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Mr. Darcy's Cottage of Earthly Delights: Shades of Pride and Prejudice
While touring Pemberley, Elizabeth Bennet overhears gossip about Fitzwilliam Darcy that provokes a surge of jealousy. Her worst nightmare has come true, and she flees in despair and anger. Upon returning unexpectedly from London, he hears news from his staff of a young lady of his acquaintance who ran from his house in tears. Rushing to search for the woman of his dreams, he finds her soaked and distraught in a folly identical to the one of his rejected proposal. Passions ignite. Her fury and his fear for her health provoke an unplanned revelation. Forbidden lust explodes in a secret cottage Mr Darcy has prepared for clandestine liaisons with the love of his life.
It appears all misunderstandings are resolved between the two with a betrothal—or are they?
WARNING This is a sexually explicit telling of a 'Pride and Prejudice' what if.
It appears all misunderstandings are resolved between the two with a betrothal—or are they?
WARNING This is a sexually explicit telling of a 'Pride and Prejudice' what if.
- GenresRomance
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
53 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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April 18, 2015
Grab a cold beverage of your choice and open your mind wide if you wish to embrace this Pride & Prejudice variation because it takes the stories and characters to places that many people (including me) will find varying degrees of disconcerting. This is a strong bawdy twist to the story that I warn you now is not for everyone and not fair to the author to disregard this warning if this isn't your thing. I'm still processing and I considered myself a flexible reader.
I'm not sure what and how much I'm going to say about the book that will do it justice or give the reader an accurate picture of the story, but I will do my best.
There is an assumption made that the reader is somewhat familiar with the original Pride and Prejudice story either in written or movie form. This particular story seems like a variation or what-if at first glance, but after I read it, I would classify it more as a loose retelling. It hits familiar milestones, but there is a lot going on between that is utterly new.
The story opens with Elizabeth Bennet on a summer tour with her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner that takes them to the estate of the man she rejected with the cruelest words she could. Since Mr. Darcy's failed marriage proposal and letter defending himself against her vitriolic words even if she feels he deserved some of it, Elizabeth has had a change of heart that leaves her uneasy and unsure of what he will think if he finds her touring his home even though she is assured that he is not in residence at the moment. Her tour is enlightening and makes her feel more guilty than ever as she listens to the housekeeper singing his praises. The sexual attraction she feels for the man she sent off with no hope has her restless and tense between her night time dreams and heated thoughts. She wants him badly and she only has herself to blame for making it impossible to have him. It is after she overhears the maids gossiping that Mr. Darcy is keeping a mistress and then her subsequent dash out of the house and into the rain that she encounters the man himself and her misunderstanding once again has to be explained away.
Darcy can't get Elizabeth off his mind. He had such dreams built up of love, affection, shared laughter and shared passion until the woman ripped it all away and made it clear what she thought of him. He uses the secret cottage he had made up for just the two of them as a place of solace. But then he gets a second chance when he finds her lost and cold from the rain wandering out on his property. Things start as they did before, but then he takes control and faces her angry bitter repercussions. They go to the cottage Darcy prepared and there the heat flairs between them and they give into it.
Darcy's past is colored by a long-standing connection with a high class discreet brothel run by a woman born to the nobility and Darcy shares a friendship with the courtesan who showed him the ways of pleasing a woman. He uses these skills with Elizabeth and he uses these connections to help rescue Elizabeth's sister from the clutches of a fiend.
Darcy and Elizabeth along with the rest of their extended families face hardships and disastrous misunderstandings, but love and understanding, growth and acceptance come for many even as others face the consequences of their actions.
Alright, so let me figure out how to break down my impressions without writing my own novel here. Other than the first quarter of the book that was rough on the transitions and offered an awkward sexual encounter, I found this a well-written piece and an engaging enough story. It has a full cast of characters that are richly drawn, several narrators and many intriguing and fresh plot threads. Some plot threads were more interesting than others for me. As a result of all these threads and all these narrators, this book could get ponderous at times. It overlapped in the narration in a few places, but never got boring.
I went into this book knowing that it was going to be explicit and erotic. I read some pretty sensual stuff so I figured I'd be good with the heat level. And I was. The heat level explored some interesting avenues and even was a source of conflict because of Lizzy's bouts of guilt over anticipating her vows and thinking herself wanton. On an aside, in case it matters to some folks, there is some mild f/f action between two minor characters who had a side story going on. It wasn't the actual heat level of the the romance that was my sticking point. The ribald humor and bawdy scenes were rather Tom Jone-ish.
I probably would have been alright if we were talking about hot bedroom encounters or the such, but this story included a Darcy that saw a courtesan regularly until right when he decided that he loved Elizabeth. To be clear, he did not cheat on Lizzy. I'm not inconsistent in that I won't read a story with a guy or gal seeing a courtesan, but it is this particular guy that cause my problem. Quirky, I know, but there you go that's me. I can be versatile to a certain extent when authors get creative with the original story or characters, but unfortunately there are certain core character traits that I don't like author's to mess with when it comes to Darcy. Something changes in my perception of Darcy that I don't like when he becomes a man who takes his pleasures (even if it started out for educational purposes as it did in this story) with a courtesan or mistress. For me to enjoy this story, I had to pretend that this wasn't Darcy, but the typical historical romance reformed rake scenario.
