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An Arranged Marriage: A Pride & Prejudice Alternate Path
Can a marriage of convenience ever lead to true love? Immediately after Elizabeth Bennet refuses Mr. Darcy's proposal at Hunsford, her father dies, leaving Longbourn entailed away and little fortune to sustain his widow and daughters. Six months later, the Bennet family receives a visitor with a most unusual offer that promises to save the family from financial and social ruin. Elizabeth's sense of duty forces her to enter into an arranged marriage with a man she does not even like. Told from Elizabeth's point of view, An Arranged Marriage is a compelling twist on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Can Elizabeth overcome her feelings of anger, resentment, and suspicion toward her new husband and - the most bewildering sensation of all - a growing attraction for the last man in the world she ever wished to marry?
232 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2011
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February 29, 2020
9/28/17: I just reread this in paperback as I won a copy in the blog raffle for The Darcy Monologues. I loved it all over again. There are so many romantic moments!
Back in 2012: I read this in one day and now, have again, read all the reviews. As someone mentioned you can request a "sample" for your kindle or "look inside" on your PC on the Amazon site to read an excerpt as well as read the book description by Amazon. It was because of the reviews that I ordered this book for my kindle.
Some SPOILERS: We all have different tastes and, as per mine, I do NOT like cousins marrying so the ending with Georgina and Col. Fitzwilliam marrying after a four year separation while he went off to war and returned wounded and she matured into "coming out" and being courted did NOT sit well with me. Oh, I know that event of cousins marrying happened often in England in that era but if I were an author I would not use it in my book.
I did find this book a page turner and finished it in one day and will look at the reviews, etc. for The Journey, due to my enjoyment of this book. I did question why did not Elizabeth put more credence on her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's opinions and recommendation that she marry Darcy. I did not think she acted in the style we expect of our Elizabeth in that decision-making process. I liked the touch of, 1.) Darcy ending up in her bed because he was drunk on his wedding night and 2.) Elizabeth ending up in his bed due to her sleepwalking problem. I loved the scene at the Harvest Ball when he reunites with Elizabeth after a month, during which he was in London looking for blackmailers, and having not heard at all from her...stalks her down, repeating, "Why?", "Why?", "Why?"...can still see that scene running through my head. Very romantic! And the scene at the opera during which he translated the Italian lines by whispering in her ear...sigh! Furthermore, I expected an eruption of passion when he has his arms around her in order to teach her how to play billiards...Give me more chemistry, please! I am sure all of us Darcy fans had close to physical reactions to those scenes...be still my heart.
Darcy was Darcy...in that he had controlled and been responsible for so much and for so many for years and years with no one questioning his "say-so" that it never occurs to him that he needs to explain his actions and reasons to Elizabeth nor does he understand the female psyche's need to talk about feelings (nice use of Persuasion's Anne's lines here). But FINALLY he is persuaded to see Georgiana's and Elizabeth's viewpoint and need here.
And, lastly, the talking it all through in his childhood bedroom...where she has finally tracked him down, is definitely a defining moment for this couple and the story told here. Here Darcy shows his intelligence, not just accepting that Elizabeth is ready to consummate the marriage but also knowing that a strong marriage is based on trust and understanding. Very nice addition to the story.
I recommend this story to all JAFF fans.
10/2/15 - I just re-read this and have now assigned it 5 stars. I still don't like cousins marrying but this book brought me to tears again and since it was worth a second read - 5 stars.
7/26/19: I won an Audible copy and am listening to this while taking my daily walks. Obviously I love this story! 8/2/19: Today I finished listening to the audible version. Again: 5 stars.
2/20/2020: I am again listening to this story. Loved this story all over again.
Back in 2012: I read this in one day and now, have again, read all the reviews. As someone mentioned you can request a "sample" for your kindle or "look inside" on your PC on the Amazon site to read an excerpt as well as read the book description by Amazon. It was because of the reviews that I ordered this book for my kindle.
Some SPOILERS: We all have different tastes and, as per mine, I do NOT like cousins marrying so the ending with Georgina and Col. Fitzwilliam marrying after a four year separation while he went off to war and returned wounded and she matured into "coming out" and being courted did NOT sit well with me. Oh, I know that event of cousins marrying happened often in England in that era but if I were an author I would not use it in my book.
I did find this book a page turner and finished it in one day and will look at the reviews, etc. for The Journey, due to my enjoyment of this book. I did question why did not Elizabeth put more credence on her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's opinions and recommendation that she marry Darcy. I did not think she acted in the style we expect of our Elizabeth in that decision-making process. I liked the touch of, 1.) Darcy ending up in her bed because he was drunk on his wedding night and 2.) Elizabeth ending up in his bed due to her sleepwalking problem. I loved the scene at the Harvest Ball when he reunites with Elizabeth after a month, during which he was in London looking for blackmailers, and having not heard at all from her...stalks her down, repeating, "Why?", "Why?", "Why?"...can still see that scene running through my head. Very romantic! And the scene at the opera during which he translated the Italian lines by whispering in her ear...sigh! Furthermore, I expected an eruption of passion when he has his arms around her in order to teach her how to play billiards...Give me more chemistry, please! I am sure all of us Darcy fans had close to physical reactions to those scenes...be still my heart.
Darcy was Darcy...in that he had controlled and been responsible for so much and for so many for years and years with no one questioning his "say-so" that it never occurs to him that he needs to explain his actions and reasons to Elizabeth nor does he understand the female psyche's need to talk about feelings (nice use of Persuasion's Anne's lines here). But FINALLY he is persuaded to see Georgiana's and Elizabeth's viewpoint and need here.
And, lastly, the talking it all through in his childhood bedroom...where she has finally tracked him down, is definitely a defining moment for this couple and the story told here. Here Darcy shows his intelligence, not just accepting that Elizabeth is ready to consummate the marriage but also knowing that a strong marriage is based on trust and understanding. Very nice addition to the story.
I recommend this story to all JAFF fans.
10/2/15 - I just re-read this and have now assigned it 5 stars. I still don't like cousins marrying but this book brought me to tears again and since it was worth a second read - 5 stars.
7/26/19: I won an Audible copy and am listening to this while taking my daily walks. Obviously I love this story! 8/2/19: Today I finished listening to the audible version. Again: 5 stars.
2/20/2020: I am again listening to this story. Loved this story all over again.
March 2, 2022
** listened to this on audio 3-1-22. This was an excellent story! The last chapters are drawn out and boring, more of an epilogue. This story loses a star for that.
———————————————————
A decent Pride & Prejudice spin. Mr Bennett dies shortly after Darcy's disastrous proposal where Elizabeth rejected him. He offers for her again 6 months later when her family is on the brink of having to move from Longborn. He makes a contract with Lizzy and will take care of her entire family if she'll marry him and put on a good public face. Darcy also promises not to demand his conjugal marital rights, that relations would only ever occur if Elizabeth came to him on her own. She's thinking, "When pigs fly!" So, she agrees to a sham marriage.
