Un compromiso accidental

Short and Sassy Series #4

by Alix James

Una situación tan ridícula como comprometedora hace que Elizabeth Bennet y Fitzwilliam Darcy deseen jamás haberse conocido. Sólo les queda evitarse, pero el destino, afortunadamente para el lector, les tiende una trampa y continúa arrojando a uno en el camino del otro con resultados cómicamente desafortunados.

Cada uno de sus encuentros roza con la calamidad, y ambos se preguntan si podrán sobrevivir a esta relación.

Darcy sólo olvidar a la dama que fue testigo de su desliz, mientras Elizabeth no puede más que burlarse del hombre vertiginosamente apuesto, alto y odiosamente altivo que le atrae más de lo que quiere admitir.

A sus desventuras se le suma una familia entrometida, un secreto debe ser resguardado y una vieja institutriz que puede no ser lo que parece.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Humor, Regency, Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Novella

103 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2020

About the author

Satisfying romance with a happy ending
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5 stars

This is a well-written, light-hearted Pride and Prejudice variation where the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is affected (sometimes hindered, sometimes helped) by multiple accidents that seem to happen whenever the two are in proximity to each other. And then there's Mrs. Ashton, an elderly women in the area with whom both claim a familial connection.

It's imaginative, fun and, as it's a novella, short and fast-paced. Content is clean.

I received an ARC with no promise of a review, favorable or otherwise.

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story our dear couple, each, seem to have their fair share of clumsiness...sometimes with innocent results but other times bordering on compromise. In fact, Darcy has thoughts that any other woman caught in these situations with him would have claimed just that in short order.

There are other mix-ups as well. Darcy is looking for a Mrs. Ashton at his Aunt Catherine's directions. It seems the lady was a governess for his aunt and she wants him to pay a visit to pay her regards. He does find a lady but with ageing her sight and her hearing are not as good as they were and well...wrong lady? Maybe fate sent him there for a purpose.

You may smile at some of the situations. Darcy's breeches come under attack more than once...here the amusement is of a higher caliber. What do you hide behind or with what do you cover exposed skin when in company with a lady?

The events are all at Longbourn and Netherfield. Wickham shows up and Georgiana is also brought to join her brother.

I recommend this story. I have enjoyed this author's other stories and only today learned that she also writes as Nicole Clarkston. I received an ARC of this story with no strings attached.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Our only kiss was like an accident—a beautiful gasoline rainbow.” –Alice Sebold, The Lovely Bones

“It was a mistake, that’s all. A stupid, stupid mistake. We all make them—it doesn’t matter if it’s a calculated risk or a split-second decision, but sometimes we’re only one step away from disaster.” –Sibel Hodge, Into the Darkness

Rating: clean content with a few risqué encounters: Other books by this author include: ‘Spirited Away,’ ‘Indisposed,’ and ‘Love & Other Machines.’ I highly recommend this author.

“An accident is often caused by an attempt to prevent one.” –Mokokoma Mokhonoana

This novella was labeled ‘A Pride and Prejudice Accident’. Boy, James certainly nailed this story. I imagine Darcy’s valet AND his tailor gave notice after this excursion into the wilds of Hertfordshire. Poor man. From their first encounter until the last paragraph… ODC was a disaster just waiting to happen. It was hilarious watching them crash and burn at every encounter. You’d think they would run in the opposite direction when they saw the other coming. I can’t mention those scenes without giving a spoiler. I highly recommend you read it and enjoy a hilarious jaunt through ODC finding love in the strangest ways.

“We do not suffer by accident.” –Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ye sew, so shall ye rip. ~ Author Unknown

"Unintended" is the story of a man and his … Tailor???

Darcy’s trousers take a severe beating in this amusing little story. The man needs to have a serious talk with his valet!

Elizabeth finds herself caught in a precarious altercation with a tree branch when a handsome stranger on a skittish horse offers aid. The young lady is near a well-muscled thigh and when the horse suddenly shies away … let’s just say the lady is even more acquainted with that thigh.

I chortled all the way. Loved it!

Her needlework both plain and ornamental was excellent, and she might have put a sewing machine to shame. ~ James Edward Austen-Leigh, about Jane Austen

(This quote doesn’t have much to do with the book but it was too good to pass up)

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5*

'There was one terribly inviting tree, boasting a low crook and heavy branches simply made for sitting...but for one small..very small problem." (quote from the book)

And you think I am going to tell you what that problem is, don't you? Not me! Just know that you will laugh and expect some very interesting breaches...or is it breeches?

Between bruised vanity, 'cows in the market', mishaps, and mistaken identity, this delightfully, funny and rather 'revealing' tale is just what we all need right now!

But there is one very interesting quote that I will leave with you, to entice you further...

