None But You

Frederick Wentworth, Captain #1

by Susan Kaye

Eight years ago, when he had nothing but his future to offer, Frederick Wentworth fell in love with Anne Elliot, the gentle daughter of a haughty, supercilious baronet. Sir Walter Elliot refused to countenance a marriage, and Anne's godmother, Lady Russell, strongly advised Anne against him. Persuaded by those nearest to her, Anne had given him up and he had taken his broken heart to sea. When Jane Austen's Persuasion opens in the year 1814, Frederick Wentworth, now a famous and wealthy captain in His Majesty's Navy, finds himself back in England and, as fate would have it, residing as a guest in Anne's former home. Now, it is the baronet who is in financial difficulties, and Anne exists only at her family's beck and call. For eight long years, Frederick had steeled his heart against her. Should he allow Anne into his heart again, or should he look for love with younger, prettier woman in the neighbourhood who regard him as a hero? The mature sweetness of Jane Austen's Persuasion is brought to life in Wytherngate Press's, None But You, the first in the two-volume series, Frederick Wentworth, Captain, by Susan Kaye.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Regency, Historical Romance, Retellings

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

When I was growing up in North Idaho we lived on a farm. I spent a lot of time by myself, reworking the plots of all the programs I watched on TV. I didn’t know that was my imagination at play. Consequently, when I got online and began reading Jane Austen fan fiction I felt right at home. I chose writing the characters of Persuasion because I love the story of love lost-love regained. All my stories will have some elements of the second chance woven through them. I live in an old farmhouse in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, son, daughter, and granddaughter.

Reviews

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Persuasion is one of my favorite Jane Austen novels. Anne Elliot is my favorite heroine and I adore Captain Wentworth. The idea of knowing Captain Wentworth's thoughts was very appealing. That the book cover contained an endorsement from Pamela Aiden persuaded me to pick these up. I loved Pamela Aidan's take on Mr. Darcy, but these books completely miss the mark.

I can't picture this Captain Wentworth. While None But You captures his voice better than For You Alone, this man is not Jane Austen's captain. This man references that while he visited prostitutes, he thought about Anne. And, when Anne finally accepts him, this Captain Wentworth has no problems running away with her and getting married in some inn and spending his honeymoon night with her in the sordid room left vacant by the inn's working girl. This is wrong on so many levels.

If you want to read about Captain Wentworth, read the original Persuasion and draw your own conclusions as to his actions and frame of mind. Don't bother with this drivel.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was prepared to love this book, thanks to reading several favorable reviews on multiple sites and adoring Pamela Aiden's "Mr. Darcy, Gentleman" series. However, this work was hardly worth the paper it was printed on, and it is clear that not much was spent on that!

Everything is wrong with this book, from the uneven pacing and mind-numbing repetition of ideas and thoughts to the fact that every single page is formatted differently and has an inconsistent number of lines. There is at least one glaring grammatical error per page, whole chapters of rambling dialogue with no clear purpose, deliberate misspellings of names (to be clever?), and absolutely no understanding of naval procedure beyond a grasp of jargon. (At one point, Wentworth orders Benwick's crew to beat to quarters solely to cover Benwick's melodrama, but then leaves the entire crew cleared for action for the remainder of the night while he watches Benwick sleep.) I highly doubt that anyone edited this book even for grammar errors.

Worse, the author seems to have no clear direction in her narrative - Wentworth spends over 100 pages getting up the nerve to tell Benwick his fiance is dead - and Wentworth himself is rather flaky, dull, and petty. He spends the entire novel making derisive comments about everyone he comes in contact with and mooning over his lost Anne. We are even at one point subjected to an entire two pages describing an erotic dream he has about her. None of this is balanced by any sort of redeeming drama or character development. When I finally reached the end, having held on in the hopes that eventually it would get better and something would actually happen, I realized to my dismay that Anne and Frederick had not exchanged more than a handful of lines of dialogue and the story had already reached Lyme!

I will not be reading the second book in this series. I have no interest in this version of Wentworth, nor do I think anyone will who holds some affection for Austen's original.

[Maria]

DNF at 33%

[Dea꧂ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Persuasion is my favourite JA novel because neither of MCs is perfect but they still got their second chances HEA.
I liked Captain Wentworth there, as a gallant, sociable but considerate self made man who despite his previous hurt by rejection and injured male pride figured out, at the end, that happiness can be found with the person you love and not with any female with certain personality traits.
In this novel and especially in the first half, our Captain was as boring as the water in a pool. Equal current, zero waves, shallow depth and the situation didn't improve much when other characters on land appeared. I didn't feel like I got to know him better and he is the story narrator and we see everything through his eyes.
I hope the second part will be less...meandering.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Jane Austen stories and I always feel like I am missing so much. I LOved that we got to see into Fredrick's life. I love that we get his side of the story. The author really knows her stuff and these novels do not disappoint they have the feel of a Jane Austen but for me are easier to comprehend. But oh it was England and the sea and the careful to never say what you really feel. It was great. The beginning was a little long and painful but fun to get to know Fredrick in his element. If you love this story read these books you will not be sorry.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Jane Austen's Persuasion told from Captain Wentworth's point of view. It's a two book set. Book two is not out yet. If you've ever read Persuasion you can guess where book one stops. It was interesting. Though I'm not normally a fan of imitations of classics. I always think to myself "This probably isn't how [insert any classic author] meant it."

[Georgiana 1792 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retelling di Persuasione dal punto di vista del capitano Wentworth, in due parti. Forse Kaye ha allungato troppo il brodo nelle descrizioni e nell'analizzare la situazione psicologica di Frederick, soprattutto nella prima parte, quando Frederick va a trovare gli Harville e poi deve andare da James Benwick per dargli la brutta notizia della morte della sua Fanny.
Come al solito, leggere i retelling mi fa mettere a fuoco dei personaggi e delle situazioni su cui prima non mi ero soffermata. In questo caso, su Louisa Musgrove. Ma quanto è sciocca, ostinata e manipolativa? E Frederick se ne accorge e comincia a esserne parecchio stizzito. Infatti, se non fosse stato per l'incidente, aveva già deciso di andare a trovare il fratello e la sua nuova cognata, che lo aspettano praticamente dall'inizio del libro.
Louisa manovra per togliere di mezzo prima la sorella Henrietta e poi qualunque altra concorrente alla mano del capitano, considerandolo ormai una sua proprietà e il suo cavalier servente, certa che lui sia interessato a lei solo perché lei lo è a lui, e lei è abituata - nel suo piccolo - a ottenere ciò che vuole, salvo poi criticare sua cognata Mrs. Charles (Mary) per lo stesso motivo - che poi non è che Mary le abbia sempre tutte vinte. Frederick è alquanto seccato e sconvolto dalla sua mancanza di delicatezza quando Louisa manovra per l'ennesima volta per far sedere Benwick lontano da lei e da Frederick e vicino ad Anne dicendo che quell'uomo con la sua tristezza porta via ogni allegria dal luogo in cui si trova. Anche la scusa che Frederick non abbia mai parlato di libri, a differenza di Anne e di Benwick, è offensiva. Perché si parla di argomenti comuni alla compagnia, e se tu ti fai vedere come una sciacquetta poco profonda che sa a malapena leggere, non è che vengo a parlare di libri con te, no? E questa è l'ennesima motivazione per cercare di raffreddare il rapporto che sembra avere ormai una conclusione scontata per Louisa e per la sua famiglia, una soluzione da cui il capitano non sa come sfuggire.
Ma poi, la pretesa di saltare e di farsi prendere, come una bambina capricciosa, che non sa cosa sia il decoro né il pericolo. A nulla servono le proteste di Frederick, che considera i suoi salti poco appropriati anche se loro due fossero fidanzati ma, soprattutto, pericolosi. E poi tutta questa sicurezza, questa ostinazione... ma che cretina! Si getta senza calcolare le altezze e le distanze. E a un certo punto, ben le sta!
Questo primo romanzo si conclude con il ritorno di Frederick, Anne e Henrietta a Uppercross dopo l'incidente di Louisa, ma mi è sembrato che il capitano non si sentisse troppo in colpa per la caduta di Louisa, anche se temo nel prossimo si sentirà in dovere di starle vicino e forse di farle una proposta di matrimonio...?

[Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful retelling of "Persuasion" from Capt. Wentworth's point of view much in the same vain as Pamela Aidan's Fitzwilliam Darcy series. Jane Austen's style never lets us know anything that Anne does not so what's in Wentworth's mind is a mystery. Finally, we hear his side of the story as he tries very hard keep Anne out of his heart and fall in love with another girl (which of course Anne must painfully watch unable to say a thing). Wentworth is suffering greatly too even as he attempts to move on with his life. It's a classic situation -- both in still in love, both hurt by what they don't say -- until the truth finally spills out. I think Jane Austen might have approved. A must read for fans of this story. It left me longing for the second part to be published. Let's hope we don't have to wait as long as Anne did to hear from her Captain again!

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite simply: this is a Must Read if you are a Persuasion fan.

[Kathleen Nalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

When “Persuasion” is your favorite Austen novel, one can’t help delighting in Captain Wentworth’s point of view of the plot as it unfolds. Author’s style pleasantly cohesive, when comparing to the classic. Waiting for book 2 to arrive in the mail.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very detailed look at Persuasion through the eyes of Captain Frederick Wentworth. Throughout the course of Jane Austen's "Persuasion" we learn about Captain Wentworth and that he had his heart broken eight years ago by Anne Elliot. Susan Kaye takes what we know about Wentworth and fills in the holes and creates a story so full of depth, romance, and one that coincides quite nicely with Jane Austen's original story.

The first book in this series opens with Captain Wentworth in 1814 after the war on his ship, the Laconia, waiting to receive orders that he will be discharged now that there is peace. He accepts his fate and contemplates enjoying his months off and visiting his sister and brother. The story is interspersed with flashbacks of scenes from Wentworths life as a child and some scenes of his courtship with Anne, and his visit to Somerset in 1806. This first book ends with the group trip to Lyme and Louisa's terrible fall.

I love reading Jane Austen's stories from the male hero perspective and this one did not disappoint. It was refreshing to read about Frederick Wentworth instead of Mr. Darcy for a change (not that I don't love Mr. Darcy!) I have read Amanda Grange's Captain Wentworth's Diary and I while I enjoyed that story very much, Ms. Kaye's story embodies more depth and details then Ms. Grange's. I delighted in learning about Captain Wentworth's mind, I liked understanding what was prompting his actions, and his internal responses to others' conversations. My favorite part so far is when he spends time with the Harvilles and Captain Benwick. The reader will understand that these people are very dear to him and how he cares for them and supports them as much as he can. In addition, it is very touching when Wentworth feels inspired by their love and affection to find himself a wife.

I like Susan Kaye's style and attention to detail and I look forward to reading the second book in this series For You Alone (Frederick Wentworth, Captain; Book 2) and any others she will publish in the future.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read some really poor Jane Austen re-tellings and/or sequels over the years, but this first volume (of two) about Captain Frederick Wentworth and Anne Elliot of Persuasion definitely ranks up there as one of the best. First of all Ms. Kaye does an excellent job of re-telling Persuasion in a convincing and lively manner from Captain Wentworth's perspective. Although most Austen devotees will already be familiar with several of the scenes from Persuasion, Ms. Kaye retells them with added nuance and humor. She also "fleshes out" the character of Captain Wentworth - adding interesting details about his upbringing and early life and creating new scenes that seem to blend in seamlessly with those already in the original Persuasion.
My one critique concerns the editing - some scenes I thought were too long and could have been shortened or in other instances, it seemed the copywriter missed some glaring grammatical errors. Some of this I attribute to the book's publication by a smaller publishing house. Lastly, it seemed to me (having read both this volume and its sequel) that both volumes could have been combined into one novel.

