Book Review: Bespelling Jane Austen

Author: Mary Balogh, Colleen Gleason, Susan Krinard, Janet Mullany
Title: Bespelling Jane Austen
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: Sept 28, 2010
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: But even if the whole world was against them, it would not matter. They were together—again. And this time they would remain together. Until death do them part and, of course, long after that.
What if Austen had believed in reincarnation and vampires? Join four bestselling romance authors as they channel the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen.

Almost Persuaded

In this Regency tale of Robert and Jane, New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh brings together former lovers who have seen beyond the veil of forgetfulness to their past mistakes, and are determined to be together in this life, and forever.

Northanger Castle

Caroline's obsession with Gothic novels winds up being good training for a lifetime of destroying the undead with her newfound beau, in this Regency by Colleen Gleason.

Blood and Prejudice

Set in the business world of contemporary New York City, Liz Bennett joins Mr. Darcy in his hunt for a vampire cure in New York Times bestselling author Susan Krinard's version of the classic story.

Little to Hex Her

Present-day Washington, D.C., is full of curious creatures in Janet Mullany's story, wherein Emma is a witch with a wizard boyfriend and a paranormal dating service to run.

Review: There are very few anthologies that I can say are wonderful start to finish, but this one, is definitely one of them. Bespelling Jane Austen has some of the best writers out there, doing paranormal spins on Jane Austen's books.

There's not a bad story to be had here, and the book opens with the fantastic Almost Persuaded by Mary Balogh!!! That story actually makes me gush it was so good. That's also the story that isn't fully of vampires etc. Mary's story is about reincarnation and soul mates.

It is definitey an interesting way to rework the plot of Persausion.

The next story is Northanger Castle, and it is written much like the gothic romances of the time only with the heroine as a wannabe vampire slayer!

I want to say this is the weakest story in the bunch, but I can't. It is written so much like an old gothic novel. Caroline is a spunky heroine who is always trying to see something strange in her surroundings.

Even though there were times I wanted to scream at her, I loved the story. It was a perfect paranormal regency.
Blood and Prejudice by Susan Krinard is the story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Oh and Mr. Darcy as a vamp! Totally wonderful. The only word that can really describe him in this story is badass. At times his moody behavior reminded me of a more romantic Lestat.

Lizzie is really wonderful too, though how everyone came to believe in vampires so quickly I'll never know.

I liked that this story was contemporary too. It helped even things out.

Little To Hex Her was my second favorite story in the book. It was funny, fast paced and just all around fun. This one was based on Emma. This one deals more with witches and warlocks, though just about every paranormal being is found in this story, trying to hook up at Emma's paranormal dating service.

I think the dating service is the reason everyone should read this one. It has to be the most original storyline.

Loved it.

Loved the whole book!

If you like paranormal or light paranormal romance, this is definitely your book!

~ Review copy provided by Netgalley and HQN