that the family’s connections were nothing; no ties to the nobility, not even a baronet. Mrs. Bennet had a brother in trade and a sister whose husband was a country solicitor. Such a decidedly low situation was compounded by the estate being entailed on a cousin, the husband of one daughter. While she might expect a good life as the mistress of Longbourn, the others could have precious little in the way of a dowry. The fact of the matter was, the remaining sisters must depend on making good matches, and it was plain by Mrs. Bennet’s vulgar attention to Mr. Bingley’s fortune that she saw him as an advantageous prospect. 

Mr. Bingley, however, was all too ready to be taken advantage of. Having beheld his ideal woman, he was eager to further his acquaintance with her.

“Will you be at the assembly this month, Miss Bennet?” he asked, his eyes dilating at the prospect of seeing her in an evening gown.

Jane nodded, an alluring smile forming on her lips. “Indeed, I shall. My sisters and I always attend, for we dearly love to dance.”

“Excellent! Then I shall look forward to the pleasure of dancing with you–with all of you, that is,” he added, nodding at her sisters in turn. 

“Does your brother-in-law dance too, Mr. Bingley?” Miss Elizabeth asked him eagerly. “For gentlemen are scarce in these parts, and we are often short on partners.”

Mr. Bingley shook his head. “Mr. Hurst does not dance, I am afraid. Now that he is married, he spends all his time in the card room at such gatherings. But do not despair; I have it on good authority that my dear friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, will be coming down in time for the assembly. He has accepted my invitation to stay at Netherfield this season, and was only delayed in coming by some pressing business.”

“How delightful!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. “Where does your friend hail from?”

“Mr. Darcy’s home is in Derbyshire, ma’am. At Pemberley.”

Mrs. Bennet leaned closer in eager attention. “I confess, I have not heard of it. Is it a very large place?”

“To be sure!” Mr. Bingley nodded. “One of the finest estates in all of Derbyshire. And Mr. Darcy is an excellent fellow. I have known him long. I am certain he will make a welcome addition to all our parties.”

“Oh, no doubt about it!” Mrs. Bennet said. “We shall be pleased to meet him.” 

The notion of having yet another eligible man added to their gatherings was a most delightful one, and before the guests had departed, Mrs. Bennet was already envisioning two of her daughters happily settled; one at Netherfield, and one at this Pemberley place. With her limited knowledge of geography, she knew not how far Derbyshire might be from Hertfordshire, but the distance could be of no consequence if the man were as rich as he seemed. She formed a mental note to begin making inquiries about him. 

That Jane should be one of the two brides was a given; but which of her other daughters might also be chosen would depend on the gentlemen’s preferences, she supposed. 

Continue reading Sudden Awakenings on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

About the Author:

Amanda Kai’s love of period dramas and classic literature inspires her historical and contemporary romances. She is the author of several stories inspired by Jane Austen, including Not In Want of a Wife, Elizabeth’s Secret Admirer, and Swipe Right for Mr. Darcy. Prior to becoming an author, Amanda enjoyed a career as a professional harpist, and danced ballet for twenty years. When she’s not diving into the realm of her imagination, Amanda lives out her own happily ever after in Texas with her husband and three children.

Game: 

Each day during my blog tour, you’ll find a different game or puzzle to play. Today’s game is a memory-match, featuring covers from my books.  Enjoy! 

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Sudden Awakenings, Amanda is giving away some fabulous prizes. Thank you, Regina, for taking time out of your hectic schedule to host me today on Every Woman Dreams. So exciting to hear about your upcoming Regency Romances for Dragonblade mystery series associated with the Lyon’s Den Realm and your new Jane Austen variation, Leave Her Wild, coming out in February! I hope one day to be as prolific as you are.

Today, I’m celebrating the release of my newest Pride and Prejudice variation “Sudden Awakenings”, which is third standalone P&P variation in The Other Paths Collection. Each book operates in its own “universe” and featuring a different path to Happily Ever After for Darcy and Elizabeth, so you can enjoy them in any order.