[Erin(and Hannah) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is from the same publisher as the "Fitzwilliam Darcy" trilogy so I thought I'd give it a try. It's the story of Austen's "Persuasion" from Captain Wentworth's point of view. I like it and will read the second (just came out), but I didn't think the author captured Austen's writing style as well as Pamela Aidan did in the Darcy books. Still, a clean, fun read for Austen fans.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been swept up in this book (and book 2) the past couple of days. If you are a fan of Persuasion, you'll love this book! It's the whole story from Captain Wentworth's perspective. Even though I know the ending, I found myself wondering if Frederick and Anne would ever get together!

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

"None but You" et "For You Alone"
3,5 / 5

Ces deux romans, qui ne se lisent pas véritablement indépendamment l'un de l'autre, raison pour laquelle je vous propose un commentaire commun, sont une réécriture de Persuasion du point de vue du Capitaine Wentworth. Déjà, j'adore cette idée parce que c'est mon roman favori de Jane Austen et que cela change un peu des austeneries autour d'Orgueil et Préjugés.

Dans l'original, nous souffrons avec Anne à chaque étape du livre et donc forcément, découvrir ce côté de l'histoire et les blessures du Capitaine, ça fonctionne très bien. C'est, de plus, un roman bien écrit et qui respecte l'esprit de l'original. Puisqu'il s'agit de la même histoire, il est sûrement plus facile que dans une suite de dépeindre chaque protagoniste comme il se doit mais je dois dire qu'après avoir lu plusieurs massacres en règle, ça fait du bien.

Malgré tout, ce n'est pas encore la perfection selon mes critères exigeants. D'abord, les deux tomes ne se justifient pas et les longueurs sont nombreuses, notamment dans les deux passages bien trop détaillés sans Anne : avant le retour du Capitaine et lorsqu'il rend visite à son frère, qui correspondent en plus au début de chaque tome. Il y a évidemment des scènes très interessantes au coeur de ces mêmes passages mais l'auteur, comme dans le reste du roman, en fait trop. Chez Jane Austen, quelques phrases, quelques actions seulement, nous permettent de cerner parfaitement ses personnages. Ici, nous avons profusions de détails sur leurs pensées, leur passé et toutes sortes d'éléments qui n'ont franchement pas grand intérêt. Mais après tout, il suffit de sauter quelques lignes de temps à autre pour rendre le tout plus léger.

Plus gênant en revanche, l'évolution des sentiments du Capitaine ne correspond pas pour moi à ce que décrit Jane Austen. En fait, il n'y a pas véritablement d'évolution, ou seulement dans sa prise de conscience alors que dans l'original, on sent parfaitement la colère d'abord, le ressentiment, l'envie de vengeance même. Je me suis, à plusieurs reprises, fait la réflexion que ça ne collait pas. D'ailleurs, quand les mots de Jane Austen réapparaissent, c'est assez flagrant il me semble. Dans la lettre, par exemple, on sent le désespoir du Capitaine mais pas dans ce roman ou encore, le soir du concert, sa remarque à Anne est particulièrement méchante ("there is nothing worth my staying for") et une fois encore, on ne ressent rien de tout cela dans le roman de Susan Kaye. Ça manque de vigueur, de force, de profondeur et c'est particulièrement dommage pour un roman tel que Persuasion.

Enfin, dernier point noir, et si les deux précédents sont pour moi assez secondaires et n'ont pas gâchés mon plaisir de lecture, celui-là est inexcusable. Cette fin, ce mariage pour Anne et Frederick, c'est à la fois incompréhensible et tellement loin de tout ce qui fait l'essence même de ce couple, de ces personnages et de ce roman...


http://janeausten.hautetfort.com/arch...

