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Bennet Ladies Liberation Series #1
Darcy's Gallant Gambit: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Darcy’s breath strangles in his throat any time he finds himself in a crowd. He has grown up in an environment of awkwardness and disapproval, feeling the weight of his family's shame. People often misconstrue his anxiety as a display of arrogance and pride. He has nearly lost faith in ever attaining acceptance.
Raised by a father full of bitterness and malice, Elizabeth is often the victim of his caustic wit and reminders that she will never be good enough. Distrust taints Elizabeth's view of the world. If she hears another cutting remark from a man with too much pride and arrogance, she might just stomp on his toes and lose all hope of finding true love and respect forever.
Thankfully, a little boy, a horse and a gaggle of sisters help smooth their way. They can use all the help they can get as Elizabeth and Darcy will face unexpected trials that put both their newfound love and their very survival at risk.
Will their respect and love for each other be enough to conquer those who would stand in their way?
Author’s If you love stories where the dude is in just as much danger as the damsel and the couple faces their emotional scars while being oblivious to their developing love this is the sweet romance for you. Darcy’s Gallant Gambit is a standalone HEA where everyone gets just what they deserve wether that means love or justice.
Raised by a father full of bitterness and malice, Elizabeth is often the victim of his caustic wit and reminders that she will never be good enough. Distrust taints Elizabeth's view of the world. If she hears another cutting remark from a man with too much pride and arrogance, she might just stomp on his toes and lose all hope of finding true love and respect forever.
Thankfully, a little boy, a horse and a gaggle of sisters help smooth their way. They can use all the help they can get as Elizabeth and Darcy will face unexpected trials that put both their newfound love and their very survival at risk.
Will their respect and love for each other be enough to conquer those who would stand in their way?
Author’s If you love stories where the dude is in just as much danger as the damsel and the couple faces their emotional scars while being oblivious to their developing love this is the sweet romance for you. Darcy’s Gallant Gambit is a standalone HEA where everyone gets just what they deserve wether that means love or justice.
326 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2023
47 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 23, 2023
A vindictive Mr. Bennet makes all the change for the ladies of Longbourn.
The writing, especially in the first half, was a bit pollyanna for me. It gave a feel more of Anne of Green Gables or Little House on the Prairie than Regency Austenesque.
Despite that, the story portrays strong and courageous women who strive to do their best regardless of a vicious and controlling man who has the right to do whatever he wants with them.
These women have done all they can to improve the lives around them better and are admired for it by the entire town.
When love comes calling, Darcy steps up and HEA ensues.
Not as heavy and dark as a story like this can be due to the lighter writing style.
The writing, especially in the first half, was a bit pollyanna for me. It gave a feel more of Anne of Green Gables or Little House on the Prairie than Regency Austenesque.
Despite that, the story portrays strong and courageous women who strive to do their best regardless of a vicious and controlling man who has the right to do whatever he wants with them.
These women have done all they can to improve the lives around them better and are admired for it by the entire town.
When love comes calling, Darcy steps up and HEA ensues.
Not as heavy and dark as a story like this can be due to the lighter writing style.
September 3, 2023
325 pages on my Kindle for PC.
In this story we have Mr. Bennet not just shutting himself up in his book room with his bottle of port but also determined to make life as miserable as possible for his wife and all five of his daughters. The preface gives us the reason for this. It is him shaking his fist at his grandfather who insists he leave the academic world to take over Longbourn which has been in Bennet hands for generation. Bennet's father and older brother have died and thus Longbourn becomes his to manage, even with the entail which doesn't allow him to sell.
The Bennet sisters and their mother love and support each other, encouraging their strong points and guiding them where they falter or are weak. They also work behind Mr. Bennet's back to manage the estate, even giving up pin money to help where needed among their tenants.
Wickham is part of this story and it is he who causes Elizabeth to fall off a cliff which necessitates her spending time recuperating at Netherfield.
Darcy has a major flaw in that he becomes tongue-tied when among strangers and then if he is able to say anything it comes out seeming to mean the opposite of what he wanted to say. Elizabeth soon detects this and becomes his friend, helping him to overcome this weakness with her presence by his side.
Then there is a young boy, a student in the school Elizabeth and Mary have set up two days a week in a nearby church for tenant children. The young man, Kiernan, offers his services as a protector, seeing as Elizabeth and her sisters have no brother to take up that service.
I did enjoy how certain characters came up with a plan to manipulate Mr. Bennet into giving his wife and daughters their freedom. And there is a short epilogue.
This story is in need of an editor. The sentences did not flow as smoothly as they might. I highlighted some of the obvious errors.
In this story we have Mr. Bennet not just shutting himself up in his book room with his bottle of port but also determined to make life as miserable as possible for his wife and all five of his daughters. The preface gives us the reason for this. It is him shaking his fist at his grandfather who insists he leave the academic world to take over Longbourn which has been in Bennet hands for generation. Bennet's father and older brother have died and thus Longbourn becomes his to manage, even with the entail which doesn't allow him to sell.