Now that I shared that bit of whimsy, let me say that this Darcy was on the whole a romantic figure, dashing hero the way he worked to protect and care for those he loves. His loyalty, sense of duty and his love of family made him worthy. His desire to have a true love affair in marriage like his parents and the effort he made to make it happen made him swoon-worthy. And trust me, the infernal woman made him work- not that he was beyond fault at times.
As to Elizabeth, I think the nicest thing I can say is that this version of her wasn't for me. I struggled to understand her and couldn't like the irrational, weaker, insecure, less sparkling version. If it could be misconstrued and misunderstood, Elizabeth did with a blaze of anger and a rush of her mouth. Darcy was a shining example of patience and constancy. His love was demonstrated in word and action repeatedly, yet he was forced to defend the truth so often. He must have given her the same speech about his love and trusting in it a dozen times through the book because the oft repeated conflict device of Elizabeth rushing to attack him and believe the worst. It got so old and I really couldn't see much that was attractive about her. This Elizabeth was what happens when an author explores the possibility of Elizabeth taking after Mrs. Bennet. Yep, Lizzy was her mother as a young woman. While I thought it was an amazing change the author explored that left me in awe, I can't say that the results left me liking her as a romance heroine.
Because of all the turbulence in their courtship, the romance was a tough sell for me. Their sexy times were hot and they had some powerful lust going on, but they spent most of the book in a swing between trust and lack of trust with storms of anger in between. I wanted to see more a real everyday connection not just being good in the sack. Darcy was so romantic with his Cottage and dreams of love, but I felt Elizabeth left him hanging out there to dry frequently. He is proactive and she is a recipient. I don't remember her one time making a romantic or loving gesture that didn't involve just trying to get into his breeches or apologize for her own stupid misunderstanding of him. Even her famous scene from the original story that allowed her to face off with Lady C was like a dud firecracker. I actually preferred following the lively and vivacious Lydia's courtship and love affair the most. Wish Mary's romance was more in the foreground though I do get the fact that the author could only pursue the side plots just so far. Oh, I roared with laughter at what the author did for Caroline in the end. That was brilliant. Loved the crossover character from another Austen story cameo for this.
Other character changes were also in order with some surprising results. I am not a Lydia fan in general, but I loved this author's Lydia. This is the Lydia without the permanent flaws. And this Jane, yeah she was something. She actually showed up for a change and wasn't just the bland background character we usually see. Now as to original characters, the Viscount Colton and his family were fantastic. When Viscount Colton was in a scene it just sparkled. And the gals we all love to hate- Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine did their thing and a good time was had by all to see them vanquished. The biggest surprise will be Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Do enjoy because they are something.
This is one of those versions that tells the tale of the whole extended family and I love it when an author does that so I really didn't mind the breadth and length of this story. I was intrigued and impressed by the explorations the author did with the characters and storyline. The romance is a tough, hard-fought one and I was glad to get that gentler and happier epilogue that wrapped it all up nicely and showed a couple with a love for the ages.
As to who I would recommend this for, this is for Austenesque and Historical Romance lovers who enjoy full heat and can appreciate a great deal of flexibility with the original characters and plot.
My thanks to the author who gifted me this story in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure what and how much I'm going to say about the book that will do it justice or give the reader an accurate picture of the story, but I will do my best.
There is an assumption made that the reader is somewhat familiar with the original Pride and Prejudice story either in written or movie form. This particular story seems like a variation or what-if at first glance, but after I read it, I would classify it more as a loose retelling. It hits familiar milestones, but there is a lot going on between that is utterly new.
The story opens with Elizabeth Bennet on a summer tour with her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner that takes them to the estate of the man she rejected with the cruelest words she could. Since Mr. Darcy's failed marriage proposal and letter defending himself against her vitriolic words even if she feels he deserved some of it, Elizabeth has had a change of heart that leaves her uneasy and unsure of what he will think if he finds her touring his home even though she is assured that he is not in residence at the moment. Her tour is enlightening and makes her feel more guilty than ever as she listens to the housekeeper singing his praises. The sexual attraction she feels for the man she sent off with no hope has her restless and tense between her night time dreams and heated thoughts. She wants him badly and she only has herself to blame for making it impossible to have him. It is after she overhears the maids gossiping that Mr. Darcy is keeping a mistress and then her subsequent dash out of the house and into the rain that she encounters the man himself and her misunderstanding once again has to be explained away.
Darcy can't get Elizabeth off his mind. He had such dreams built up of love, affection, shared laughter and shared passion until the woman ripped it all away and made it clear what she thought of him. He uses the secret cottage he had made up for just the two of them as a place of solace. But then he gets a second chance when he finds her lost and cold from the rain wandering out on his property. Things start as they did before, but then he takes control and faces her angry bitter repercussions. They go to the cottage Darcy prepared and there the heat flairs between them and they give into it.
Darcy's past is colored by a long-standing connection with a high class discreet brothel run by a woman born to the nobility and Darcy shares a friendship with the courtesan who showed him the ways of pleasing a woman. He uses these skills with Elizabeth and he uses these connections to help rescue Elizabeth's sister from the clutches of a fiend.
Darcy and Elizabeth along with the rest of their extended families face hardships and disastrous misunderstandings, but love and understanding, growth and acceptance come for many even as others face the consequences of their actions.