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This part of a two book retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, from Captain Frederick Wentworth’s perspective. It is tells his story from 8 years after Sir Walter Elliott has destroyed Wentworth’s hope of marrying Anne, with the help of her equally haughty Godmother, Lady Russell. His ship is being decommissioned and all its sailors and officers demobbed. Wentworth is heading to visit his sister Sophie and her husband retired Admiral Croft, who in pure irony have leased the now financially strapped Baronet’s Kellynch Hall. It is but a few miles from Uppercross, where both of Sir Walter’s younger daughters Anne and Mary reside, one married to the oldest Musgrave son and her sister with her to help her with their children and household.
The Elder Mr Charles Musgrave and his wife and daughters Henrietta and lively Louisa live in the Manor House. There is no way for Captain We t worth to avoid remeeting Miss Anne Elliott.
The story goes through the first half of Persuation and the accident in Lyme. The story continues in a secon volume Frederick Wentworth, Captain, For You Alone.

This is a poorly edited book with many errata, but does give a different point of view on Anne and Frederick’ relationship.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at Jane Austen's book Persuasion from the perspective of Captain Frederick Wentworth.

I must admit that Persuasion is my favorite of Austen's books and Wentworth my favorite leading man. This book sounded like something I would really enjoy. However, I don't feel like it really gave me what I was looking for. I feel like it was his character was a little inconsistent throughout. I am extremely curious to meet his older brother he keeps referring to. I will pick up the next one in the series and hope that it satisfies.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a telling of the Jane Austen novel, "Persuasion" from the male perspective. If one enjoyed Persuasion, they one should also enjoy this novel. Persuasion is my favorite of the Jane Austen novels, so naturally I enjoyed it. There are some parts of the novel that seem to stretch a bit, and I am not really sure that it needed to be so long that it was divided into two parts, but overall, it is an enjoyable read. Also, there are some typos and such that slow reading at times, but do not overly affect one's understanding.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this two-book variation on "Persuasion,” which is a short Austen novel and my favorite. The fact that author Susan Kaye took TWO books to tell the story from Wentworth's side annoyed me. The first book took way too much time in his life right before "Persuasion" begins in an attempt to develop Wentworth's character. But yawn! I only read the second book as an OCD response to finish the story I know and I love. Skip these books.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Persuasion is my favorite of Austen's novel, and I love that I can live in that story a little longer by reading this two-volume set that tells the story from the perspective of Frederick Wentworth, the love of my favorite Austen heroine's youth.

[Maiju · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars v convincing must write proper review when awake finished past midnight

[AG Jerome · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting point of view of Frederick Wentworth instead of Anne. What was Frederick thinking when he meets Anne for the first time in 8 years? This story helps illuminate that.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say that I love this two part retelling of Persuasion, I love it so much that I am rereading it. If you are looking for variation then this set is a good one to read.

[Jessica Clark]

It is always nice to get inside Captain Wentworth's head. He's my all time favorite Austen hero.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this variation of Persuasion. Hearing of Fredrick's account of his past time with Ann was wonderful and stayed true to Jane Austen's Persuasion. Can't wait to read the conclusion book.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 meh. Nothing really different.

[Pattisue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts of the Captain

Insight into the mind and emotions of Captain Wentworth. His decisive manner gives way to the warm, passionate heart within.

[Fluffychick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting around the same time as the original book where the war has ended and with Captain Wentworth waiting for further orders from the Navy. He goes to visit his sister, Sophia and her husband Admiral Croft in Somerset, where they have recently retired to Kellynch Hall, the former residence of the haughty Baronet Elliot and his ex-fiancee Anne. From arriving at Kellynch, the story follows Persuasion, (so I won't repeat that here) up until the end of the party's visit to Lyme. It's told from Wentworth's point of view, which allows the insertion of additional scenes which is interesting, particularly as Austen never writes scenes where the ladies were never present and this gives the book a slightly more edgy and less "cosy" feel.