The Bennet sisters and their mother love and support each other, encouraging their strong points and guiding them where they falter or are weak. They also work behind Mr. Bennet's back to manage the estate, even giving up pin money to help where needed among their tenants.
Wickham is part of this story and it is he who causes Elizabeth to fall off a cliff which necessitates her spending time recuperating at Netherfield.
Darcy has a major flaw in that he becomes tongue-tied when among strangers and then if he is able to say anything it comes out seeming to mean the opposite of what he wanted to say. Elizabeth soon detects this and becomes his friend, helping him to overcome this weakness with her presence by his side.
Then there is a young boy, a student in the school Elizabeth and Mary have set up two days a week in a nearby church for tenant children. The young man, Kiernan, offers his services as a protector, seeing as Elizabeth and her sisters have no brother to take up that service.
I did enjoy how certain characters came up with a plan to manipulate Mr. Bennet into giving his wife and daughters their freedom. And there is a short epilogue.
This story is in need of an editor. The sentences did not flow as smoothly as they might. I highlighted some of the obvious errors.
June 20, 2024
Mr. Bennet is evil
Mr. Bennet was sure he was better than anyone and was forced to take over Longbourn. He was purposely mean to his entire family and purposely destroying Longbourn. Counter balance was Mrs. Bennet was nice and a bit smarter. She protected her daughters from her husband.
Lizzy and Darcy begin their relationship earlier than normal. Much of their time solving problems injected by the bad characters of the story. I think I would rate it 3.5 stars rounding up because was a gentle, positive kind of story that kind of relaxing.
Mr. Bennet was sure he was better than anyone and was forced to take over Longbourn. He was purposely mean to his entire family and purposely destroying Longbourn. Counter balance was Mrs. Bennet was nice and a bit smarter. She protected her daughters from her husband.
Lizzy and Darcy begin their relationship earlier than normal. Much of their time solving problems injected by the bad characters of the story. I think I would rate it 3.5 stars rounding up because was a gentle, positive kind of story that kind of relaxing.
November 25, 2023
Needs a good editor
This Mr. Darcy has an impediment. When he speaks, he often inadvertently insults the person, so it’s no surprise that he manages to insult Elizabeth. However, in this variation, a young tenant’s son named Kiernan, is wiser beyond his age and recognises that Darcy isn’t intentionally being mean. He’s just awkward and shy. Elizabeth opens her mind to this and they become friends.
The Mr. Bennet in this story is one of the meanest I have come across in fandom. His portrayal is a unique one. Caroline is quite cruel also, and Bingley sends for his Aunt Guthrie to take her in hand. Wickham will injure Elizabeth when he is trying to hurt Darcy.
I liked the premise of this book, but it lacks proper editing and proofreading which took away from my overall enjoyment of reading it. This author writes well but needs a little help in that regard.
This Mr. Darcy has an impediment. When he speaks, he often inadvertently insults the person, so it’s no surprise that he manages to insult Elizabeth. However, in this variation, a young tenant’s son named Kiernan, is wiser beyond his age and recognises that Darcy isn’t intentionally being mean. He’s just awkward and shy. Elizabeth opens her mind to this and they become friends.
The Mr. Bennet in this story is one of the meanest I have come across in fandom. His portrayal is a unique one. Caroline is quite cruel also, and Bingley sends for his Aunt Guthrie to take her in hand. Wickham will injure Elizabeth when he is trying to hurt Darcy.
I liked the premise of this book, but it lacks proper editing and proofreading which took away from my overall enjoyment of reading it. This author writes well but needs a little help in that regard.
August 30, 2023
Mr Bennet does everything in his power to ruin Longbourn since he was forced to leave his role at Oxford to run the estate. Luckily, his father in law put in a unique clause about pin money that allows his wife and daughters to manage the estate behind his back. He is to insolent to realize how strong, intelligent and creative his girls are. Fitzwilliam Darcy is amazed at the amazing woman that he has met, but they have to work together to get the women from their evil husband/father for their happily ever after.
July 23, 2023
A good debut, featuring a sweet Darcy and very minor angst. Would benefit from some more editing, I did notice a few errors. And, as a final point and minor correction, I would like to note that there are no cliffs in Hertfordshire.
May 6, 2024
What a great story.
I loved the premise of this book, and the use of some familiar plot elements but in a unique way. There are some characters we love that need to overcome some of their own problems and challenges. Some other characters never do change their very wrong ways of thinking and behaving, to their downfalls.
The author gave me some moments of unintentional humor as she wanted it made plain to her readers the Colonel’s first name was NOT Richard. It got tiresome until I just had to laugh it off. Okay then.
The solution to the very dire straits the Bennet ladies were in was quite cleverly accomplished by the aid of Darcy and The Colonel and Bingley. The sisters had a great part in the plan and with an unexpected rescue.
What I loved most about the story, besides of course the relationship developing between ODC, was the changed characters of the Bennet ladies from the very beginning of the story. No Mrs. B throwing her daughters in front of anything that wore pants, no Lydia and Kitty out at age 15, and instead providing the girls with the chances for accomplishments that her paltry pin money allowed, and encouragement for all her daughters, not just Jane and Lydia. She loved all her daughters and intended they have the chance to make the best matches based on love and trust.