A few things were just too contrived, like the sleepwalking. Still, it was nice to see her fall for Darcy and discover that he's a good man. A gentleman too, he never takes liberties. Clean romance. They eventually consummate the marriage, but nothing detailed. Fade to black bedroom shenanigans, which was nice, because reading dirty Darcy & Elizabeth feels so wrong. I didn't have to clutch my pearls or anything.
———————————————————
A decent Pride & Prejudice spin. Mr Bennett dies shortly after Darcy's disastrous proposal where Elizabeth rejected him. He offers for her again 6 months later when her family is on the brink of having to move from Longborn. He makes a contract with Lizzy and will take care of her entire family if she'll marry him and put on a good public face. Darcy also promises not to demand his conjugal marital rights, that relations would only ever occur if Elizabeth came to him on her own. She's thinking, "When pigs fly!" So, she agrees to a sham marriage.
A few things were just too contrived, like the sleepwalking. Still, it was nice to see her fall for Darcy and discover that he's a good man. A gentleman too, he never takes liberties. Clean romance. They eventually consummate the marriage, but nothing detailed. Fade to black bedroom shenanigans, which was nice, because reading dirty Darcy & Elizabeth feels so wrong. I didn't have to clutch my pearls or anything.
May 17, 2019
Like father like son
Perhaps on of the best variations of the ‘a marriage of convenience’ genre.
What makes this story so very good is that Elizabeth doesn’t rule Darcy so completely and force him to be her lapdog. Darcy is maturing to much more like his father and not a metrosexual we see in so many variations. He is grumpy and changes only so much. But Elizabeth also changes and learns to not get her back up so often. I found this portrayal quite refreshing .
Perhaps on of the best variations of the ‘a marriage of convenience’ genre.
What makes this story so very good is that Elizabeth doesn’t rule Darcy so completely and force him to be her lapdog. Darcy is maturing to much more like his father and not a metrosexual we see in so many variations. He is grumpy and changes only so much. But Elizabeth also changes and learns to not get her back up so often. I found this portrayal quite refreshing .
December 21, 2017
Edit 3/8/16: Considering I've read this book more than once this year (and also skimmed the good bits a few times in between), I decided to up my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars. I especially love the first Harvest Festival scene...with the pile of hay...so good. :-)
*
Really, really good. I usually like stories where Elizabeth and Darcy marry before they understand one another, but it was nice that this one was for reasons other than them being compromised. Elizabeth definitely did not come to love him quickly, and Darcy held tight to his pride for far longer than in most variations, which was also refreshing. I love seeing the two of them in love, of course, but in this story I felt they'd really earned it once they got there. Also, I have a weak spot for stories where Georgiana
Enjoyable read, and really the only disappointment is that all of the Wickham/Lydia drama happens off screen, so the conflict lost from it has to be replaced with Darcy being obstinate. It skirted the edge of being annoying sometimes, but managed to just avoid it.
*
Really, really good. I usually like stories where Elizabeth and Darcy marry before they understand one another, but it was nice that this one was for reasons other than them being compromised. Elizabeth definitely did not come to love him quickly, and Darcy held tight to his pride for far longer than in most variations, which was also refreshing. I love seeing the two of them in love, of course, but in this story I felt they'd really earned it once they got there. Also, I have a weak spot for stories where Georgiana
Enjoyable read, and really the only disappointment is that all of the Wickham/Lydia drama happens off screen, so the conflict lost from it has to be replaced with Darcy being obstinate. It skirted the edge of being annoying sometimes, but managed to just avoid it.
May 1, 2020
9/28/17: I just reread this in paperback as I won a copy in the blog raffle for The Darcy Monologues. I loved it all over again. There are so many romantic moments!
Back in 2012: I read this in one day and now, have again, read all the reviews. As someone mentioned you can request a "sample" for your kindle or "look inside" on your PC on the Amazon site to read an excerpt as well as read the book description by Amazon. It was because of the reviews that I ordered this book for my kindle.
Some SPOILERS: We all have different tastes and, as per mine, I do NOT like cousins marrying so the ending with Georgina and Col. Fitzwilliam marrying after a four year separation while he went off to war and returned wounded and she matured into "coming out" and being courted did NOT sit well with me. Oh, I know that event of cousins marrying happened often in England in that era but if I were an author I would not use it in my book.
I did find this book a page turner and finished it in one day and will look at the reviews, etc. for The Journey, due to my enjoyment of this book. I did question why did not Elizabeth put more credence on her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's opinions and recommendation that she marry Darcy. I did not think she acted in the style we expect of our Elizabeth in that decision-making process. I liked the touch of, 1.) Darcy ending up in her bed because he was drunk on his wedding night and 2.) Elizabeth ending up in his bed due to her sleepwalking problem. I loved the scene at the Harvest Ball when he reunites with Elizabeth after a month, during which he was in London looking for blackmailers, and having not heard at all from her...stalks her down, repeating, "Why?", "Why?", "Why?"...can still see that scene running through my head. Very romantic! And the scene at the opera during which he translated the Italian lines by whispering in her ear...sigh! Furthermore, I expected an eruption of passion when he has his arms around her in order to teach her how to play billiards...Give me more chemistry, please! I am sure all of us Darcy fans had close to physical reactions to those scenes...be still my heart.
Darcy was Darcy...in that he had controlled and been responsible for so much and for so many for years and years with no one questioning his "say-so" that it never occurs to him that he needs to explain his actions and reasons to Elizabeth nor does he understand the female psyche's need to talk about feelings (nice use of Persuasion's Anne's lines here). But FINALLY he is persuaded to see Georgiana's and Elizabeth's viewpoint and need here.
And, lastly, the talking it all through in his childhood bedroom...where she has finally tracked him down, is definitely a defining moment for this couple and the story told here. Here Darcy shows his intelligence, not just accepting that Elizabeth is ready to consummate the marriage but also knowing that a strong marriage is based on trust and understanding. Very nice addition to the story.
I recommend this story to all JAFF fans.
10/2/15 - I just re-read this and have now assigned it 5 stars. I still don't like cousins marrying but this book brought me to tears again and since it was worth a second read - 5 stars.
7/26/19: I won an Audible copy and am listening to this while taking my daily walks. Obviously I love this story! 8/2/19: Today I finished listening to the audible version. Again: 5 stars.
2/20/2020: I am again listening to this story. Loved this story all over again.
Back in 2012: I read this in one day and now, have again, read all the reviews. As someone mentioned you can request a "sample" for your kindle or "look inside" on your PC on the Amazon site to read an excerpt as well as read the book description by Amazon. It was because of the reviews that I ordered this book for my kindle.
Some SPOILERS: We all have different tastes and, as per mine, I do NOT like cousins marrying so the ending with Georgina and Col. Fitzwilliam marrying after a four year separation while he went off to war and returned wounded and she matured into "coming out" and being courted did NOT sit well with me. Oh, I know that event of cousins marrying happened often in England in that era but if I were an author I would not use it in my book.