The relatively slow opening allows the reader to understand something of how the romance between Wentworth and Anne developed. He comes across as an ambitious, but considerate man, rightly proud of what he has achieved through his own efforts, but still occasionally "chippy" about the prevailing attitudes of class that some of the gentry have. The relationship with his friends Harville and Benwick, and his sensitivity towards their reduced circumstances shows a strength of character and loyalty that could be missed in the original. Thankfully, Kaye hasn't messed with my personal image of Frederick Wentworth, and despite his charm and manners he has a certain toughness and resilience which makes him more interesting.

I loved his sister Sophia, who is a sturdy, wise old-bird with a school-marmy manner which reduces him to a small boy with her probing and persistent questions. It's even funnier that he acknowledges that and does all he can to avoid it!
Some characters seem to have had their faults exaggerated, and I thought this worked well. I kept reminding myself that they were different due to being described by Wentworth, who is very aware of people's foibles and less tolerant of weakness. Although he at first likes Louisa Musgrove, she is soon seen as a scheming, manipulative minx rather than a hopeful flirt. I liked this as I always found her an irritating and self-seeking character in the first place. Likewise, Mary Musgrove, although selfish and disagreeable in the original is completely horrendous!

I found it to be a really interesting and engaging read. Despite there being a bit too much Naval information for my taste in the early section, Kaye has obviously researched thoroughly and it does illustrate how Wentworth has increased in consequence and manner over the eight years.

[Bry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this book started out slow at the beginning which was mainly about Wentworth during the few months before his arrival in Somersetshire. It was interesting to see how he occasionally remembered Anne as well as glimpse his other friends, etc but it just fell a bit short in keeping my attention. I turned every page just for the hope of getting to the meat of the story and Anne's reintroduction to his life.

After the story caught up with JA's version I quite enjoyed it. The emotions seemed real, the writing well done, and the imagined occurances, actions, and dialoge in line with Austen as well. Also, Kaye's historical correctness was such a breath of fresh air. She dorrectly described the different types of ships and the inner workings of the British Navy. It was nice to have some real knowledge imparted amidst the fiction of the story.

Also, I think I can safely say that Louisa Musgrove is certainly not a favorite character with the author. In the original Lousia was not any kind of favorite to me but neither was she whiney, manipulative, and outright rude at times. She just seemed naive, a little spoiled, and fickle in her opinions and feelings. Kaye though has taken all of these traits to the extreme here causeing me to outright despise the little twit. While on the other hand I have found myself greatly likely Mrs. Harville whom you really don't get to see too much of in the original. She proves herself to be a wonderfully kind, intellegent, and loving person. What a great character to have on the sidelines to show Wentworth what a good woman should be.

By the way I love how Wentworth completely and almost ruthlessly calles out Musgrove on his lack of standing up to his own wife Mary in allowing her to stay to by Louisa's side instead of Anne. I know that Musgrove already knows this internally but he needed to made completely aware that others saw this as well and that it was shameful.

All in all it was a great version of Persuasion and I can't wait to get started on the second book and continue getting to know Wentworth more.

[Janet Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

None But You, (Frederick Wentworth, Captain: Book 1) tells the story from the time of the Laconia being decommisioned and Wentworth thrown on shore and into Kellynch to the immediate aftermath of Louisa jumping from the Cobb steps and missing Wentworth's arms and being rendered unconscious. The second book in the two-parter, For You Alone (Frederick Wentworth, Captain; Book 2),which I am currently reading finishes the story.

I love Kaye's writing style--crisp, detailed, and immensely satisfying. Her knowledge of the Navy and the life of Navy officers circa 1810 shines through, and she uses it to salt-and-pepper the romance of the story, making it savory instead of coy. I enjoy the rich backstory of Wentworth and his siblings. So often, sequels and retellings merely mirror the original. Susan Kaye presents fully imagined characters that stand on their own. Needless to say, I am completely swept off my feet by her Wentworth.

The only caveat, which I trust is corrected in the second of the two books, is that we don't see enough of Anne Elliot to really get why he never got over her--we hear that she is thoughtful, kind, intelligent, and lovely, but I have yet to see her in action to form my own opinion.

If you love Persuasion, and who doesn't, then I can heartily recommend Susan Kaye's look at the good captain that we all swoon over.