Mr. Bennet is such an outrageously horrible person in this story, I’ve never read a worse version of him. Beyond indolent he was despicable in every way he treated his family.
Other new characters introduced were wonderfully written. Some familiar characters had some great story arcs woven into the larger plot with skillfully executed ways.
The story could have used another pass through a human editor but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book. I’m now looking forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommended.
I loved the premise of this book, and the use of some familiar plot elements but in a unique way. There are some characters we love that need to overcome some of their own problems and challenges. Some other characters never do change their very wrong ways of thinking and behaving, to their downfalls.
The author gave me some moments of unintentional humor as she wanted it made plain to her readers the Colonel’s first name was NOT Richard. It got tiresome until I just had to laugh it off. Okay then.
The solution to the very dire straits the Bennet ladies were in was quite cleverly accomplished by the aid of Darcy and The Colonel and Bingley. The sisters had a great part in the plan and with an unexpected rescue.
What I loved most about the story, besides of course the relationship developing between ODC, was the changed characters of the Bennet ladies from the very beginning of the story. No Mrs. B throwing her daughters in front of anything that wore pants, no Lydia and Kitty out at age 15, and instead providing the girls with the chances for accomplishments that her paltry pin money allowed, and encouragement for all her daughters, not just Jane and Lydia. She loved all her daughters and intended they have the chance to make the best matches based on love and trust.
Mr. Bennet is such an outrageously horrible person in this story, I’ve never read a worse version of him. Beyond indolent he was despicable in every way he treated his family.
Other new characters introduced were wonderfully written. Some familiar characters had some great story arcs woven into the larger plot with skillfully executed ways.
The story could have used another pass through a human editor but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book. I’m now looking forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommended.
Read
August 17, 2023This Pride and Prejudice variation chooses some characters to make very bad, and other characters to make very good.
If you are looking for a clear dichotomy between good and evil, a perfect Elizabeth, and a slightly misunderstood Darcy, this is the book for you.
So, who are the villains of this story?
The original events included in the story are the Assembly where Darcy insults Lizzie, the gathering at Lucas Lodge (although it is entirely different), and Lizzie and Jane have to stay at Netherfield for nearly a week while one of them recovers.
I enjoyed new Kiernan, and Aunt Guthrie as new additions to the story.
If you are looking for a clear dichotomy between good and evil, a perfect Elizabeth, and a slightly misunderstood Darcy, this is the book for you.
So, who are the villains of this story?
The original events included in the story are the Assembly where Darcy insults Lizzie, the gathering at Lucas Lodge (although it is entirely different), and Lizzie and Jane have to stay at Netherfield for nearly a week while one of them recovers.
I enjoyed new Kiernan, and Aunt Guthrie as new additions to the story.
August 14, 2023
I liked the Bennet ladies in this book. I find it refreshing when the sisters all get along and Mrs. Bennet is kind and loving to them all, not just her "favorites". I also like having a Mrs. Bennet with a brain in her head instead of fluff and gossip. Mr. Collins is lecherous, Caroline is more superior than usual and Wickham just cannot help himself but to play the victim with more whining and hated then ever. A very good story.
August 20, 2023
I was thrilled with the relationship between all the women of Longbourn and to meet with such a Mrs Bennet. I highly recommend this book.
December 9, 2024
Kiernan!
Ms Lang has written another compelling tale. The premise was unique, if you can buy a Mr Bennet as two-dimensional as he is. Mrs Bennet is a joy, Aunt Guthrie was a pleasure to meet, and Jane’s set down of Caroline was perfection.
Unfortunately, this book suffers from the same flaws as her other book starring Elizabeth and Darcy. In that one, Elizabeth was perfect, leaving her nothing to learn from. In this book, we have four Bennet paragons, with only Kitty exhibiting any kind of personal growth. Bingley puts it succinctly when ruminating about Jane: “‘My only question is what would I bring to the match? Is it fair to her if she helps me be a better person, but I offer nothing in return?’
Ms Lang also has the unfortunate habit of duplicating thoughts and dialogue. For example, “Elizabeth had always wanted to learn to play chess, but would certainly never learn from her father. ‘I would love to discuss anything we might have read, though to be honest, my father would never teach me to play chess and I have always wanted to learn.’” In a similar vein, every other chapter included a discussion about crop rotation.
I would give this book three stars, were it not for Kiernan and his brotherin’. That little kid is perfectly rendered, and deserves his own spinoff. Kiernan earns an entire star.
I understand that this book is one of five, so the author wouldn’t want to divulge too much in an epilogue. I still would have wanted to a sentence or two about Caroline’s fate. We did learn Mrs Bennet’s fate, but it also felt truncated.
Ms Lang has written another compelling tale. The premise was unique, if you can buy a Mr Bennet as two-dimensional as he is. Mrs Bennet is a joy, Aunt Guthrie was a pleasure to meet, and Jane’s set down of Caroline was perfection.