I did find this book a page turner and finished it in one day and will look at the reviews, etc. for The Journey, due to my enjoyment of this book. I did question why did not Elizabeth put more credence on her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner's opinions and recommendation that she marry Darcy. I did not think she acted in the style we expect of our Elizabeth in that decision-making process. I liked the touch of, 1.) Darcy ending up in her bed because he was drunk on his wedding night and 2.) Elizabeth ending up in his bed due to her sleepwalking problem. I loved the scene at the Harvest Ball when he reunites with Elizabeth after a month, during which he was in London looking for blackmailers, and having not heard at all from her...stalks her down, repeating, "Why?", "Why?", "Why?"...can still see that scene running through my head. Very romantic! And the scene at the opera during which he translated the Italian lines by whispering in her ear...sigh! Furthermore, I expected an eruption of passion when he has his arms around her in order to teach her how to play billiards...Give me more chemistry, please! I am sure all of us Darcy fans had close to physical reactions to those scenes...be still my heart.
Darcy was Darcy...in that he had controlled and been responsible for so much and for so many for years and years with no one questioning his "say-so" that it never occurs to him that he needs to explain his actions and reasons to Elizabeth nor does he understand the female psyche's need to talk about feelings (nice use of Persuasion's Anne's lines here). But FINALLY he is persuaded to see Georgiana's and Elizabeth's viewpoint and need here.
And, lastly, the talking it all through in his childhood bedroom...where she has finally tracked him down, is definitely a defining moment for this couple and the story told here. Here Darcy shows his intelligence, not just accepting that Elizabeth is ready to consummate the marriage but also knowing that a strong marriage is based on trust and understanding. Very nice addition to the story.
I recommend this story to all JAFF fans.
10/2/15 - I just re-read this and have now assigned it 5 stars. I still don't like cousins marrying but this book brought me to tears again and since it was worth a second read - 5 stars.
7/26/19: I won an Audible copy and am listening to this while taking my daily walks. Obviously I love this story! 8/2/19: Today I finished listening to the audible version. Again: 5 stars.
2/20/2020: I am again listening to this story. Loved this story all over again.
July 27, 2019
I loved this book!! It is singularly one of the best P & P variations I have encountered. And it truly made me appreciate being born in the latter half of the 20th century.
7.27.19 What makes this book so enjoyable is its wonderful use of the English language the author comes very close to capturing the tone of our beloved JA. The Author keeps the story from a single POV, the first person recollection of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The author only dips into what they ate /what they wore when it is extremely germane to the story, we don't bog down in minutia. There are not a dozen new characters, really there is only one of any import. There isn't a great bit of traveling around. There is angst but it is reasonable and relatable. Lizzy isn't a watering pot and Darcy isn't all emo. No one is psychotic or abusive. There are no over detailed love scenes.
This is simply one of the best P&P what ifs I have read since I started and that was apparently over 1000 books and stories ago. This book would effortlessly be in the top ten and probably the top 5. It is that good and that satisfying. And it actually has an epilogue that I enjoyed reading. Perfection.
7.27.19 What makes this book so enjoyable is its wonderful use of the English language the author comes very close to capturing the tone of our beloved JA. The Author keeps the story from a single POV, the first person recollection of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The author only dips into what they ate /what they wore when it is extremely germane to the story, we don't bog down in minutia. There are not a dozen new characters, really there is only one of any import. There isn't a great bit of traveling around. There is angst but it is reasonable and relatable. Lizzy isn't a watering pot and Darcy isn't all emo. No one is psychotic or abusive. There are no over detailed love scenes.
This is simply one of the best P&P what ifs I have read since I started and that was apparently over 1000 books and stories ago. This book would effortlessly be in the top ten and probably the top 5. It is that good and that satisfying. And it actually has an epilogue that I enjoyed reading. Perfection.
November 19, 2016
Delightful Tale of Discovery
This is probably the third time I have read Hahn's remarkable"what if." Each time the depth and texture of his characters becomes increasingly more apparent. Told in the first person (Elizabeth), Arranged Marriage shows how two strong personalities can rise above their prejudices to find a powerful love. What appeal, too, is Hahn's ability to write with the "androgynous mind," removing as much of the femaleness from her style and bringing us both sides of her skillful intellect. Her characterizations of her male and female characters are distinct, with no shadow of ego at all!
This is probably the third time I have read Hahn's remarkable"what if." Each time the depth and texture of his characters becomes increasingly more apparent. Told in the first person (Elizabeth), Arranged Marriage shows how two strong personalities can rise above their prejudices to find a powerful love. What appeal, too, is Hahn's ability to write with the "androgynous mind," removing as much of the femaleness from her style and bringing us both sides of her skillful intellect. Her characterizations of her male and female characters are distinct, with no shadow of ego at all!
April 25, 2013
Where do you draw the line when playing with Austen's classic?
For me, (unless you are talking about free fanfiction which this is NOT,) you can play with the events and play with the timeline.
Just don't ever turn Elizabeth Bennett into a petulant fishwife. I think I could have dealt with turning Darcy into the cliched, sardonic, historical romance nobleman altho I wasn't happy about that either.
DNF.
For me, (unless you are talking about free fanfiction which this is NOT,) you can play with the events and play with the timeline.
Just don't ever turn Elizabeth Bennett into a petulant fishwife. I think I could have dealt with turning Darcy into the cliched, sardonic, historical romance nobleman altho I wasn't happy about that either.
DNF.
February 5, 2012
Diverging her path from Jane Austen's just days after Darcy's disastrous proposal at Hunsford Parsonage, debut author Jan Hahn delivers a riveting Pride and Prejudice variation that is full of conflict, deception, mystery, and romance. Similar to Mr. Darcy's Proposal by Susan Mason-Milks, Mr. Darcy's Obsession by Abigail Reynolds, and To Have His Cake by P. O. Dixon the characters of this novel are greatly impacted and affected by the death of Mr. Bennet. Because of Mr. Bennet's premature and unfortunate passing, the Bennets must leave Longbourn, move to smaller lodgings, and the eldest daughters must look for governess situations, unless Elizabeth accepts the aid and arrangements offered to her by Mr. Darcy...
As you may have guessed given the title of this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth nobly sacrifices her happiness and romantic desires by unwillingly accepting the hand of Mr. Darcy, the man she emphatically refused to marry just six months before. Being the fiercely independent and slightly stubborn heroine we know and love, Elizabeth experiences quite an emotionally turbulent journey. Throughout the pages of this well-crafted variation we witness Elizabeth battle between her anguished grief, former prejudices, jealous suspicions, and her burgeoning feelings of love.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
As you may have guessed given the title of this Pride and Prejudice variation, Elizabeth nobly sacrifices her happiness and romantic desires by unwillingly accepting the hand of Mr. Darcy, the man she emphatically refused to marry just six months before. Being the fiercely independent and slightly stubborn heroine we know and love, Elizabeth experiences quite an emotionally turbulent journey. Throughout the pages of this well-crafted variation we witness Elizabeth battle between her anguished grief, former prejudices, jealous suspicions, and her burgeoning feelings of love.
To continue reading, go to: http://janeaustenreviews.blogspot.com...