Alright, so let me figure out how to break down my impressions without writing my own novel here. Other than the first quarter of the book that was rough on the transitions and offered an awkward sexual encounter, I found this a well-written piece and an engaging enough story. It has a full cast of characters that are richly drawn, several narrators and many intriguing and fresh plot threads. Some plot threads were more interesting than others for me. As a result of all these threads and all these narrators, this book could get ponderous at times. It overlapped in the narration in a few places, but never got boring.
I went into this book knowing that it was going to be explicit and erotic. I read some pretty sensual stuff so I figured I'd be good with the heat level. And I was. The heat level explored some interesting avenues and even was a source of conflict because of Lizzy's bouts of guilt over anticipating her vows and thinking herself wanton. On an aside, in case it matters to some folks, there is some mild f/f action between two minor characters who had a side story going on. It wasn't the actual heat level of the the romance that was my sticking point. The ribald humor and bawdy scenes were rather Tom Jone-ish.
I probably would have been alright if we were talking about hot bedroom encounters or the such, but this story included a Darcy that saw a courtesan regularly until right when he decided that he loved Elizabeth. To be clear, he did not cheat on Lizzy. I'm not inconsistent in that I won't read a story with a guy or gal seeing a courtesan, but it is this particular guy that cause my problem. Quirky, I know, but there you go that's me. I can be versatile to a certain extent when authors get creative with the original story or characters, but unfortunately there are certain core character traits that I don't like author's to mess with when it comes to Darcy. Something changes in my perception of Darcy that I don't like when he becomes a man who takes his pleasures (even if it started out for educational purposes as it did in this story) with a courtesan or mistress. For me to enjoy this story, I had to pretend that this wasn't Darcy, but the typical historical romance reformed rake scenario.
Now that I shared that bit of whimsy, let me say that this Darcy was on the whole a romantic figure, dashing hero the way he worked to protect and care for those he loves. His loyalty, sense of duty and his love of family made him worthy. His desire to have a true love affair in marriage like his parents and the effort he made to make it happen made him swoon-worthy. And trust me, the infernal woman made him work- not that he was beyond fault at times.
As to Elizabeth, I think the nicest thing I can say is that this version of her wasn't for me. I struggled to understand her and couldn't like the irrational, weaker, insecure, less sparkling version. If it could be misconstrued and misunderstood, Elizabeth did with a blaze of anger and a rush of her mouth. Darcy was a shining example of patience and constancy. His love was demonstrated in word and action repeatedly, yet he was forced to defend the truth so often. He must have given her the same speech about his love and trusting in it a dozen times through the book because the oft repeated conflict device of Elizabeth rushing to attack him and believe the worst. It got so old and I really couldn't see much that was attractive about her. This Elizabeth was what happens when an author explores the possibility of Elizabeth taking after Mrs. Bennet. Yep, Lizzy was her mother as a young woman. While I thought it was an amazing change the author explored that left me in awe, I can't say that the results left me liking her as a romance heroine.
Because of all the turbulence in their courtship, the romance was a tough sell for me. Their sexy times were hot and they had some powerful lust going on, but they spent most of the book in a swing between trust and lack of trust with storms of anger in between. I wanted to see more a real everyday connection not just being good in the sack. Darcy was so romantic with his Cottage and dreams of love, but I felt Elizabeth left him hanging out there to dry frequently. He is proactive and she is a recipient. I don't remember her one time making a romantic or loving gesture that didn't involve just trying to get into his breeches or apologize for her own stupid misunderstanding of him. Even her famous scene from the original story that allowed her to face off with Lady C was like a dud firecracker. I actually preferred following the lively and vivacious Lydia's courtship and love affair the most. Wish Mary's romance was more in the foreground though I do get the fact that the author could only pursue the side plots just so far. Oh, I roared with laughter at what the author did for Caroline in the end. That was brilliant. Loved the crossover character from another Austen story cameo for this.
Other character changes were also in order with some surprising results. I am not a Lydia fan in general, but I loved this author's Lydia. This is the Lydia without the permanent flaws. And this Jane, yeah she was something. She actually showed up for a change and wasn't just the bland background character we usually see. Now as to original characters, the Viscount Colton and his family were fantastic. When Viscount Colton was in a scene it just sparkled. And the gals we all love to hate- Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine did their thing and a good time was had by all to see them vanquished. The biggest surprise will be Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Do enjoy because they are something.
This is one of those versions that tells the tale of the whole extended family and I love it when an author does that so I really didn't mind the breadth and length of this story. I was intrigued and impressed by the explorations the author did with the characters and storyline. The romance is a tough, hard-fought one and I was glad to get that gentler and happier epilogue that wrapped it all up nicely and showed a couple with a love for the ages.
As to who I would recommend this for, this is for Austenesque and Historical Romance lovers who enjoy full heat and can appreciate a great deal of flexibility with the original characters and plot.
My thanks to the author who gifted me this story in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
Cringy intimate scenes, a rakish Darcy and a weak Elizabeth made this variation a no for me. I have no objection to mature content in variations, but this one just did not work for me. The behaviour of Darcy prior to knowing Elizabeth feels pretty realistic of gentlemen of the era, and does not really disturb me, but I felt that his actions after knowing Elizabeth were too out of character for him.
March 22, 2015
What-if variations are my favourite type of stories from the JAFF world. Not the sequels, not the modern interpretations. I love seeing the characters go down a different path based first on one split decision.
This is a very, very, steamy what-if. Just so all the purists know. Don't read this if you are not the type to enjoy that sort of reading. Just don't.