Unfortunately, this book suffers from the same flaws as her other book starring Elizabeth and Darcy. In that one, Elizabeth was perfect, leaving her nothing to learn from. In this book, we have four Bennet paragons, with only Kitty exhibiting any kind of personal growth. Bingley puts it succinctly when ruminating about Jane: “‘My only question is what would I bring to the match? Is it fair to her if she helps me be a better person, but I offer nothing in return?’
Ms Lang also has the unfortunate habit of duplicating thoughts and dialogue. For example, “Elizabeth had always wanted to learn to play chess, but would certainly never learn from her father. ‘I would love to discuss anything we might have read, though to be honest, my father would never teach me to play chess and I have always wanted to learn.’” In a similar vein, every other chapter included a discussion about crop rotation.
I would give this book three stars, were it not for Kiernan and his brotherin’. That little kid is perfectly rendered, and deserves his own spinoff. Kiernan earns an entire star.
I understand that this book is one of five, so the author wouldn’t want to divulge too much in an epilogue. I still would have wanted to a sentence or two about Caroline’s fate. We did learn Mrs Bennet’s fate, but it also felt truncated.
September 3, 2024
Very imaginative P&P variation! What I loved the most was that the basic personality tendencies of each person shone through even in the most altered situations.
Darcy's parents were horrible to him because he was very shy, telling him he was worthless, never going to accomplish anything, etc. It's a wonder he managed to be as honorable as he was when he grew up. He could manage business well enough, but he was left with crippling social anxiety.
On the Longbourn side, Mr. Bennet is a horrible person. He was a second son, forced from Oxford back to Longbourn against his will. In his anger, he marries the silliest girl he can find, Fanny Gardiner, and is determined to make everyone miserable as he sits in his study with his books and port. But Bennet's grandmother helps her learn what needs to be done to care for the estate and so she takes care of her daughters as best she can, keeping them away from Bennet's verbal abuse as much as possible and teaching them to be independent and caring. It's quite delightful to see the life they have managed in spite of Bennet's meanness.
At Darcy and Elizabeth's first meeting on a walk, Elizabeth thinks he's rude, but her local tenant buddy Kiernan (who was a delightful additional character) said in a matter-of-fact way that he was just shy, which changed her point of view. I loved how Kiernan decided that since the Bennet sisters had no brothers, and he had three, he would provide them with "brotherin". He was so cute! Elizabeth gives Darcy some calming tea that helps him. They also manage to have many discussions and he is amazed at what she and her sisters know, and his attitude changes about himself. Bingley has been surprised by Jane's questions of him about what is being done for the tenants, and begins to understand the need for the estate owner to be decisive and responsible.
Caroline was absolutely horrible; stupidly thinking that the insulting manner to others that she learned at her exclusive seminary was the way she should act all the time. Yikes! She gets many a talking-to from Bingley and a wonderful set-down from Jane. After many tantrums, Bingley's aunt Guthrie McDougal is sent for to take Caroline back to Scotland and teach her some manners. She is delightful!
Wickham was super evil; he tries to kill Darcy while very drunk. Elizabeth interferes and he pushes her off a cliff where she is injured. He finally gets what he deserves, too.
Poor Charlotte is so desperate for a husband and her own home that she ignores all the warnings from the Bennet sisters, and has much warnings to teach her daughters after marrying Mr. Collins. Lady Catherine does her thing and is handily dealt with by Bingley's aunt after Darcy tells her he has no intention of listening to her ranting.
There is much, much more and you have to read the book to see it all happen! Oh, yeah, best of all, is how Bennet also gets what he deserves. Very satisfying ending.
I do have to comment about someone who complained somewhere about the "wrong" forenames being used for Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Bennet, etc. If you go to the original Pride and Prejudice, you will find that their forenames are not shown, so it is NOT wrong to use the names Colonel Theodore Fitzwilliam, or Mrs. Fanny Bennet, or Mrs. Matilda Gardiner.
I highly recommend this book.
Darcy's parents were horrible to him because he was very shy, telling him he was worthless, never going to accomplish anything, etc. It's a wonder he managed to be as honorable as he was when he grew up. He could manage business well enough, but he was left with crippling social anxiety.
On the Longbourn side, Mr. Bennet is a horrible person. He was a second son, forced from Oxford back to Longbourn against his will. In his anger, he marries the silliest girl he can find, Fanny Gardiner, and is determined to make everyone miserable as he sits in his study with his books and port. But Bennet's grandmother helps her learn what needs to be done to care for the estate and so she takes care of her daughters as best she can, keeping them away from Bennet's verbal abuse as much as possible and teaching them to be independent and caring. It's quite delightful to see the life they have managed in spite of Bennet's meanness.
At Darcy and Elizabeth's first meeting on a walk, Elizabeth thinks he's rude, but her local tenant buddy Kiernan (who was a delightful additional character) said in a matter-of-fact way that he was just shy, which changed her point of view. I loved how Kiernan decided that since the Bennet sisters had no brothers, and he had three, he would provide them with "brotherin". He was so cute! Elizabeth gives Darcy some calming tea that helps him. They also manage to have many discussions and he is amazed at what she and her sisters know, and his attitude changes about himself. Bingley has been surprised by Jane's questions of him about what is being done for the tenants, and begins to understand the need for the estate owner to be decisive and responsible.