May 28, 2017
I read the first chapter of this book and was immidiately hooked. The atmosphere paved out suited the title and the writting was good. Unfortunately, after about 6-7 chapters, I found there was not nearly enough happening and the story got dragged out and ended up in an event for them to be apart for a time. I doubt I would mind any of that very much if there was more passion between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in place, I would have been happy with just angst. Ms. Hahn paid attention to other characters throughout the book and it could be a good or a bad thing depends on everyone's interest I guess. But for me I didn't particularly find this to be satisfying which is strange considering I'm quite fond of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Maybe because I find his storyline to be too.... obvious? For some reason I didn't enjoy his constant presence as I often do in other variations.
Eventhough it was a decent read, my expectation was pretty high after the first chapter so it ended up on the disappointing end for me.
I would give it 4 stars for the first 1/3 part ; 2.5 stars for the rest.
Eventhough it was a decent read, my expectation was pretty high after the first chapter so it ended up on the disappointing end for me.
I would give it 4 stars for the first 1/3 part ; 2.5 stars for the rest.
February 8, 2021
A frustrating first half, but by all means well written, romantic and engaging story.
Jan Hahn reviewed all of Lizzy’s attributes, discarded all save her impertinence and wilfull misunderstanding and chose those to be Lizzy’s loudest, most defining traits and boy did she just run with it.
She went bananas on it.
She. Dragged.The. Hell. out of that dead horse.
Meet the most bitter, stubborn and morose Lizzy. She will describe the crap out of everything in a room to overkill proportions
She is as on edge as an addict just ready to throw down with Darcy at the drop of a hat.
Darcy isn't even mean! Make Darcy rude, make him the pre-Hunsford proposal birdwit and then I may sympathize with her, but he's a damn living saint and Lizzy is an ungrateful brat!
Synopsis:
Mr Bennet has passed away a few days after the Hunsford proposal and Mr Darcy returns 6 months later, at Lizzy’s half mourning, to once again propose marriage to her. Under the insistence of all her family and to save Jane from having to work as a much too enticing governess, she very angrily accepts.
Darcy promises not to demand his marital rights until she is willing and to take care of her entire family so they may remain at Longbourne and increases their dowries.
Lizzy is quite dense in that she can’t figure out why Darcy married her, she somehow thinks that Darcy offered for her; a woman of no connections, money whose father and provider just died and left his 5 daughters requiring financial support, and its not for love. Not to bar the fact that 6 months earlier he had confessed as much! Why else would he put up with her!
Darcy is driven to his cups on the first day of marriage, and you can't blame him! Heck I nearly was too and I was just reading about her! This Lizzy needs to take a xanny.
What I enjoyed:
-DARCY! Ms Hahn always write the Darcy on character, romantic, steady and his dialogue is Austen full steam! He was perfect!
-I enjoyed Georgiana’s arc
-Allusions with weather
-Harvest Fest reunion!
What Displeased Me:
-In the beginning of the novel I thought Lizzy hated Darcy because she never got his letter, then I found out she had read it and wtf, why is this bitch mad?
-Lizzy will frustrate you, and since it is all from her first person point of view, her mind is a misery for company. She makes no sense, and she's not our Lizzy, until the turning point then she is finally recognizable. Honestly if Darcy wasn't so charming I would have quit. He carried the first half.
-
Conclusion:
I wouldn't reread, I much prefer her other work The Journey. This Lizzy was untenable in the beginning.
I adored the second half of the novel, the writing was perfect throughout and so was every other character, and Darcy was delightful. I do recommend, just brace yourself for this immature, tantrum throwing Lizzy.
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?Not always
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Somewhat
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Yes
Jan Hahn reviewed all of Lizzy’s attributes, discarded all save her impertinence and wilfull misunderstanding and chose those to be Lizzy’s loudest, most defining traits and boy did she just run with it.
She went bananas on it.
She. Dragged.The. Hell. out of that dead horse.
Meet the most bitter, stubborn and morose Lizzy. She will describe the crap out of everything in a room to overkill proportions
"Elizabeth! Must you make a scene out of our every conversation?”
She is as on edge as an addict just ready to throw down with Darcy at the drop of a hat.
Darcy isn't even mean! Make Darcy rude, make him the pre-Hunsford proposal birdwit and then I may sympathize with her, but he's a damn living saint and Lizzy is an ungrateful brat!
“ You are behaving as a child and I expect much more of you.”
Synopsis:
Mr Bennet has passed away a few days after the Hunsford proposal and Mr Darcy returns 6 months later, at Lizzy’s half mourning, to once again propose marriage to her. Under the insistence of all her family and to save Jane from having to work as a much too enticing governess, she very angrily accepts.
"Well, we certainly cannot if you are to run off at the first sign of trouble."
"First sign?" I was incredulous at his understatement. "Sir, we have been in trouble since the beginning.”
Darcy promises not to demand his marital rights until she is willing and to take care of her entire family so they may remain at Longbourne and increases their dowries.
Lizzy is quite dense in that she can’t figure out why Darcy married her, she somehow thinks that Darcy offered for her; a woman of no connections, money whose father and provider just died and left his 5 daughters requiring financial support, and its not for love. Not to bar the fact that 6 months earlier he had confessed as much! Why else would he put up with her!
Darcy is driven to his cups on the first day of marriage, and you can't blame him! Heck I nearly was too and I was just reading about her! This Lizzy needs to take a xanny.
What I enjoyed:
-DARCY! Ms Hahn always write the Darcy on character, romantic, steady and his dialogue is Austen full steam! He was perfect!
"Elizabeth, if I loved a woman as you think Bingley loves Miss Bennet, nothing - and I do mean nothing - could keep me from her. Neither her impertinent remarks, nor her teasing manner nor accusations of defects in my character, not even her reluctance to dance with me would deter me." I realized we no longer spoke of Mr. Bingley and Jane. He took my hands in his, then lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Not even when I proposed and she turned me down, declaring that I acted in an ungentleman-like manner and that I was the last man she would ever marry...not even that would keep me from pursuing her, from doing everything in my power to make her mine."
-I enjoyed Georgiana’s arc
-Allusions with weather
-Harvest Fest reunion!
What Displeased Me:
-In the beginning of the novel I thought Lizzy hated Darcy because she never got his letter, then I found out she had read it and wtf, why is this bitch mad?
-Lizzy will frustrate you, and since it is all from her first person point of view, her mind is a misery for company. She makes no sense, and she's not our Lizzy, until the turning point then she is finally recognizable. Honestly if Darcy wasn't so charming I would have quit. He carried the first half.
-
Conclusion:
I wouldn't reread, I much prefer her other work The Journey. This Lizzy was untenable in the beginning.
I adored the second half of the novel, the writing was perfect throughout and so was every other character, and Darcy was delightful. I do recommend, just brace yourself for this immature, tantrum throwing Lizzy.