I love it.
What I loved about it wasn't just the modifications in the story, or the very expressive nature of their feelings. I loved that Elizabeth retained her faults. I loved that Lydia was a sympathetic character. I actually felt bad for her in her dealings with Wickham, which is less than I can say I usually feel for her. I am glad her story plays out the way it does. I loved the fact that Mrs. Bennet wasn't a giant twit through the whole story, and at a critical point step in and was the mother to Lizzy that we know is in there, and the same goes for Mr. Bennet and his relationship with his children and his wife. I found great satisfaction with the way that these elements of the story played out.
My one drawback was the use of the 2005 movie for some of the setting and subtleties (like the colours that Lizzy wears were inspired by the movie, particularly the mention of brown). I have to admit that I am not a fan of that film, and using it in this story put Kiera Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen in my brain whenever the movie was referenced. While I prefer the 1995 miniseries, the same things happen when Darcy comes out of the lake in a story, Colin Firth appears. Neither are my Darcy or Lizzy. I feel that those actors interfere with my visualizations while reading.
This is a very, very, steamy what-if. Just so all the purists know. Don't read this if you are not the type to enjoy that sort of reading. Just don't.
I love it.
What I loved about it wasn't just the modifications in the story, or the very expressive nature of their feelings. I loved that Elizabeth retained her faults. I loved that Lydia was a sympathetic character. I actually felt bad for her in her dealings with Wickham, which is less than I can say I usually feel for her. I am glad her story plays out the way it does. I loved the fact that Mrs. Bennet wasn't a giant twit through the whole story, and at a critical point step in and was the mother to Lizzy that we know is in there, and the same goes for Mr. Bennet and his relationship with his children and his wife. I found great satisfaction with the way that these elements of the story played out.
My one drawback was the use of the 2005 movie for some of the setting and subtleties (like the colours that Lizzy wears were inspired by the movie, particularly the mention of brown). I have to admit that I am not a fan of that film, and using it in this story put Kiera Knightly and Matthew Macfadyen in my brain whenever the movie was referenced. While I prefer the 1995 miniseries, the same things happen when Darcy comes out of the lake in a story, Colin Firth appears. Neither are my Darcy or Lizzy. I feel that those actors interfere with my visualizations while reading.
December 29, 2015
It's really a 3.5 star book for me. I am or completely sure how I feel about this book... I was compelled to read it every night until it was done. It's very intimate, which you must be comfortable with in a book. I loved the fighting and the depths of Darcy's love... Sigh!!! There were a lot of parts which seemed too contrived and too easily achieved... But the love story itself kept me reading way into the night.
January 18, 2016
2.5 Stars.
*** Gift from author - provided with no expectation of, or promise of a favorable review. ***
November 5, 2018
Shocking premise leads to excellent story
Darcy’s circle of friends and acquaintances, and perhaps a large number of the ton are sexually active. When Darcy begins to think he might love Lizzy, he opens her mind to that mindset and she is surprised to find herself thinking and acting upon her new ideas.
And yet, there is a certain amount of guilt and shame she feels. Toward the end of the book she feels a bit of self loathing and that Darcy may be depraved even though she thought she loved him. She yells at him in an extremely hurtful way. She says many things to him that might be unforgivable.
The HEA is seriously in doubt.
This is a very erotic story. It’s very well written. There is wordplay in conversations Oscar Wilde would have been proud to have written.
I recommend this book but only for people who will be ok with the sexual content. It a major component of the plot and could not have been written without it’s inclusion.
Darcy’s circle of friends and acquaintances, and perhaps a large number of the ton are sexually active. When Darcy begins to think he might love Lizzy, he opens her mind to that mindset and she is surprised to find herself thinking and acting upon her new ideas.
And yet, there is a certain amount of guilt and shame she feels. Toward the end of the book she feels a bit of self loathing and that Darcy may be depraved even though she thought she loved him. She yells at him in an extremely hurtful way. She says many things to him that might be unforgivable.
The HEA is seriously in doubt.
This is a very erotic story. It’s very well written. There is wordplay in conversations Oscar Wilde would have been proud to have written.
I recommend this book but only for people who will be ok with the sexual content. It a major component of the plot and could not have been written without it’s inclusion.
October 11, 2013
I loved this book, it kept me wanting to read more that I didn't get much sleep.
December 28, 2013
This what-if variation, has Mr. Darcy coming home early to Pemberly and Elizabeth has been caught out in a rain storm in the grecian temple. Creativly reflective of both Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and the 2005 movie, it spins off into its own retelling of Elizabeth and Darcy uniting. Romantic, lustful, and erotic at times, the novel is lengthy, fun and highly enjoyable. At times in the begining wording could be a little awkward and humorous, but it works it way out by the middle. The novel is long, which is wonderful. So often these novels are short and sweet and over to soon. This was able to really develop into a true story with depth and many characters with their own stories as well.
Purists and those who enjoy a chaste Elizabeth and Darcy will probably not be fans of this version, but if you like a pair who must face the plausible trials of the era such as anticipation of vows, brothels, and ruined women facing hardships after being abadoned by families, it will intrigue you. I really enjoy Massey's darker look into our beloved tale that so often has the rosiest hue applied. I really loved her Goodly Creatures that also examined the story and time period through a darker angle. Less so than Goodly Creatures, but it was still great!