Caroline was absolutely horrible; stupidly thinking that the insulting manner to others that she learned at her exclusive seminary was the way she should act all the time. Yikes! She gets many a talking-to from Bingley and a wonderful set-down from Jane. After many tantrums, Bingley's aunt Guthrie McDougal is sent for to take Caroline back to Scotland and teach her some manners. She is delightful!
Wickham was super evil; he tries to kill Darcy while very drunk. Elizabeth interferes and he pushes her off a cliff where she is injured. He finally gets what he deserves, too.
Poor Charlotte is so desperate for a husband and her own home that she ignores all the warnings from the Bennet sisters, and has much warnings to teach her daughters after marrying Mr. Collins. Lady Catherine does her thing and is handily dealt with by Bingley's aunt after Darcy tells her he has no intention of listening to her ranting.
There is much, much more and you have to read the book to see it all happen! Oh, yeah, best of all, is how Bennet also gets what he deserves. Very satisfying ending.
I do have to comment about someone who complained somewhere about the "wrong" forenames being used for Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Bennet, etc. If you go to the original Pride and Prejudice, you will find that their forenames are not shown, so it is NOT wrong to use the names Colonel Theodore Fitzwilliam, or Mrs. Fanny Bennet, or Mrs. Matilda Gardiner.
I highly recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
This has a marvelous storyline that changes the Bennet family dynamics and establishes an early friendship between the endearingly awkward, tongue-tied Mr. Darcy with Elizabeth Bennet. Her sister Mary is responsible for the latter; the former is the result of a villainous Mr. Bennet.
He resents his responsibilities at Longbourn. As a second son, Thomas Bennet had been happily immersed in Oxford academia; he became the VERY unwilling heir to his father's estate when his older brother died unexpectedly. Consequently, he's become completely misanthropic, wanting everyone around him as miserable as he is. He intends to allow Longbourn to go to ruin while he focuses only on his precious books and port. Even his choice of wife was driven by the desire to find the most unsuitable woman he could convince to marry him.
Fortunately, his mother took the younger Mrs. Bennet in hand and trained her how to be an effective estate mistress. Stipulations in his father's Will prevents him from access to the money provided to his wife and daughters, much of which they spend tending to the estate's tenants without his knowledge. Mr. Bennet bullies and belittles the rest of his family with no favorites. As a result, the Bennet ladies have bonded together to protect and support one another.
Mr. Darcy also suffered verbal abuse from his parents because of his ongoing shyness and tendency to say the wrong thing around strangers. Unlike the Bennets, he had no one to diffuse the stinging insults. It's Mary who convinces Elizabeth to notice Mr. Darcy's subtle symptoms suggestive of a panic attack instead of dismissing him as arrogant and rude.
It's an interesting, event-filled story. Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham both prove to be more malevolent than canon, and Caroline Bingley doesn't attempt to hide her poor opinion of Netherfield's neighbors. However, it's Mr. Bennet who remains the primary antagonist throughout. He gets a very satisfying comeuppance.
I wish the writing was as good as the plot. There's too much telling rather than showing, too often stating the obvious, and too much repetition. The language is modern American rather than Regency British, which is particularly noticeable in the dialogue. Characters seem either all good or all bad with minimal effort to offer shades of gray, making them less than three-dimensional. There are grammar and spelling errors sprinkled about.
Great story. Less than stellar writing.
Content is clean.
This has a marvelous storyline that changes the Bennet family dynamics and establishes an early friendship between the endearingly awkward, tongue-tied Mr. Darcy with Elizabeth Bennet. Her sister Mary is responsible for the latter; the former is the result of a villainous Mr. Bennet.
He resents his responsibilities at Longbourn. As a second son, Thomas Bennet had been happily immersed in Oxford academia; he became the VERY unwilling heir to his father's estate when his older brother died unexpectedly. Consequently, he's become completely misanthropic, wanting everyone around him as miserable as he is. He intends to allow Longbourn to go to ruin while he focuses only on his precious books and port. Even his choice of wife was driven by the desire to find the most unsuitable woman he could convince to marry him.
Fortunately, his mother took the younger Mrs. Bennet in hand and trained her how to be an effective estate mistress. Stipulations in his father's Will prevents him from access to the money provided to his wife and daughters, much of which they spend tending to the estate's tenants without his knowledge. Mr. Bennet bullies and belittles the rest of his family with no favorites. As a result, the Bennet ladies have bonded together to protect and support one another.
Mr. Darcy also suffered verbal abuse from his parents because of his ongoing shyness and tendency to say the wrong thing around strangers. Unlike the Bennets, he had no one to diffuse the stinging insults. It's Mary who convinces Elizabeth to notice Mr. Darcy's subtle symptoms suggestive of a panic attack instead of dismissing him as arrogant and rude.
It's an interesting, event-filled story. Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham both prove to be more malevolent than canon, and Caroline Bingley doesn't attempt to hide her poor opinion of Netherfield's neighbors. However, it's Mr. Bennet who remains the primary antagonist throughout. He gets a very satisfying comeuppance.