I measure the quality of a JAFF by three factors, as follows;
1. Did I feel the characters acted true to Austen's character framework (allowing for changed circumstance and scenario to offer some leeway)?Not always
2. Was I engaged during the reading and not bored?Somewhat
3. Was the writing compelling/ intelligent and was there sufficient interaction/dialogue between the main characters? Yes
September 11, 2011
OH MY GOD!!! I just loved this P&P alternative!!! Jan Hahn did a wonderful job writing this. I was totally entranced reading this story. She put romance and anst into the story that was believable and enjoyable to read. The story starts out on the wedding day, which seemed very unlikely but you soon learn how and why this takes place. Unlike the oringinal P&P Lizzy agrees to marry Mr Darcy against her better judgement and he is willing to marry her under certain rules. He of course is a gentleman and does not force him self on Lizzy. So the story is really about there budding relationship and some obsticles they have to overcome. I could not put this book down. A lot of P&P alternatives that I do enjoy, they still cross the line in the romance but this book was perfect. I felt the yearnings but didn't have to witness what happens in private. I would definitely recomend this book to Jane Austen fans. I'm very obsessed with my Darcy and Elizabeth and sometimes I wish to move onto a different book(non D & E book) and then I run into a book like this that re-enstates my obsession and all I want to do is read more of D & E!!!!
Well done Jan! I truely am a fan!!!
Well done Jan! I truely am a fan!!!
June 16, 2021
Similar theme, but favorable
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2019
Similar to a couple of other variations I have read, but different enough to not be bored with the read. I really appreciated this author’s representation of our beloved characters along with Elizabeth’s first person account. Well done.
June 16, 2021 - Audiobook
Very good narration by Stevie Zimmerman.
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2019
Similar to a couple of other variations I have read, but different enough to not be bored with the read. I really appreciated this author’s representation of our beloved characters along with Elizabeth’s first person account. Well done.
June 16, 2021 - Audiobook
Very good narration by Stevie Zimmerman.
June 15, 2018
All is well that ends well
But it is a very entertaining road to get there in this story. A most worthy tale that I highly recommend .
But it is a very entertaining road to get there in this story. A most worthy tale that I highly recommend .
December 21, 2019
I have pretty much read every single Pride and Prejudice sequel, variation, etc. currently in print. In this way, I am a tiny bit of an expert. This one stands out as one of the best. Two factors, I believe, are critical to any P&P variation - the characters are true to the original, and the existence of "pride and prejudice" prevents the lead characters from establishing an early attachment. Both are true in An Arranged Marriage, leading me to at least respect the effort from the start.
In this variation, Mr. Bennett dies accidentally just shortly after Darcy proposes to Elizabeth while she is visiting the Collins' at Hunsford. Elizabeth returns home to a family in chaos and her father's funeral. Several months later, after Lydia and Wickham have married, and Jane has returned home after a terrible experience as a governess, the family is facing certain financial doom without a solution in sight. At this point, Darcy proposes an arranged marriage with Elizabeth through her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to Mrs. Bennett. This is seen as the only way out of their current predicament, and Elizabeth is pressured to accept - even by Jane. She highly resents Darcy for putting her in this position, and this causes her to continue her animosity towards him. Given the era, this is a very realistic plot devise and provides us with the tension needed between the two, with Darcy's continued pride and Elizabeth's prejudice against him, despite the letter she received from him while at Rosings.
I feared when reading the book that we would be given the usual plot devise of Elizabeth in danger and rescued by Darcy, or a serious illness causing one to recognize how much the other means to them. I was pleasantly surprised to find a more sophisticated growth in the relationship through the efforts of both parties. It was actually like a real marriage!
I gave this variation 4 stars instead of 5 because I found less humor and wit than I would have liked to see. But, Ms. Hahn writes a very convincing Pride and Prejudice variation in this An Arranged Marriage.
In this variation, Mr. Bennett dies accidentally just shortly after Darcy proposes to Elizabeth while she is visiting the Collins' at Hunsford. Elizabeth returns home to a family in chaos and her father's funeral. Several months later, after Lydia and Wickham have married, and Jane has returned home after a terrible experience as a governess, the family is facing certain financial doom without a solution in sight. At this point, Darcy proposes an arranged marriage with Elizabeth through her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner to Mrs. Bennett. This is seen as the only way out of their current predicament, and Elizabeth is pressured to accept - even by Jane. She highly resents Darcy for putting her in this position, and this causes her to continue her animosity towards him. Given the era, this is a very realistic plot devise and provides us with the tension needed between the two, with Darcy's continued pride and Elizabeth's prejudice against him, despite the letter she received from him while at Rosings.
I feared when reading the book that we would be given the usual plot devise of Elizabeth in danger and rescued by Darcy, or a serious illness causing one to recognize how much the other means to them. I was pleasantly surprised to find a more sophisticated growth in the relationship through the efforts of both parties. It was actually like a real marriage!
I gave this variation 4 stars instead of 5 because I found less humor and wit than I would have liked to see. But, Ms. Hahn writes a very convincing Pride and Prejudice variation in this An Arranged Marriage.
December 27, 2017
I'm really torn about what to say about this book. I read it having read another by the same author which I enjoyed.
Elizabeth agrees to marry Mr Darcy after her father dies and he proposes for the second time (having already refused him in Kent). She feels forced into it by her family and needless to say things do not go well.
About a third of the way through I was ready to give up with this one. I wanted to slap Elizabeth so hard. She is ungrateful, stroppy and just awful. She asks Mr Darcy why he married her... I found myself thinking 'that's what we'd all like to know... he'd have been better off with Miss Bingley!' As the tide begins to turn I started to enjoy it more.
Now I've finished it, overall I did enjoy it. I think. I finished it, I wanted to read it but these portrayals are not the best. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana are lovely and I enjoyed their stories.
Elizabeth agrees to marry Mr Darcy after her father dies and he proposes for the second time (having already refused him in Kent). She feels forced into it by her family and needless to say things do not go well.
About a third of the way through I was ready to give up with this one. I wanted to slap Elizabeth so hard. She is ungrateful, stroppy and just awful. She asks Mr Darcy why he married her... I found myself thinking 'that's what we'd all like to know... he'd have been better off with Miss Bingley!' As the tide begins to turn I started to enjoy it more.
Now I've finished it, overall I did enjoy it. I think. I finished it, I wanted to read it but these portrayals are not the best. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana are lovely and I enjoyed their stories.
December 27, 2017
I loved this book and particularly the progression of Elizabeth thoughts all along the beginning of her wedding.
October 18, 2013
This really was a compelling read. I couldn't put it down. It is told completely from Lizzy's point of view and this made it seem almost like a diary, it was brilliant. I got completely wrapped up in the story as I was reading it and I felt as though I was Lizzy!
Mr Darcy is adorable. I pitied him to begin with as Lizzy is rather rude to him, but then again, Lizzy is bound to fight him - she has been forced into a marriage with a man she doesn’t like, so she is always thinking the worst of him! (There were times when I could have slapped her!)
It is also clear that Lizzy is fighting her growing feelings for Mr Darcy and there are many sweet moments between them - it is clear they are made for each other, even if Lizzy doesn't want to acknowledge it!
Lizzy had a great relationship with Georgiana and I enjoyed seeing her influence rub off on Georgiana. Georgiana also had a wonderful and fun relationship with Col. Fitzwilliam – Col. Fitzwilliam is such a great character to explore further in these variations!
As things begin to work out between Darcy and Lizzy and their relationship grows it is heart warming to read, seeing the trust grow and all the misunderstandings and misconceptions sorted out. Together they are such an amazing married couple and the relationship is obviously going to work and once they have put the misunderstandings behind them, the conversations they then have are the sweetest! Many familiar conversations from the original pop up here and there, often in different situations and spoken by different people, which I always enjoy reading.