"...-the man was like chocolate that is so full-bodied, so rich and decadent, it must be savored, sampled again and again, and it is never possible to have one's fill." (quote from the book)

Chocolate, eh? Methinks, someone likes chocolate!

I received an ARC of this book with no expectation for a review.

[Dung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute novella. Darcy’s tailor is sure going to be on his “speed dial” at the rate he’s going... 😂

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, short & sweet time compressed P&P what if that has Lizzy and Darcy having minor accidents that lead to their being introduced (sort of) before the assembly. Darcy still disses her there and Jane's dinner invite is moved bizarrely forward. Darcy thinks he's visiting his mother's nanny but it is actually Lizzy's elderly great aunt. Georgiana comes to Netherfield Wickham gets his comeuppance and we all live HEA

[James S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darcy needs a new tailor

Humorous story dealing with torn breeches. Seemed to me Darcy must have gained some weight since his breeches were obviously to tight.

Story was a bit of madcap comedy similar to the movies “Bringing Up Baby” or “What’s Up Doc”. Would make a good 90 minute film.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short read - it took about 90 minutes. It's a funny, sassy story that starts with Darcy first meeting Lizzy when she gets into a bit of a tangle... but this starts a whole series of events with both being clumsy around the other. There are still misunderstandings aplenty but both recognise the pull towards the other- even if they try to deny it! We get first person perspective from both Darcy and Elizabeth which is really good fun. This Elizabeth is bold and doesn't shy away from telling Darcy exactly what she thinks... this Darcy is also a bit braver with declaring his thoughts and feelings and loves to be put in his place by Elizabeth!

This is a good clean story - hints of the attraction felt by each and a bit of kissing but it's all good fun.

I think the only thing that makes it a 4 star rather than 5 was that I thought the understanding between Darcy and Elizabeth was a bit too quick - I almost missed it! Also there is a bit of a complicated family tree that I struggled to make sense of... I got there in the end but struggled for most if the book to make sense of who was who.

[Sam H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful short story and so we'll written. Excellent banter between ODC. Nice to see Darcy humbled and human.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

A very delightful short read! Elizabeth and Darcy meet when Elizabeth's hair gets caught in a tree branch. Her little dog barks, and he falls backwards ripping the thigh of his breeches. After that everything that happens between them is a series of mishaps until they come to their HEA.

[Barbara K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, quick-to-read Pride and Prejudice variation with lots of humor, but also romance.

[Talia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming.

[Nicole Barton Sasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Status: Read November 14, 2022
via Elizabeth Bennet: Short and Sassy: Four Pride and Prejudice Tales

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

My Library Notes:
[ edition for rating purposes only ]

[Faustine]

DNF. I couldn’t get into this story. Maybe because it was half comical half serious. And very verbose.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this, but I don't know that it will really stand out amidst the other JAFF I've been reading lately. And for a "bitty book", it felt a little more like a full read than many of these shorter stories do. This retelling was one of the more realistic reads, no paranormal twists, just a few little changes and shifts to the story. With E&D meeting a bit earlier on, and in a different circumstance. Add Mrs. Ashton (an older woman with connection to both).

I think I've found I really don't care for first person when it comes to re-imaginings of P&P. Elizabeth is more of a character I read about and love from the outside. I don't care to be IN her head in a first person way. I need it to stay closer to the original in that regard. This was first person, from both Elizabeth and Darcy, and there was NO labeling to differentiate between the chapters, as to whose POV it was. I mean, it wasn't very hard to determine (I think there was only one chapter that I really didn't know which POV it was until a little ways in) but still, I think I prefer to have it be a little more straight-forward. Add an "Elizabeth" and "Darcy" header to those chapters, just to be completely clear.

I borrowed the kindle copy as part of Kindle Unlimited.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story that was really sweet and a lot of fun! I think we all have those days or moments when it just seems like a greater power is determined to have a good laugh or two or ten at your expense and you finally just have to accept that someone or something is out to get you! In this story Darcy and Elizabeth seem to be in the sights of this unseen mischievous God and the results, as mortifying as they are to our beloved couple, are quite amusing. The way get off on the wrong foot in this story is very unique and it seems when they are within ten feet of each other, disaster is sure to follow. This was a very enjoyable read and would love a sequel to see if they can survive to their first anniversary! 😂

[Ree · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to love a sassy and clutzy Darcy...
Well... I love Darcy any old way, but I digress. Very lighthearted, fun, novella-length read. A perfect story to take in if you’ve just read a lengthy or angst-filled novel. No angst here—just a delightfully delicious story, especially if you love chocolate—wink, wink.

September 30, 2023 - Audiobook

[Madenna U · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of accidents puts our dear couple together . .
It was a fun, light and quick read.