I wish the writing was as good as the plot. There's too much telling rather than showing, too often stating the obvious, and too much repetition. The language is modern American rather than Regency British, which is particularly noticeable in the dialogue. Characters seem either all good or all bad with minimal effort to offer shades of gray, making them less than three-dimensional. There are grammar and spelling errors sprinkled about.
Great story. Less than stellar writing.
Content is clean.
March 27, 2024
Intriguing
I had very mixed feelings about this JAFF variation. So many of the characters that we're familiar with are damaged people in some way. This is a high angst story, featuring an evil Mr Bennett. He resents having been forced to inherit Longbourn, and decides his revenge will take the form of abusing his family verbally, emotionally, and in one related incident physically. Thankfully Mrs Bennett has her grandmother-in-law for a while to teach and advise her, so she learns to cope with the abuse and protect her daughters as best she can. The daughters all turn out exemplary, except that they fear their father.
Meanwhile, Darcy also has a rough childhood resulting in crippling fear of strangers, and inability to converse in a crowd. Bingley has his usual trouble with Caroline, and she's cartoonishly bad here. Wickham gets his screen time, and he's extra evil here as well. Darcy has an interesting meeting with Elizabeth, and discovers that she's kind and compassionate, so it's not long before they find their way.
This tale is about mental health, and the importance of the support of family and friends. It's also about the power of kindness. It's wonderful how many lives are changed and improved by the positive impact of the Bennett women, even in the face of their own adversity. There are some shockingly horrible events in this tale. Fortunately, the author has made everyone more forthright, with backbones of steel where needed, and the comeuppances for the villains are superb. My only reservation was with the extremely handicapped Darcy character. It was difficult to accept.
The book is well written. There are a lot of editing errors, a lot of sentence fragments and punctuation errors. It could use some cleaning up. However, I recommend it for an engaging tale.
I had very mixed feelings about this JAFF variation. So many of the characters that we're familiar with are damaged people in some way. This is a high angst story, featuring an evil Mr Bennett. He resents having been forced to inherit Longbourn, and decides his revenge will take the form of abusing his family verbally, emotionally, and in one related incident physically. Thankfully Mrs Bennett has her grandmother-in-law for a while to teach and advise her, so she learns to cope with the abuse and protect her daughters as best she can. The daughters all turn out exemplary, except that they fear their father.
Meanwhile, Darcy also has a rough childhood resulting in crippling fear of strangers, and inability to converse in a crowd. Bingley has his usual trouble with Caroline, and she's cartoonishly bad here. Wickham gets his screen time, and he's extra evil here as well. Darcy has an interesting meeting with Elizabeth, and discovers that she's kind and compassionate, so it's not long before they find their way.
This tale is about mental health, and the importance of the support of family and friends. It's also about the power of kindness. It's wonderful how many lives are changed and improved by the positive impact of the Bennett women, even in the face of their own adversity. There are some shockingly horrible events in this tale. Fortunately, the author has made everyone more forthright, with backbones of steel where needed, and the comeuppances for the villains are superb. My only reservation was with the extremely handicapped Darcy character. It was difficult to accept.
The book is well written. There are a lot of editing errors, a lot of sentence fragments and punctuation errors. It could use some cleaning up. However, I recommend it for an engaging tale.
September 12, 2023
Mr. Bennet is an abusive husband and father who enjoys ensuring everyone is miserable around him. He hides in his study thinking he is the most intelligent scholar and best chess player only coming out when he can ruin the day for his family. He encourages Mr. Collins to try to compromise Elizabeth only to have two tenant farmer's sons hide in her room instead. The women of the house have banded together to ensure the tenants and house are taken care of and watching out for each other. Kitty in particular is very fearful of her father due to him squeezing her wrist so bad for so long her hand turned black. Darcy suffers from extreme social anxiety and Elizabeth is able to recognize this and look past his words to his intentions. They are soon falling for each other with the help of Kiernan, a tenant's son who has adopted Elizabeth as a sister. Darcy quickly puts a stop to Wickham in town causing Wickham to go looney tunes. He tries to shoot Darcy while black out drunk and ends up knocking Elizabeth off the cliff at Oakham Mount. She recovers at Netherfield from a broken arm and a concussion. Darcy sent Kiernan for help but Caroline Bingley slaps him and sends him away only for him to run into Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana who are arriving. While at Netherfield, Darcy realizes he loves Elizabeth and asks for a courtship only to have Mr. Bennet refuse. The family works out that Darcy will gamble a book for control of the women of the house and beats Mr. Bennet at chess rather easily, ensuring the women now fall under the control of Mr. Phillips and Gardiner.
October 19, 2024
Premise: A Darcy's not an arrogant snob, he has severe social anxiety! story. Mr Bennet is horrible, and his wife and daughters have developed a myriad of strategies to deal with him. Mr Darcy has also known the derision and scorn of those who were supposed to care for him, so he can relate.
What I liked: The love story is very sweet once Darcy gets his tongue untied. There's a non-canon child character who is essentially a plot moppet, but he's got some good lines. Mr Bennet is waaaay OTT, and I kinda love it.