Purists and those who enjoy a chaste Elizabeth and Darcy will probably not be fans of this version, but if you like a pair who must face the plausible trials of the era such as anticipation of vows, brothels, and ruined women facing hardships after being abadoned by families, it will intrigue you. I really enjoy Massey's darker look into our beloved tale that so often has the rosiest hue applied. I really loved her Goodly Creatures that also examined the story and time period through a darker angle. Less so than Goodly Creatures, but it was still great!
June 30, 2020
Enjoyable mature read
What if Darcy was “educated” in the art of pleasing a lady, and what if Elizabeth wasn’t averse to welcoming those arts. I thought this mature content variation was well done. The story is quite a different take on P&P. I quite liked how the author changed up what happens to Lydia and Wickham, and I enjoyed the new characters. Reading how several couples, including Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, find their HEA’s made this a fun read. If you don’t mind mature content, I definitely recommend it. If you do, don’t read it, then complain about the intimate nature of the book. (This is an edited version of my original Amazon review in August 2019.)
2nd Read - I first read this book on KU. I came across it again in the spring of 2020, so I bought it in support of the author, thinking if it’s good enough for me to read twice, it’s good enough to add to my Kindle library permanently. The date of my second read is only a guess, as I didn’t review it again at the time.
What if Darcy was “educated” in the art of pleasing a lady, and what if Elizabeth wasn’t averse to welcoming those arts. I thought this mature content variation was well done. The story is quite a different take on P&P. I quite liked how the author changed up what happens to Lydia and Wickham, and I enjoyed the new characters. Reading how several couples, including Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, find their HEA’s made this a fun read. If you don’t mind mature content, I definitely recommend it. If you do, don’t read it, then complain about the intimate nature of the book. (This is an edited version of my original Amazon review in August 2019.)
2nd Read - I first read this book on KU. I came across it again in the spring of 2020, so I bought it in support of the author, thinking if it’s good enough for me to read twice, it’s good enough to add to my Kindle library permanently. The date of my second read is only a guess, as I didn’t review it again at the time.
January 1, 2018
Racy, with a captivating story.
Enters at Elizabeth's visit at Pemberley and ventures far off canon in a passionate interlude. That does not make the road to HEA particularly easy though...
Darcy has been a frequent visitor to a brothel and Elizabeth is particularly jealous of his favourite courtesan Bella.
Really liked the plot.
Contains explicit sex.
Enters at Elizabeth's visit at Pemberley and ventures far off canon in a passionate interlude. That does not make the road to HEA particularly easy though...
Darcy has been a frequent visitor to a brothel and Elizabeth is particularly jealous of his favourite courtesan Bella.
Really liked the plot.
Contains explicit sex.
July 30, 2015
Earthly Delights
Loved it. Entertaining, lusty, Funny. A sexy spin on Pride and Prejudice. A great read for someone that enjoys the spice!
Loved it. Entertaining, lusty, Funny. A sexy spin on Pride and Prejudice. A great read for someone that enjoys the spice!
August 5, 2016
It was a very sexually and bold novel. Different from the others I have read. Lizzy was quite bold in learning about sex. Darcy was only too happy to teacher!
December 23, 2020
Hot, hot and hotter
This is an excellent book with spice and depth. One of my favorites in the genre. I re-read it a couple times a year. Highly recommended.
This is an excellent book with spice and depth. One of my favorites in the genre. I re-read it a couple times a year. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2024
3.5 to 4 stars
I read through many of the comments on this book and was hesitant to read it, but I decided to as I have never read any works by this author. The story was well developed, and the writing was very good. It did not read childish as someone commented, but rather, the sexual lingos were a bit juvenile. However, considering the brides were innocent young girls, you can't fault them acting childish.
The explicit sexual scenes were a bit much but not the worst I've read, and they can be skipped. I skipped the one between the prostitutes. That was my main issue with this book... there was so much character development that we got the full life story of each character, including the prostitutes. I felt like I was reading "The Mysteries of Udolpho," with stories within a story. We did not need so many details on the "educators." I scanned through many pages on their back stories.
The story was written around the whole sexual education of the men, but too much time was spent on it. It was almost like the author was trying to sell us the benefits of prostitution.
I loved Lydia's story and Mary has a pulse!!! Mrs Bennet was a star and the Bennetts did not make me cringe. Richard, Caroline and Wickham all have small roles. Lady Catherine tried but was shut down and Anne got a life at last.
This book considered everyone and was not filled with angst. There were a few scenes where Lizzy did not act like our strong, confident girl, but I was able to look past them. Darcy was a horn dog or should I say stallion. But he was very patient with Lizzy foolishness.
I don't think i will read this book again but I would recommend it. I will also read more books by this author.
I read through many of the comments on this book and was hesitant to read it, but I decided to as I have never read any works by this author. The story was well developed, and the writing was very good. It did not read childish as someone commented, but rather, the sexual lingos were a bit juvenile. However, considering the brides were innocent young girls, you can't fault them acting childish.
The explicit sexual scenes were a bit much but not the worst I've read, and they can be skipped. I skipped the one between the prostitutes. That was my main issue with this book... there was so much character development that we got the full life story of each character, including the prostitutes. I felt like I was reading "The Mysteries of Udolpho," with stories within a story. We did not need so many details on the "educators." I scanned through many pages on their back stories.
The story was written around the whole sexual education of the men, but too much time was spent on it. It was almost like the author was trying to sell us the benefits of prostitution.