[Toni NB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very, very enjoyable. Funny in an almost slapstick sort of way. I’d love to see this acted out on tv or something. The physical comedy parts are so funny.

[Allison Ripley-Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. This is a Pride and Prejudice variation. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is Book 4 in the Short and Sassy Series. What if the person who caught you in your most embarrassing moment is also the one your heart was meant to find?

It was never supposed to happen, Elizabeth Bennet never planned to get trapped in a ridiculous situation, and she certainly never intended for the person who found her to be a dizzyingly handsome, tall, and odiously haughty man who seems to regret ever meeting her. The only thing to do, naturally, is to tease him about it, and try not to let him under her skin. Fitzwilliam Darcy wishes he could erase that whole morning, especially the part where he laid bare his, well, it is hardly worth repeating. For a surety, he would rather forget about the temptingly pert lady who had borne witness to his blunder. The only trouble is, he keeps being thrown into company with her. Every encounter brings a new brush with calamity, and he is beginning to wonder if he will survive their acquaintance.

When Lady Catherine asks Darcy to pay her respects to a Mrs. Ashton, an elderly neighbor in Meryton, he discovers a friend where he least expected it, but is Mrs. Ashton who he thinks she is? What is he to do when the very woman he is trying to forget has entirely the wrong impression of him? He would ignore her, but she keeps wandering into his path with comically unlucky results, and when the rest of his family becomes suspicious about the reasons for his sister Georgiana's low spirits, the best way to protect her reputation is to bring her to Netherfield, into the vicinity of George Wickham, the man who broke her heart. Darcy must find a way to keep his wits about him, keep his sister's reputation safe, and keep Elizabeth Bennet from becoming something she was never supposed to be, his intended. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.

[Smasher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, first off, despite the wording of the summary of this book where it says that he laid bare his dot dot dot, it's absolutely clean. If you're wondering (mild spoiler) it's his thigh that gets laid bare . I kept wincing when Mr. Darcy says he exposed himself to Elizabeth. It sounds so horrible. I really do wish the author had used different wording because it makes it sound soooo bad. I think it was done humorously, but I kept getting that sort of nervous discomfort at it even though I knew what he referenced!

The entire book is just one mishap after another and it's funny. It didn't feel in keeping with their characters, but variations explore what would happen when certain situations change, so I can let it pass, because...entertainment.

It was another cute short fluff piece and I enjoyed myself, so it did its job. 3.5 but not at a 4 level for me.

[lori huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious

Delightful, humorous short tale, brilliantly presented in a first person narrative, alternating between Elizabeth's and Darcy 's point of view. Their first meeting is charming, and sets the stage for this darling relationship that moves from one embarrassing mishap to another, all of which illustrate their suitability for each other in the most unlikely ways.

I love the character of Aunt Rose, who provides an unexpected connection for them. This is a pleasant, angst free way to pass an hour or two, and one that will leave you smiling. The book is well written and well edited. This author never disappoints, and I hope these little, sweet tales will keep coming. I recommend it highly.

[readundancies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read quite of few of Alix James' Pride and Prejudice variation/reimaginings, and while I enjoyed this one, it was not what I would call my favourite of hers.

The Mrs. Ashton subplot was what I was endeared towards the most, including the woman herself, and Lady Catherine's revelation towards her at the end was the most humorous part for me.

It wasn't a taxing read, just a short and sweet little number that helped pass the time.

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sassy and Quirky

I really like how ODC kept having accidents when near each other. The addition of the great aunt was quite refreshing; I love how older women see right through the facades to the heart of the matter. This story is really a 4.5; I guess my issue is the brevity of the story, I wanted more.

[Carol Perrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unintended

Another amusing short story from Alix James. In this tale there is not quite the misunderstandings as in other variations, but Darcy will need to spent some time with his tailor when Elizabeth shops for her wedding clothes. Cute romp through Meryton with ODC towards their HEA.

[Kathaleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean romance.
a quick and fun read. Fan fiction of(Austin’s)Pride and prejudice.
Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy keep getting themselves into embarrassing situations and misunderstandings. especially around each other. she gets her hair caught and his breeches get ripped was just the first one!
this book kept me laughing with all the silliness.

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, fun story

A delightful mix of minor catastrophes plague Darcy and Lizzy. These incidents are breaches of priority, decorum and privacy; only catastrophic to the minds of those involved.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow Frustrating Starter

My frustration with Elizabeth Bennett at the beginning of this book was almost enough to cause me shut the book and not finish. I held on and light seem to dawn on her persona, saving the story.

[Luann Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devour While Enjoying Tea

I laughed, I gasped, I relished every moment of this delightful novella. I highly recommend every Austen fan to devour this novella as I did. I was sorry that I had finished the story. I wanted more.