I haven't read a book this quickly in a while, which must be a good thing! This truly was a romantic, gripping, at times heart-rending and at other times heart-warming tale of misunderstandings and misconceptions and the journey of hate turned to love and the importance of trust in a marriage of convenience to the last man in the world you ever wished to marry!
This is definitely one of my new favourite Pride and Prejudice variations - and I have now read quite a few!
Mr Darcy is adorable. I pitied him to begin with as Lizzy is rather rude to him, but then again, Lizzy is bound to fight him - she has been forced into a marriage with a man she doesn’t like, so she is always thinking the worst of him! (There were times when I could have slapped her!)
It is also clear that Lizzy is fighting her growing feelings for Mr Darcy and there are many sweet moments between them - it is clear they are made for each other, even if Lizzy doesn't want to acknowledge it!
Lizzy had a great relationship with Georgiana and I enjoyed seeing her influence rub off on Georgiana. Georgiana also had a wonderful and fun relationship with Col. Fitzwilliam – Col. Fitzwilliam is such a great character to explore further in these variations!
As things begin to work out between Darcy and Lizzy and their relationship grows it is heart warming to read, seeing the trust grow and all the misunderstandings and misconceptions sorted out. Together they are such an amazing married couple and the relationship is obviously going to work and once they have put the misunderstandings behind them, the conversations they then have are the sweetest! Many familiar conversations from the original pop up here and there, often in different situations and spoken by different people, which I always enjoy reading.
I haven't read a book this quickly in a while, which must be a good thing! This truly was a romantic, gripping, at times heart-rending and at other times heart-warming tale of misunderstandings and misconceptions and the journey of hate turned to love and the importance of trust in a marriage of convenience to the last man in the world you ever wished to marry!
This is definitely one of my new favourite Pride and Prejudice variations - and I have now read quite a few!
September 25, 2020
Good book, manageable angst level. Fun to read - Darcy isn’t mean, Elizabeth isn’t (too) stubborn.
September 11, 2012
I have mixed feelings about this one, on one hand I liked how Hahn switched up P&P and made it her own. On the other hand, I think I would have liked it even more if she had just written her own regency with her own characters. I would give this four stars, but if it had been with all new characters I probably would have given it a five.
I thought it was really fun to see what would have happened if Elizabeth was forced to marry Darcy, before realizing her feelings. I’m a sucker for arranged marriage storylines anyway, so it was interesting to see how they handled the situation. I still liked Darcy in this adaptation; he treats Elizabeth well and is really patient with her. Although, he does come across as a grump for a good chunk of the book. I didn’t care for Elizabeth as much in this one though. Aside from having their names and the familiar side characters, they didn’t actually remind me of Austen’s Elizabeth and Darcy. I think that is why I would have preferred if this story had just had original characters. Instead I spent a good deal of time comparing the original to this one.
I thought the ending dragged a little as Hahn tried to catch us up on all the other side characters. I also didn’t really like Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana getting together, they are first cousins after all and it just felt icky to me.
Overall, it was a fun read. I've read P&P retellings before, but it's usually been with new characters that just follow the plot of P&P. This was my first time reading a retelling using Elizabeth and Darcy. While it was fun to see them embark on a different path, I still kind of feel like nothing really compares to the original. After reading this I saw that the author has written a couple other “alternate paths” for Elizabeth and Darcy and I admit I’m curious to see what those are about. If you like P&P I think you’d enjoy this.
Content: Clean. They are married, but any relations are subtle and fade to black.
I thought it was really fun to see what would have happened if Elizabeth was forced to marry Darcy, before realizing her feelings. I’m a sucker for arranged marriage storylines anyway, so it was interesting to see how they handled the situation. I still liked Darcy in this adaptation; he treats Elizabeth well and is really patient with her. Although, he does come across as a grump for a good chunk of the book. I didn’t care for Elizabeth as much in this one though. Aside from having their names and the familiar side characters, they didn’t actually remind me of Austen’s Elizabeth and Darcy. I think that is why I would have preferred if this story had just had original characters. Instead I spent a good deal of time comparing the original to this one.
I thought the ending dragged a little as Hahn tried to catch us up on all the other side characters. I also didn’t really like Col. Fitzwilliam and Georgiana getting together, they are first cousins after all and it just felt icky to me.
Overall, it was a fun read. I've read P&P retellings before, but it's usually been with new characters that just follow the plot of P&P. This was my first time reading a retelling using Elizabeth and Darcy. While it was fun to see them embark on a different path, I still kind of feel like nothing really compares to the original. After reading this I saw that the author has written a couple other “alternate paths” for Elizabeth and Darcy and I admit I’m curious to see what those are about. If you like P&P I think you’d enjoy this.
Content: Clean. They are married, but any relations are subtle and fade to black.
September 21, 2017
This one wasn't for me. It didn't have the usual redemption arc for Darcy after Huntsford, Lizzy was a sulking brat far too often, and the two couldn't talk to each other like adults to save their own lives. The end dragged on and I found myself skimming the last few chapters. I might try another book from this author, but this one was a disappointment.
January 13, 2024
I quite enjoyed this book with several lovely romantic moments although getting the first person POV down for such a beloved character is a challenge.
I upped the rating on a reread.
I upped the rating on a reread.
August 7, 2018
In this retelling Elizabeth receives a second proposal from Mr. Darcy, this time after her father's death, in circumstances much altered, and she is strongly constrained to accept. In this scenario she is forced to spend some time with Mr. Darcy and learns to see his honorable character and deep affection. Here Mr. Darcy's pursuit and unwavering favor of Elizabeth are delightful as always.
I'm always up for some detailed courtship, which is not so subtle here of course. The decided and straightforward approach was on point for me.
Recommend ;)
I'm always up for some detailed courtship, which is not so subtle here of course. The decided and straightforward approach was on point for me.
Recommend ;)
February 12, 2012
If I could give this book more than five stars I would! I loved this version of Pride & Prejudice. I read it in one sitting and had a smile on my face the whole time! I have been a FAN of Pride and Prejudice since I first saw P&P back in 1995 and while I quickly devour any and every TV/movie version of the book I have always been more hesitant when it comes to books written about my favourite P&P characters. After reading the reviews on here though I was convinced to give this book a go and I am so glad I did! I would definitely recommend this book to any P&P/Jane Austen fan. Have no fear, Jan has treated Jane Austen's story with complete respect and you will love this version I promise! This alternative story is completely plausible and sometimes (gasp - can't believe I'm saying this) I wished this was how the original played out!
One of my favorite things was how Jan used quotes from the original P&P but had different characters saying them - I laughed with delight on more than one occasion! And the way the love story was developed was beautiful and poignant and perfect – and it is definitely what had me turning page after page into the wee hours of the morning. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for Jan’s next book!
One of my favorite things was how Jan used quotes from the original P&P but had different characters saying them - I laughed with delight on more than one occasion! And the way the love story was developed was beautiful and poignant and perfect – and it is definitely what had me turning page after page into the wee hours of the morning. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for Jan’s next book!