I loved Lydia's story and Mary has a pulse!!! Mrs Bennet was a star and the Bennetts did not make me cringe. Richard, Caroline and Wickham all have small roles. Lady Catherine tried but was shut down and Anne got a life at last.
This book considered everyone and was not filled with angst. There were a few scenes where Lizzy did not act like our strong, confident girl, but I was able to look past them. Darcy was a horn dog or should I say stallion. But he was very patient with Lizzy foolishness.
I don't think i will read this book again but I would recommend it. I will also read more books by this author.
June 9, 2017
I'm giving this one 2.5-3 stars as it was well written. But for me it was just too long and had too many unneccessary add ons - skipped over raptures about plants and brothels and cake shops.
For me this Elizabeth Bennet was immature and annoying her constant doubts and behaviour versus her beliefs got too much. I haven't read a Lizzy like this or seen a screen adaptation of her this way. Just didn't do it for me and by her calling of the wedding for the second or third time ( 2 days before) and Darcy getting angry i just thought , atta boy go find someone worthy of you. She was too Lydia like for me.
However Darcy was well captured as were most of the other characters. thus the extra half star.
Except Lydia - she was just NO - too much to quickly and just didn't fit in this story or any other adaptation.
I'm not an Austen purist but like characters to be believeable.
For me this Elizabeth Bennet was immature and annoying her constant doubts and behaviour versus her beliefs got too much. I haven't read a Lizzy like this or seen a screen adaptation of her this way. Just didn't do it for me and by her calling of the wedding for the second or third time ( 2 days before) and Darcy getting angry i just thought , atta boy go find someone worthy of you. She was too Lydia like for me.
However Darcy was well captured as were most of the other characters. thus the extra half star.
Except Lydia - she was just NO - too much to quickly and just didn't fit in this story or any other adaptation.
I'm not an Austen purist but like characters to be believeable.
December 31, 2017
Avid Reader
Well, I have read the last book written by Beth Massey,and I am just as enthralled with this book as I am with the other two. Darcy and Elizabeth reconcile early and anticipated their vows, an issue that causes her a great deal of anxiety, especially after Lydia 's debacle of an element with Wickham. Fortunately, Darcy finds Lydia who no longer wants anything to do with Wickham. Lydia married into a family that Lady Catherine coveted, but the man loved another. Lady Catherine cares for no one except exacting her 30years of revenge. Fortunately,the Earl of Blessing dresses her down and forces her to back down. This is an intriguing book, and each character experienced an ephinany. Wonderful book that covers prostitution, lesbianism, and classism.
Well, I have read the last book written by Beth Massey,and I am just as enthralled with this book as I am with the other two. Darcy and Elizabeth reconcile early and anticipated their vows, an issue that causes her a great deal of anxiety, especially after Lydia 's debacle of an element with Wickham. Fortunately, Darcy finds Lydia who no longer wants anything to do with Wickham. Lydia married into a family that Lady Catherine coveted, but the man loved another. Lady Catherine cares for no one except exacting her 30years of revenge. Fortunately,the Earl of Blessing dresses her down and forces her to back down. This is an intriguing book, and each character experienced an ephinany. Wonderful book that covers prostitution, lesbianism, and classism.
July 18, 2021
The Darcy family has a little romantic cottage on the grounds with a family history. It was a private get away for Fitzwilliam's parents. Even though Elizabeth Bennet rejected his proposal, he has invested time and energy renovating the cottage to be her dream place - with no hope of ever seeing her again. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that she is caught out in the rain on the property while visiting with her aunt and uncle. Lets just say the cottage works is magic and the leave secretly engaged with hopes for no pregnancy . . The story then proceeds to Lydia drama, jealousy, prostitutes, friendships, etc. Lots of intimacy scenes for many people and of course a happily ever after. It was just a strange trip to get there.
August 23, 2023
Earthly Delights was a delightful read.
The plot was nicely intricate, and the use of language was creative. Intimacies were portrayed in a beautiful way. The steamy descriptions were humorous, and the word choices describing love making were fun and playful. Some authors think steamy descriptions are best with crass and sometimes vulgar language - that is not the case in this book. Also, Massey offers a variety of interactions in the spicy bits in addition to the fun-filled and playful depictions of intimacy. The cute terms of poking, fixing pens, and other euphemisms made me happy as well as women with healthy libidos. YAY!
Summary: delightful interactions and lovely word play, mostly kind and consensual relations that brought joy and happiness (Except Wickham, of course)
The plot was nicely intricate, and the use of language was creative. Intimacies were portrayed in a beautiful way. The steamy descriptions were humorous, and the word choices describing love making were fun and playful. Some authors think steamy descriptions are best with crass and sometimes vulgar language - that is not the case in this book. Also, Massey offers a variety of interactions in the spicy bits in addition to the fun-filled and playful depictions of intimacy. The cute terms of poking, fixing pens, and other euphemisms made me happy as well as women with healthy libidos. YAY!
Summary: delightful interactions and lovely word play, mostly kind and consensual relations that brought joy and happiness (Except Wickham, of course)
July 12, 2020
I could not read this.
I hate to be negative, and I should have investigated more before buying. I am actually quitting near the beginning.. I certainly do not mind the books that go off the usual story, and I do not mind a sexy
scenes. My problem here is that the book seems alien to the genre. It is too modern in its slang, not in keeping with the Regency period, and I just did not like feel of the book. It is lacking in story telling and in class, or so it seems to me.
