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A Plethora of Peers: A Regency Romp inspired by P&P

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If you are looking for a story full of angst, high drama, character development and thrilling action with a deep and meaningful storyline, this offering is not for you.

If you like a fun, feelgood story which is mostly no-angst fluff you might enjoy A Plethora of Peers.

As the title suggests, Darcy and Elizabeth are peers. They are both the grandchildren of an Earl… different Earls, of course. While this circumstance removes one set of problems, it causes its own difficulties.

The story follows the general timeline and major events of P&P until the ball, but the details are quite different.

Longbourn is still entailed, but Mr Bennet has a son, who is also the heir to his maternal grandfather, the Earl of Ashcroft.
Bingley still rents Netherfield and Darcy still does not like to dance and there will be plenty of insults and set downs.

Even Mr Collins and Lady Catherine put in an appearance and cause their own problems to the amusement of some.

Enjoy an irreverent romp through P&P where much is not as it seems.

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2023

107 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

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Sydney Salier

25 books97 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews139 followers
October 2, 2023
“Always surround yourself with people who lift you up, rather than hold you down.” –Donald L. Hicks, Look into the stillness

>>SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***

>>Rating: teen: discussions and descriptions not suitable for a young reader. Oh, Mr. Hurst, that was a scream. Well done. That put a new twist on flirting with officers.
>>Angst Level: not too bad, just slight as situations played out
>>Source: I borrowed this from KU and volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions, which I wrote myself, errors and all. I refuse to use AI technology to express myself. I first read this as it was posted on FF. Congratulations to the author on the launch. I enjoyed it then and now as a finished product.

The family history of the Bennet family was interesting and their connections to the peerage was startling. As the second son, Thomas Bennet was enjoying his time at Oxford when tragedy struck. A devastating fever swept across England as it ravaged the land. No one was exempt as tragedy struck high and low. The Earl lost both of his children, his son and heir along with his daughter who was Bennet’s beloved wife. Bennet then received a black-edged message from his mother stating that both his father and brother had also been lost. Bennet was now heir to Longbourn while his young son was heir to an earldom.

When Bennet arrived at Longbourn, a belligerent man was beating on the front door demanding entrance to his estate. Yep, it was the elder Mr. Collins, a nasty piece of work. When Bennet announced that he was, in fact, the heir apparent and was in front of Collins in the entail, Collins pulled a knife. The Earl had sent a few extra footmen with Bennet and they soon took care of Mr. Collins.

Bennet then learned that his brother, who hated him, had married a pregnant Fanny Gardiner in hopes she carried the heir. Oh-My-Goodness! She was a different piece of work than Collins. This author took a different twist with Fanny Bennet née Gardiner that I’ve never seen before. It was so creative and I was glad to see it. They would need to wait until she delivered in order to learn if Bennet was the heir or simply next in line until the heir reached his majority. Some months later, less than nine, of course, Fanny delivered fraternal twins, Kitty and Lydia who looked nothing like Bennet’s elder brother. That relegated the younger Mrs. Bennet to a cottage stipulated in her late husband’s will. She had a stipend and a small cast of servants. Not bad for a young widow.

Due to threats from Collins, Bennet and his mother decided to not mention the presence of his son in order to protect him. His two daughters soon joined him at Longbourn while his son would be raised by his grandparents, the Earl and Countess of Ashcroft. The earl could better protect him and the boy would need to grow up on his future holdings and learn of his responsibilities. Meanwhile, his twin sister, Elizabeth, would grow up on Longbourn which would go to her when they broke the entail upon reaching their majority. Not to be left behind, grandfather, the Earl secured Netherfield for Mary. That meant that Miss Mary Bennet was landlady to the Bingleys when they leased the property. Oh, how I wanted to tell Caroline… be careful what you say to those ladies. But you know she won’t. Oh, that was so much fun.

With no Jane in this story, Bingley had to choose another angel. What a puppy and he soon learned that lesson. Darcy was just as bad and had a lesson of his own to learn. Mr. Hurst was a surprise and I really liked him and Louisa. He was actually funny.

Lady Catherine: “Over the years most of my peers had come to hate me—I never understood shy. I guess I was just different and, like dogs, they could smell it. So, I never had many friends.” –Sol Luckman, Beginner’s Luke

What can I say? When Mr. Collins returned to Rosings with the news from Hertfordshire, Lady Catherine was not pleased. She immediately called for her largest traveling coach and six and headed for Longbourn in a fury. She would set the situation straight or know why. Anne had other plans and sent a fast express to her uncle, