THE WORST DARCY by Robyn Gynne is a standalone contemporary romance. Single mom Vivian Trent opted to settle in the small town that her BFF (and father of her child) Sam lives in. She works at the local librarian, and everything is fine, but she still feels a bit like an outsider. Vivian sees playing the role of Elizabeth Bennet for the town’s interactive Jane Austen Festival as the perfect opportunity to stand out and be accepted by the townsfolk. What she didn’t count on was Brodie Bishop, and the rest is history.
When his brother, formerly the festival’s favorite choice for the role of Darcy, leaves town, Brodie reluctantly agrees to take on the responsibility. With his tattoos, shaggy hair, and rock star vibe, Brodie would not normally be obvious casting, but with Vivian’s help, he grows into it and makes the role his. This book is stuffed with parallels. Just as Vivian is struggling to find acceptance, that has been an issue for Brodie as well. Because of a somewhat wild youth, Brodie is still judge by some and he’s not seen as the successful and responsible adult that he has become. Vivian also feels judged by some for being a single mother. While their initial few encounters are rocky, these two eventually see each other for the complex and wonderful people they are. Much like Vivian, I was all set to dislike Brodie, but having part of the book told from his perspective, and seeing how he treats Vivian and everybody else, I fell for him in a big way. Robyn Gynne serves up a plethora of steamy scenes for romance fans to devour, but I think a big part of what makes the chemistry so explosive is the work this author put into building the characters and having the main characters grow to understand and like each other before things got hot and heavy.
THE WORST DARCY is a super sexy character-driven story with phenomenal storytelling. The supporting characters added depth and helped flesh out the main characters more. The relationship that evolves between Brodie and Vivian’s son Eaton is adorable. Brodie’s mother is a nightmare, and the author does a great job of having the other characters stand up to her. I like how Robyn Gynne tries to resolve some relationships, while also realizing that not every relationship can have a quick and saccharine fix. I can’t wait to read Robyn Gynne’s next book!
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Brodie Bishop is the worst.
Vivian Trent is desperate. Her family doesn't approve of her life as a single mom and the small town of Austen still won't accept her as one of their own four years later. Playing Elizabeth Bennet at the annual Jane Austen Festival is the perfect way to win over the locals and prove that she's thriving. But when Austen's favourite festival hero is replaced by his tattooed, metalhead brother, how is she supposed to achieve perfection with such a bad boy playing Mr. Darcy? He's never read the book. He's brash and unpolished. He's... blond?!
You must allow me to tell you how ardently I dislike you.
Brodie's used to being the town disappointment, so when Vivian turns her nose up at him, he's not surprised. Hot librarian or not, she's way too uptight. But once the festival gets underway, they see new sides of each other. When he finds out her dark secret, suddenly she’s much more endearing. She’s vulnerable, but strong. And the way she looks in that gown only blurs the lines between playing the part and falling for her for real.
But when her goal is within reach, can Vivian go off-book and choose Brodie, if it means risking everything she thought she wanted?