I hate to be negative, and I should have investigated more before buying. I am actually quitting near the beginning.. I certainly do not mind the books that go off the usual story, and I do not mind a sexy
scenes. My problem here is that the book seems alien to the genre. It is too modern in its slang, not in keeping with the Regency period, and I just did not like feel of the book. It is lacking in story telling and in class, or so it seems to me.
July 10, 2021
Not bad, but repetitive
If you don't like an anxious whinging Lizzy, this won't be the book for you. The steamy stuff starts out hot and fizzles as you get further into the book. I liked the characters that were introduced but Lizzy being so hot/cold was off putting and the on and on and on about "educating" men was boring. Longer than it needed to be but at least an original story.
If you don't like an anxious whinging Lizzy, this won't be the book for you. The steamy stuff starts out hot and fizzles as you get further into the book. I liked the characters that were introduced but Lizzy being so hot/cold was off putting and the on and on and on about "educating" men was boring. Longer than it needed to be but at least an original story.
July 7, 2021
I wanted to like this morning than I did. The beginning was strong but then we get weepy whiny immature Lizzy who I wanted to smack. This Lizzy was not ready to be Mrs. Darcy, she needed to go back to the schoolroom.
Read
February 25, 2021The sexy parts were hot everything else was not, also I couldn't stand this E. The reviews are good, so maybe I'll come back to it in the future.
April 10, 2021
Well-written, but dragged out. Wish it had been tighter in places.
July 23, 2021
This book is pretty outrageous, even for me. But it kept me entertained. Only for true smut fans.
July 12, 2022
2'5/5⭐️
Read
October 25, 2022Basically Lizzy and Darcy get steamy during the Pemberley chapters.
December 22, 2022
Great read
I love this story, well worth a read. A fabulous take on the Darcy and Lizzy story. Couldn't put it down
I love this story, well worth a read. A fabulous take on the Darcy and Lizzy story. Couldn't put it down
September 10, 2013
Déjà j'ai apprécié le petit mot de l'auteure au début qui nous précise que cette histoire était à la base une fan fic, sachant cela je l'ai abordée avec plus d'indulgence. A la lecture, il est clair que Beth Massey a été très influencée par Pride & Prejudice 2005, elle évoque même la scène du "presque baiser" de Joe Wright, d'ailleurs, elle est partie de cette scène pour bâtir son histoire. Au début du roman, nous retrouvons Elizabeth sur le point de visiter Pemberley. Là, elle a déjà changé d'opinion sur Darcy et s'avoue au moins le désirer. Lorsqu'elle visite Pemberley, elle apprend que Darcy a une maitresse, ce qui la bouleverse... Bien entendu ce n'est pas le cas et alors qu'elle s'est enfuie sous la pluie, Darcy la retrouve. Et c'est là que ça devient complétement OOC (out of character), une fois seuls, ils finissent par faire l'amour à l'initiative de Lizzy (on parle quand même d'une fille qui est désespérée de voir sa soeur perdue de réputation dans l'original), qui, en plus de tout le reste se montre très demandeuse! La perte de sa virginité n'est qu'une formalité, et elle en redemande (je passe sur les caresses buccales ) Darcy de son côté est un dieu du sexe (en même temps on en attendait pas moins) et au bout de deux chapitres de descriptions sexuelles, les voilà fort contents l'un de l'autre. Bon ok, la scène de sexe est bien écrite, mais... elle aurait été plus cohérente APRES le mariage. J'ai du mal à imaginer Darcy déflorer Lizzy avant qu'elle soit sa femme et qu'elle puisse le lui demander !La suite est du même tonneau, Elizabeth est complétement OOC : fragile à outrance, versatile, très proche de Lydia en fait... On retrouve également le côté "enjolivé" avec la relation que Darcy et Bingley entretiennent avec "leurs" prostituées. (bah oui ce sont les clients idéaux, et les deux dames qu'ils visitent sont en adoration devant eux en plus d'être lesbiennes ) . Georgiana est à pleurer de bêtise et d'insipidité, en revanche Caroline est assez bien caractérisée ^^
La suite est de pire en pire... L'auteure a décidé dans sa grande mansuétude que Lydia devait elle aussi connaitre le bonheur d'être mariée à un homme qui sait satisfaire une femme ( la clef du roman) et du coup hop elle trouve un homme qui tombe éperdument amoureux d'elle ! (en une soirée...) Pour le reste et bien tout est sur le même schéma : les "gentils" sont d'excellents amants (leurs respectables pères ou amis, ont pris soin de les emmener dans un bordel haut de gamme, où les prostituées leur ont appris comment satisfaire une femme, bien entendu il va de soi qu'une fois mariés, les apprentis amoureux ne retournent plus jamais au bordel...)
Par contre j'ai bien aimé le back ground des pensionnaires du bordel et le sort que Wickham réservait à Lydia (pour le coup j'aurais préféré ça )
Plus on avance dans le roman, plus on se noie dans la guimauve... Mrs Bennet apparait soudain comme une femme raffinée mais incomprise par son époux ( qui, comme de juste, se décide à se rapprocher de cette femme si mal appréciée...) Mary craque pour le frère du mari de Lydia...(mais pas de panique, il a aussi été instruit sur la manière de faire jouir une femme donc ça ne peut que marcher) Jane se découvre un côté frondeur et s'affirme ?! Kitty est passionnée par le dessin... Ann se rebelle of course.
Quand aux "méchants" Lady Catherine et Wickham, ils reçoivent tous les deux le juste paiement de leur méchanceté (il va sans dire qu'aucun d'eux ne connait le bonheur sexuel) et sans le moindre problème
Ce que j'ai aimé : La manière dont est présentée la relation entre Wickham et Darcy dans toute l'histoire avec Lydia. Le back ground des pensionnaires du bordel qui aurait mérité d'être approfondi, ce que Wickham réservait à Lydia
Ce que je n'ai pas aimé :Le fait que seul la satisfaction sexuelle semble importante à un peu près tous les personnages. Le côté trop bonbon rose et OOC de la plupart des personnages, le destin de Lydia. La longueur du roman (sérieux, moitié moins long c'était aussi bien). Le caractère complétement hors de propos d'Elizabeth ... La fin se perd en longueur et en niaiseries qui mettent une fois de plus en avant la suprématie de l'épanouissement sexuel sur TOUT le reste ( je n'ai rien contre l'idée que le plaisir est une partie d'un couple mais on ne peut pas tout résumer à ça et voir Lizzy s'inquiéter de ce que ses fils n'auront peut-être pas de prostituées pour faire leur éducation dans ce qui plait aux femmes euh non vraiment pas !)
En bref : Une fan fiction... qui met en avant la suprématie du bonheur sexuel dans le mariage. Un côté vraiment trop idéalisé des héros, une diabolisation des autres. Peu de nuances dans le traitement des personnages et on est très très loin de la finesse de Jane Austen. Il y a quand même de bonnes idées, notamment sur les raisons qui peuvent conduire les femmes à se prostituer. Malheureusement, ces idées ne sont pas assez creusées et on revient très vite sur le sujet du "Le sexe, y'a que ça de vrai"
Ma note : 3/10
La suite est de pire en pire... L'auteure a décidé dans sa grande mansuétude que Lydia devait elle aussi connaitre le bonheur d'être mariée à un homme qui sait satisfaire une femme ( la clef du roman) et du coup hop elle trouve un homme qui tombe éperdument amoureux d'elle ! (en une soirée...) Pour le reste et bien tout est sur le même schéma : les "gentils" sont d'excellents amants (leurs respectables pères ou amis, ont pris soin de les emmener dans un bordel haut de gamme, où les prostituées leur ont appris comment satisfaire une femme, bien entendu il va de soi qu'une fois mariés, les apprentis amoureux ne retournent plus jamais au bordel...)
Par contre j'ai bien aimé le back ground des pensionnaires du bordel et le sort que Wickham réservait à Lydia (pour le coup j'aurais préféré ça )
Plus on avance dans le roman, plus on se noie dans la guimauve... Mrs Bennet apparait soudain comme une femme raffinée mais incomprise par son époux ( qui, comme de juste, se décide à se rapprocher de cette femme si mal appréciée...) Mary craque pour le frère du mari de Lydia...(mais pas de panique, il a aussi été instruit sur la manière de faire jouir une femme donc ça ne peut que marcher) Jane se découvre un côté frondeur et s'affirme ?! Kitty est passionnée par le dessin... Ann se rebelle of course.
Quand aux "méchants" Lady Catherine et Wickham, ils reçoivent tous les deux le juste paiement de leur méchanceté (il va sans dire qu'aucun d'eux ne connait le bonheur sexuel) et sans le moindre problème
Ce que j'ai aimé : La manière dont est présentée la relation entre Wickham et Darcy dans toute l'histoire avec Lydia. Le back ground des pensionnaires du bordel qui aurait mérité d'être approfondi, ce que Wickham réservait à Lydia
Ce que je n'ai pas aimé :Le fait que seul la satisfaction sexuelle semble importante à un peu près tous les personnages. Le côté trop bonbon rose et OOC de la plupart des personnages, le destin de Lydia. La longueur du roman (sérieux, moitié moins long c'était aussi bien). Le caractère complétement hors de propos d'Elizabeth ... La fin se perd en longueur et en niaiseries qui mettent une fois de plus en avant la suprématie de l'épanouissement sexuel sur TOUT le reste ( je n'ai rien contre l'idée que le plaisir est une partie d'un couple mais on ne peut pas tout résumer à ça et voir Lizzy s'inquiéter de ce que ses fils n'auront peut-être pas de prostituées pour faire leur éducation dans ce qui plait aux femmes euh non vraiment pas !)
En bref : Une fan fiction... qui met en avant la suprématie du bonheur sexuel dans le mariage. Un côté vraiment trop idéalisé des héros, une diabolisation des autres. Peu de nuances dans le traitement des personnages et on est très très loin de la finesse de Jane Austen. Il y a quand même de bonnes idées, notamment sur les raisons qui peuvent conduire les femmes à se prostituer. Malheureusement, ces idées ne sont pas assez creusées et on revient très vite sur le sujet du "Le sexe, y'a que ça de vrai"
Ma note : 3/10
February 7, 2014
Complete filth. I only read a couple of chapters before quitting. This book is not about deep love and mutual respect, but a twisted tale of course lasciviousness. The Darcy and Elizabeth in this book do not resemble Austen's timeless characters. Reader beware.
March 15, 2013
It was OK. I wouldn't buy the physical book for my bookshelf though.
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