Characterization: Mr Bennet is straight up evil. He never wanted to be responsible for Longbourn, so he's done everything he can to sabotage it (but not so much he can't afford his books and port. It's a fine line.). Mrs Bennet was supposed to be the worst mistress of the estate, but luckily for her grandma Bennet was around long enough to teach her a few things. She's also far warier about who her daughters should marry, since she had the experience of being tricked into a horrible situation. Wickham is more violent, spurred on by none of the Bennet ladies believing his tales of woe (they know how to recognize a shady man). Caroline is more OTT. Mr Collins is more sleazy.
Spice level: None.
Any non-canon parings: Some in the epilogue for non-canon characters and remaining Bennet sisters.
Issues: Could've used a bit of tightening up, and I wanted more of Mr Bennet's comeuppance. Let me see him suffffeeeerrrr.
What I liked: The love story is very sweet once Darcy gets his tongue untied. There's a non-canon child character who is essentially a plot moppet, but he's got some good lines. Mr Bennet is waaaay OTT, and I kinda love it.
Characterization: Mr Bennet is straight up evil. He never wanted to be responsible for Longbourn, so he's done everything he can to sabotage it (but not so much he can't afford his books and port. It's a fine line.). Mrs Bennet was supposed to be the worst mistress of the estate, but luckily for her grandma Bennet was around long enough to teach her a few things. She's also far warier about who her daughters should marry, since she had the experience of being tricked into a horrible situation. Wickham is more violent, spurred on by none of the Bennet ladies believing his tales of woe (they know how to recognize a shady man). Caroline is more OTT. Mr Collins is more sleazy.
Spice level: None.
Any non-canon parings: Some in the epilogue for non-canon characters and remaining Bennet sisters.
Issues: Could've used a bit of tightening up, and I wanted more of Mr Bennet's comeuppance. Let me see him suffffeeeerrrr.
September 2, 2023
I read this book on my KIndle but that edition isn't available so I'm leaving my review on the paperback edition.
Overall, I enjoyed the book because I liked Darcy and Lizzy. I also liked Kiernan.
This book provided an extremely different version of Mr. Bennet. While I see Mr. Bennet as somewhat abusive to Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, his abuse of his wife and daughters can't be disputed in this book. He is a horrible, reprehensible character. The other villai
ns - Caroline Bingley, Mr. Collins, Wickham and Lady Catherine - are a bit over the top, especially Caroline.
I have some criticisms. First, in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth is called "Lizzy" by her family. It's curious that the author decided to use "Lizzie". I not sure why but it struck me as very odd.
I'm going to point this out and some people might think I'm just nitpicking but using the wrong word is a big pet peeve for me. I'm aware that other people might not care about and may not even notice. However, I think the book would have benefited from an editor or beta reader because they would have noticed incorrect word usage - content instead of continent, morning instead of mourning, fiance instead of fiancee (to describe an engaged woman). Also, and this one made me pause - carriage would be described as a conveyance, not a convenience.
Overall, I enjoyed the book because I liked Darcy and Lizzy. I also liked Kiernan.
This book provided an extremely different version of Mr. Bennet. While I see Mr. Bennet as somewhat abusive to Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, his abuse of his wife and daughters can't be disputed in this book. He is a horrible, reprehensible character. The other villai
ns - Caroline Bingley, Mr. Collins, Wickham and Lady Catherine - are a bit over the top, especially Caroline.
I have some criticisms. First, in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth is called "Lizzy" by her family. It's curious that the author decided to use "Lizzie". I not sure why but it struck me as very odd.
I'm going to point this out and some people might think I'm just nitpicking but using the wrong word is a big pet peeve for me. I'm aware that other people might not care about and may not even notice. However, I think the book would have benefited from an editor or beta reader because they would have noticed incorrect word usage - content instead of continent, morning instead of mourning, fiance instead of fiancee (to describe an engaged woman). Also, and this one made me pause - carriage would be described as a conveyance, not a convenience.
August 2, 2023
Excellent piece of JAFF. We have our usual villainous suspects of Wickham, Caroline, and Lady Catherine but Mr. Bennet joins in as an emotionally abusive husband and father, with a few instances of physical abuse. The emotional abuse is present in every scene that includes Bennet, while the physical abuse is less detailed.
Mrs. Bennet shines in this variation. This is one of the best depictions of her character I have read. She was of mean understanding as a young woman, and paid the price in her poor choice of a spouse. She learns what she needs to be mistress of the estate and to educate her daughters, and does all in her power to help them and the tenants.
I agree with a previous review mentioning Pollyanna, but I also like the rising above adversity character of the Bennet women in this book.
Mrs. Bennet shines in this variation. This is one of the best depictions of her character I have read. She was of mean understanding as a young woman, and paid the price in her poor choice of a spouse. She learns what she needs to be mistress of the estate and to educate her daughters, and does all in her power to help them and the tenants.
I agree with a previous review mentioning Pollyanna, but I also like the rising above adversity character of the Bennet women in this book.
August 14, 2023
Not really my kind of P&P variation. I like that Austen’s characters were not perfect, but human and experience growth through experiences and mistakes. I’m also not a fan of characters that are all bad or all good. Just not relatable to me because I believe all people are a good mix of both. Here I felt like there was too many Pollyanna characters that had no flaws- they were only misunderstood in their perfection or the opposite. I had to do a lot of skimming to get to the end of this one.
October 11, 2023
I loved this book soooo much! It was likely one of the freshest & most creative takes on Pride & Prejudice and I've read some really amazing variants!
The viewpoints and vignettes are mostly from the female perspective. I love the strong and caring Bennet women and how they rise up to find and make their happily ever afters <3
There were delightful cast members: Kiernan, a child from the Longbourn tenants is a great addition to the tale - he has a lovely heart and voice. The horse named Crumpet was delightful. Aunt Guthrie was a delight, in her polite, unwavering strength.
The viewpoints and vignettes are mostly from the female perspective. I love the strong and caring Bennet women and how they rise up to find and make their happily ever afters <3
There were delightful cast members: Kiernan, a child from the Longbourn tenants is a great addition to the tale - he has a lovely heart and voice. The horse named Crumpet was delightful. Aunt Guthrie was a delight, in her polite, unwavering strength.
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August 31, 2023Not one of my preferred variations. It's nice enough, I liked the Darcy characterisation, but everything is a bit too nice. The couple fall very quickly, everything goes as they plan, they always know exactly what to do, neither of them have any real faults to recognise or overcome. I'm not a fan of over the top extended angst, but this goes a bit too far the other way and leads to a not very natural feeling in the progression of their relationship.
October 15, 2024
A very moving variation…
There are new characters presented and of course the regular archenemies. But Kiernan, a tenant family young man on Longborne lands…learns scholarly ways from Elizabeth. She and her sisters never had protection from anyone. There father was the worst master and father than I have seen the man portrayed. As we walk through the actions of the different characters we learn forgiveness, love and patience will always win out.
There are new characters presented and of course the regular archenemies. But Kiernan, a tenant family young man on Longborne lands…learns scholarly ways from Elizabeth. She and her sisters never had protection from anyone. There father was the worst master and father than I have seen the man portrayed. As we walk through the actions of the different characters we learn forgiveness, love and patience will always win out.
August 4, 2023
This is one of my favorite variations. I enjoyed how the Bennet women outsmarted their lazy husband/father. And the explanation for Darcy's behavior in social situations was very intriguing. While much of the original story is present, I liked the changes. I felt that they provided a whole new perspective on the characters and their actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2023
I did like this story. A very good feel good book. You can't help but switch your allegiance from Mr. Bennet, whom is a bad guy, to dear wonderful Mrs. Bennet. All the girls are wonderful, as they have a very attentive mother.
I did subtract one star, because it really does need a very good proof reader.
I did subtract one star, because it really does need a very good proof reader.
September 9, 2024
Very good.
Darcy without his excessive pride is a very different man. I enjoyed seeing his development in the book.
From Mrs. Bennet down to Lydia, the ladies show great strength of character, necessary with this Mr. Bennet in their lives.
It was nice to see Wickham being unsuccessful from the start, first with the Bennet ladies, then with the merchants.
Darcy without his excessive pride is a very different man. I enjoyed seeing his development in the book.
From Mrs. Bennet down to Lydia, the ladies show great strength of character, necessary with this Mr. Bennet in their lives.
It was nice to see Wickham being unsuccessful from the start, first with the Bennet ladies, then with the merchants.
October 17, 2024
A Very Different Variation on PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!
Once you accept that one of your favorite fathers in literature is actually the villain in this story, and the mother you disdained is someone you will grow to admire, you will love this variation; the characters are all drawn to grow pretty near perfectly! Enjoy!
Once you accept that one of your favorite fathers in literature is actually the villain in this story, and the mother you disdained is someone you will grow to admire, you will love this variation; the characters are all drawn to grow pretty near perfectly! Enjoy!
August 7, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Too bad I can’t award 4.5 stars; the deduction is caused by the overly frequent emphasis and repetition of how kind the Bennet ladies are. Their deeds speak for themselves.
September 16, 2023
I simply loved this book
This book is full of love, support, trust, tenderness – it warmed my heart!
Of course there are bumps and holes, also bearable angst, but in essentials it is a book about love. I am looking forward to the next book by Jaime Marie Lang.
This book is full of love, support, trust, tenderness – it warmed my heart!
Of course there are bumps and holes, also bearable angst, but in essentials it is a book about love. I am looking forward to the next book by Jaime Marie Lang.
April 18, 2025
Gambit!
What a wonderful variation of P&P. I loved the characters and the storyline. Of course no P&P variation would be complete without a cliffhanger and Mr. Darcy's horse having an unusual name or two! I loved the ending!
What a wonderful variation of P&P. I loved the characters and the storyline. Of course no P&P variation would be complete without a cliffhanger and Mr. Darcy's horse having an unusual name or two! I loved the ending!
July 21, 2023
A compelling story with an unexpected premise inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Jaime Marie Lang. An entertaining and enjoyable story and I hope she keeps writing.
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