In this twist, Elizabeth’s sleepwalking condition puts her in a bind when she accidentally wanders into Mr. Darcy’s room while they are guests at Netherfield Park, forcing them to get married to save Elizabeth’s reputation. Enemies to lovers is one of my very favorite tropes, especially when combined with forced marriage or arranged marriage situations, so it was a lot of fun to write this story, and I hope you will all enjoy it.

Blurb:

What could be worse than awakening in the bed of the man you hate?

Elizabeth Bennet, haunted by a family history of sleepwalking, has spent her life navigating the challenges and eccentricities of her condition. 

A sudden encounter during a sleepwalking episode forces her and Mr. Darcy into a marriage of convenience. As they navigate their newfound relationship, their initial prejudices give way to unexpected feelings. 

However, Darcy’s formidable aunt, Lady Catherine, opposes the match and schemes to break them apart. Can Elizabeth and Darcy overcome the obstacles placed before them and awaken to the realization of the love between them? 

This clean, heartwarming romance will leave you captivated and yearning for more. A unique Pride and Prejudice variation culminating in a happily ever after for Our Dear Couple.

Excerpt from Chapter 2 of Sudden Awakenings

Mr. Bingley returned to Netherfield Park the following week, accompanied by Miss Bingley, along with his elder sister and her husband, the Hursts. During his absence, the servants set up the house for him. The rooms were cleaned and readied, the larder stocked, and Bingley’s own possessions unpacked. He had little in the way of furniture or decorations, having lived the life of a bachelor for some time now, so it was fortunate the owners had left the house furnished and in good condition. 

The quality was not up to Miss Bingley’s standards, however. “When you purchase a house, Charles, I hope you shall let me decorate it. This house is positively ancient, and these furnishings are at least ten years out of date. I suppose it is to be expected in this rustic neighborhood.”

“I find no fault with the furnishings, Caroline,” he retorted, plopping himself onto the sofa and stretching himself out comfortably. He was the sort of man who could be comfortable in any environment, whereas Caroline loved to criticize at every turn. In her eyes, their abode, no matter whether in London or the countryside, always appeared to be too poor, too shabby, too outdated. The exception was when they were guests at the home of someone far wealthier than them. There, no room could go without praise or exclamation from her; she must comment on its size and proportion, the colors of the decor, the comfort and style of the furnishings, and the excellent taste of the art. 

“I positively dread giving a dinner here,” Miss Bingley continued. “Did you see how small the dining table is? We can hardly fit six couples. Such a large dining room could easily accommodate a table twice that size. What a pity the owners did not think to purchase a larger one before they vacated the house.”

“Perhaps they could not afford to,” Mr. Bingley suggested. 

Mrs. Hurst quipped, “As you have no acquaintances in the neighborhood yet, I do not think you must worry about having too little room at your table to accommodate them. Your worry lies in filling the seats you already possess.”

Miss Bingley glared at her sister over this remark, prompting a chuckle from their brother.

***

Mr. Bennet’s call on Mr. Bingley was paid, despite all his assurances (and Mrs. Bennet’s fears) that it would not, and the connection formed. Mr. Bingley, having heard of Mr. Bennet’s beautiful daughters from Sir William Lucas, and finding Mr. Bennet to be an agreeable man, was keen to return the visit at the earliest convenient time. 

Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst accompanied him to visit the Bennet family. Though themselves not anxious to develop acquaintances in that region, they wished to form an opinion of the people with whom they would be forced to mingle during their stay. Mr. Hurst, who cared for nothing that did not relate to his victuals, his sleep, or his recreation, saw no advantage to paying calls and chose to remain behind for an afternoon nap. 

Mr. Bingley thought all of the Bennet sisters to be beautiful, but he was especially taken with the eldest. Miss Bennet’s fair features and sweet disposition would have been enough to make him declare her an angel, but when coupled with her pert lips and her perfectly-proportioned figure, accentuated by the empire waist of her crisp, white, morning gown, he found himself quite entranced. 