January 16, 2015
Such a lovely read!!!
Yes I loved this book so much that I just finished reading a second time. I really do love the concept of arranged marriage for ODC, though their obtuseness astounds me!!! I really loved this Darcy, though my only complaint of him is his secretiveness dealing with the maid. I would come up with the same conclusions as Elizabeth did. It was an emotional ride, but thank goodness not too high on the angst scale. All JAFFers will love this book!!!
Yes I loved this book so much that I just finished reading a second time. I really do love the concept of arranged marriage for ODC, though their obtuseness astounds me!!! I really loved this Darcy, though my only complaint of him is his secretiveness dealing with the maid. I would come up with the same conclusions as Elizabeth did. It was an emotional ride, but thank goodness not too high on the angst scale. All JAFFers will love this book!!!
September 18, 2024
This was a fun one. I love the arranged aspect part. The writing was pretty good too. Overall good read. I would say 16 and up because they are very attracted to each other and it is clean but it has an adult content feel without any of the sex scenes. Like he sees her in the tub, they talk about the door between their rooms.
January 22, 2013
After a weekend Colin Firth binge (which always leads back to Darcy), I was on a P&P high and desperately wanted to extend the feeling. I succumbed and did what I've never done before... and reached into the world of P&P sequels, variations and fan fiction. An Arranged Marriage seemed highly recommended with glowing reviews and everyone giddy with praise. Well it better be good as I paid $9 on kindle for it, which is bloody outrageous! So, is it $9 worth of entertainment? Sadly no.
As I started to read, knowing that this is from Elizabeth's point of view, I was struck by how young her 'voice' was. She sounded positively twelve! Elizabeth enters into an arranged marriage with Darcy six months after his first proposal and before she started to appreciate and like him in the book after visiting Pemberley. I understood the writer's need to accentuate the journey to love between the two by starting them out really antagonistic... makes the story all the more satisfying yada yada yada. The misunderstanding and resentment from the proposal is still fresh-ish coupled with the death of Mr Bennett keeps emotions 'highly-strung' on both sides.
As I got further, I couldn't help but get distracted with the writing and started to compare it with others. I'm not a fan of first-person perspective books but reading this really made me appreciate the skill in which Joan Smith writes her (several) first-person books. I hated 'Endure My Heart' but in hindsight, the way she wrote it is admirable as she deftly balanced story continuation with inner thoughts and conversations. Shame it was a bit dull.
On the other hand, An Arranged Marriage reads like a teenage diary. It is a nauseating read due to the structure, and only made worse by the day to day nature of the plot. It is literally - 'So and so did this' so 'I said that' and he didn't agree and said 'this and that' and he went away. Later that day I felt 'this' and went for a walk. Another person came and joined me and we spoke of 'this' and 'that'. I shouldn't be jealous but I was. How dare he/she 'do this!'. Anger wore me out so I went to bed. The next day I said 'this' to my maid and wore my best dress as 'so and so' was coming to visit. 'How I missed you!" I cried out and we wept in an embrace...
Yep. Over 3000 kindle pages and 232 print pages worth of that. I wanted out of this Elizabeth's head!!
None of it is Austenesque either as the writing feels really modern and the actual Austen text wedged in there sticks out like a sore thumb because the prose is so different and of course, far superior.
Now I'm not here just to pick this apart because I know no one could possibly out-Austen Jane Austen herself. Duh! We read P&P based books because we love the romance and the couple so much that we want it to live on, expand and bloom in avenues the book couldn't possibly all explore. So, in terms of romance does this book deliver? it does indeed! This book delivers in all of it's mushy glory. Darcy is the dreamboat we all know he is and Elizabeth softens and can't help but fall for hisarms charms. And so they do, in as many beds as they can get a hold of (not described of course, Austen would never approve *wink wink*) Unfortunately the climax of the love story is about 75% the way through and you're back to the day-to-day dear diary for all the other secondary stories of Georgiana, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Jane etc. which isn't particular compelling to read. First person really doesn't lend it self well to multiple-thread stories as you really are stuck with one point of view. I yearned for Elizabeth's wit to break up the impending boredom now that marriage was all roses but it never made an appearance. I sped-read till the end.
This book doesn't follow the Austenesque line and makes no apology for it. It is pure fan-service fiction that gives the masses the mush they crave (and I do love mush, the mushier the better). A romance where longing, desire, tingly touches and stolen kisses are more sexy that out-right bodice-ripping, bosom heaving, star-seeing orgasmic relations. I heartily recommend this book to you because if Elizabeth/Darcy romance is what you're after then this is probably one of the best you can get apparently (I dunno, I've only ever read one hehe). Unfortunately, call me stingey but I wanted my money's worth and this is definitely over-hyped and worthy of a cost of no more than 1.99-$2.99. The writing is the critical Achilles heel of this book and robs the enjoyment out of it. I felt short changed and the high dissipated as quickly as it came.
Zoom through, get the high and find your next hit. 2 stars for story which was borderline drivel. 1 extra star for fabulously bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together. Rewarding journey and rapturously romantic climax.
Rating: 3 bowls of mashed potatoes.
Re-readability: Only select chapters. The rest never again.
As I started to read, knowing that this is from Elizabeth's point of view, I was struck by how young her 'voice' was. She sounded positively twelve! Elizabeth enters into an arranged marriage with Darcy six months after his first proposal and before she started to appreciate and like him in the book after visiting Pemberley. I understood the writer's need to accentuate the journey to love between the two by starting them out really antagonistic... makes the story all the more satisfying yada yada yada. The misunderstanding and resentment from the proposal is still fresh-ish coupled with the death of Mr Bennett keeps emotions 'highly-strung' on both sides.
As I got further, I couldn't help but get distracted with the writing and started to compare it with others. I'm not a fan of first-person perspective books but reading this really made me appreciate the skill in which Joan Smith writes her (several) first-person books. I hated 'Endure My Heart' but in hindsight, the way she wrote it is admirable as she deftly balanced story continuation with inner thoughts and conversations. Shame it was a bit dull.
On the other hand, An Arranged Marriage reads like a teenage diary. It is a nauseating read due to the structure, and only made worse by the day to day nature of the plot. It is literally - 'So and so did this' so 'I said that' and he didn't agree and said 'this and that' and he went away. Later that day I felt 'this' and went for a walk. Another person came and joined me and we spoke of 'this' and 'that'. I shouldn't be jealous but I was. How dare he/she 'do this!'. Anger wore me out so I went to bed. The next day I said 'this' to my maid and wore my best dress as 'so and so' was coming to visit. 'How I missed you!" I cried out and we wept in an embrace...
Yep. Over 3000 kindle pages and 232 print pages worth of that. I wanted out of this Elizabeth's head!!
None of it is Austenesque either as the writing feels really modern and the actual Austen text wedged in there sticks out like a sore thumb because the prose is so different and of course, far superior.