Mrs. Bennet noticed his immediate attraction towards her daughter and insisted that Jane exchange seats with her to be nearer to their guests. From then on, she took pains to promote Jane’s finer qualities at every opportunity. 

Mrs. Bennet’s forward inquiries about Mr. Bingley’s business, his prospects, and his intention to remain in the neighborhood were not lost on his sisters. It became equally apparent to them that the family’s connections were nothing; no ties to the nobility, not even a baronet. Mrs. Bennet had a brother in trade and a sister whose husband was a country solicitor. Such a decidedly low situation was compounded by the estate being entailed on a cousin, the husband of one daughter. While she might expect a good life as the mistress of Longbourn, the others could have precious little in the way of a dowry. The fact of the matter was, the remaining sisters must depend on making good matches, and it was plain by Mrs. Bennet’s vulgar attention to Mr. Bingley’s fortune that she saw him as an advantageous prospect. 

Mr. Bingley, however, was all too ready to be taken advantage of. Having beheld his ideal woman, he was eager to further his acquaintance with her.

“Will you be at the assembly this month, Miss Bennet?” he asked, his eyes dilating at the prospect of seeing her in an evening gown.

Jane nodded, an alluring smile forming on her lips. “Indeed, I shall. My sisters and I always attend, for we dearly love to dance.”

“Excellent! Then I shall look forward to the pleasure of dancing with you–with all of you, that is,” he added, nodding at her sisters in turn. 

“Does your brother-in-law dance too, Mr. Bingley?” Miss Elizabeth asked him eagerly. “For gentlemen are scarce in these parts, and we are often short on partners.”

Mr. Bingley shook his head. “Mr. Hurst does not dance, I am afraid. Now that he is married, he spends all his time in the card room at such gatherings. But do not despair; I have it on good authority that my dear friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, will be coming down in time for the assembly. He has accepted my invitation to stay at Netherfield this season, and was only delayed in coming by some pressing business.”

“How delightful!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. “Where does your friend hail from?”

“Mr. Darcy’s home is in Derbyshire, ma’am. At Pemberley.”

Mrs. Bennet leaned closer in eager attention. “I confess, I have not heard of it. Is it a very large place?”

“To be sure!” Mr. Bingley nodded. “One of the finest estates in all of Derbyshire. And Mr. Darcy is an excellent fellow. I have known him long. I am certain he will make a welcome addition to all our parties.”

“Oh, no doubt about it!” Mrs. Bennet said. “We shall be pleased to meet him.” 

The notion of having yet another eligible man added to their gatherings was a most delightful one, and before the guests had departed, Mrs. Bennet was already envisioning two of her daughters happily settled; one at Netherfield, and one at this Pemberley place. With her limited knowledge of geography, she knew not how far Derbyshire might be from Hertfordshire, but the distance could be of no consequence if the man were as rich as he seemed. She formed a mental note to begin making inquiries about him. 

That Jane should be one of the two brides was a given; but which of her other daughters might also be chosen would depend on the gentlemen’s preferences, she supposed. 

Continue reading Sudden Awakenings on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

About the Author:

Amanda Kai’s love of period dramas and classic literature inspires her historical and contemporary romances. She is the author of several stories inspired by Jane Austen, including Not In Want of a Wife, Elizabeth’s Secret Admirer, and Swipe Right for Mr. Darcy. Prior to becoming an author, Amanda enjoyed a career as a professional harpist, and danced ballet for twenty years. When she’s not diving into the realm of her imagination, Amanda lives out her own happily ever after in Texas with her husband and three children.

Game: 

Each day during my blog tour, you’ll find a different game or puzzle to play. Today’s game is a memory-match, featuring covers from my books.  Enjoy! 

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Sudden Awakenings, Amanda is giving away some fabulous prizes. Click here to enter. Giveaway ends Dec. 1, 2024.