Now I'm not here just to pick this apart because I know no one could possibly out-Austen Jane Austen herself. Duh! We read P&P based books because we love the romance and the couple so much that we want it to live on, expand and bloom in avenues the book couldn't possibly all explore. So, in terms of romance does this book deliver? it does indeed! This book delivers in all of it's mushy glory. Darcy is the dreamboat we all know he is and Elizabeth softens and can't help but fall for his
This book doesn't follow the Austenesque line and makes no apology for it. It is pure fan-service fiction that gives the masses the mush they crave (and I do love mush, the mushier the better). A romance where longing, desire, tingly touches and stolen kisses are more sexy that out-right bodice-ripping, bosom heaving, star-seeing orgasmic relations. I heartily recommend this book to you because if Elizabeth/Darcy romance is what you're after then this is probably one of the best you can get apparently (I dunno, I've only ever read one hehe). Unfortunately, call me stingey but I wanted my money's worth and this is definitely over-hyped and worthy of a cost of no more than 1.99-$2.99. The writing is the critical Achilles heel of this book and robs the enjoyment out of it. I felt short changed and the high dissipated as quickly as it came.
Zoom through, get the high and find your next hit. 2 stars for story which was borderline drivel. 1 extra star for fabulously bringing Darcy and Elizabeth together. Rewarding journey and rapturously romantic climax.
Rating: 3 bowls of mashed potatoes.
Re-readability: Only select chapters. The rest never again.
January 26, 2018
Unputdownable!
Filled with anguish, romance and passion. I absolutely loved this book.
Mr Bennet dies three days after the proposal at Hunsford. Elizabeth never accompanied the Gardiners to the north and the six months Mr Collins has left the Bennets to move out of Longbourne is almost up when Mr Darcy enters Longbourne with a proposal.
Elizabeth must marry him and he will let Longbourne from its heir and give the rest of her sisters dowries. The decision is not an easy one for Elizabeth, she still does not like him and he gives her no clue on why he still wants to marry her.
They marry and they are at odds from day one. Stubborn and headstrong with little to recommend them to each other, the missunderstandings continue...
Elizabeth is afforded small peaks of Darcy's true nature and a glimmer of hope evolves.
Jealousy and mistrust however, threatens the small bond that was built.
The book is written in Elizabeth's POV which affords the reader a lovely journey with her introspection. Although coming off as rather angry she is not portraited as petulant and she reaches her understanding by deep thought.
Darcy is rather aloof and hides his feelings well which in this context is not such a good idea.
Loved the fact that this book is built on a lot of interaction between ODC appart from one lengthy separation. Jane and Bingley has a small part but are mostly in the background.
Georgiana and the colonel plays a more intimate part and their story is lovely.
Caroline is her usual unpalatable self and Lady Catherine makes an entrance. Wickham is only mentioned. The villains in this book comes from within the staff and an old acquaintance.
Heartily recommend this book!
Filled with anguish, romance and passion. I absolutely loved this book.
Mr Bennet dies three days after the proposal at Hunsford. Elizabeth never accompanied the Gardiners to the north and the six months Mr Collins has left the Bennets to move out of Longbourne is almost up when Mr Darcy enters Longbourne with a proposal.
Elizabeth must marry him and he will let Longbourne from its heir and give the rest of her sisters dowries. The decision is not an easy one for Elizabeth, she still does not like him and he gives her no clue on why he still wants to marry her.
They marry and they are at odds from day one. Stubborn and headstrong with little to recommend them to each other, the missunderstandings continue...
Elizabeth is afforded small peaks of Darcy's true nature and a glimmer of hope evolves.
Jealousy and mistrust however, threatens the small bond that was built.
The book is written in Elizabeth's POV which affords the reader a lovely journey with her introspection. Although coming off as rather angry she is not portraited as petulant and she reaches her understanding by deep thought.
Darcy is rather aloof and hides his feelings well which in this context is not such a good idea.
Loved the fact that this book is built on a lot of interaction between ODC appart from one lengthy separation. Jane and Bingley has a small part but are mostly in the background.
Georgiana and the colonel plays a more intimate part and their story is lovely.
Caroline is her usual unpalatable self and Lady Catherine makes an entrance. Wickham is only mentioned. The villains in this book comes from within the staff and an old acquaintance.
Heartily recommend this book!
November 1, 2011
What a good-read! This book goes down the WHAT IF situation of Lizzy being asked by all her family to accept Darcy (AKA an arranged marriage) to save her family from destitution when her father dies. At this point in the novel, Elizabeth has turned down Darcy's proposal in Kent, has received his letter but hasn't had enough time to properly digest its contents until months after her wedding. Darcy very much still loves Elizabeth but she doesn't realize this at the time and cannot understand why a man like Darcy would want to "help" their family and marry into it. The Lydia sandal occurs before the marriage arrangement but Lizzy is completly unaware of Darcy's involvement. So much more adds to Elizabeths prejudice against her husband. Darcy is a complete gentlemen throughout the novel. Though he wants an hier, he will not impose on Elizabeth or exercise his husbandly rights until Elizabeth comes to him of her own free will. What an interesting tale to see Elizabeth starting to fall in love with the last man in the world she ever thought she'd marry and yet she tries to deny it - it scares her to think that she could actually be attracted to her husband. But as soon as Darcy can see the glimmer of hope in her eyes after their first kiss (which is not on their wedding day) - he will pursue his Elizabeth and work to resolve their marital issues. Also an interesting sub-plot of Elizabeth trying to demand Darcy to reconcile the Bingley/Jane issue and also Georgiana's own character development and love interest is very good!
August 11, 2012
Exquisite!
I truly loved this book, even more than Rainy Days I finished just before.
The writing is delicate and beautiful, it is really faithful to the original style of Austen. Here the story is entirely told from Elizabeth's point of view, thus we have access to her inner thoughts, doubts and sometimes twists of the tongue, or here mind!
The characters are faithful to their original description, Mr Darcy being as charming as ever, Elizabeth witty and quite angry at times...
Most of all, I absolutely loved the twist in the plot "forcing" them to be married even if she strongly disliked him at first.
I also would like to thank the author for her marvellous ideas when it came to bring them close to each other by "mistake", how funny, sweet and delightful! The wedding night being one of my favorites, along with their reunion at the harvest ball! (WON-DER-FUL!)
So in a few words, if you love Pride & Prejudice as much as I do, there are 99,9% of chances you will absolutely fall for An Arranged Marriage!! :)
I truly loved this book, even more than Rainy Days I finished just before.
The writing is delicate and beautiful, it is really faithful to the original style of Austen. Here the story is entirely told from Elizabeth's point of view, thus we have access to her inner thoughts, doubts and sometimes twists of the tongue, or here mind!
The characters are faithful to their original description, Mr Darcy being as charming as ever, Elizabeth witty and quite angry at times...
Most of all, I absolutely loved the twist in the plot "forcing" them to be married even if she strongly disliked him at first.
I also would like to thank the author for her marvellous ideas when it came to bring them close to each other by "mistake", how funny, sweet and delightful! The wedding night being one of my favorites, along with their reunion at the harvest ball! (WON-DER-FUL!)
So in a few words, if you love Pride & Prejudice as much as I do, there are 99,9% of chances you will absolutely fall for An Arranged Marriage!! :)
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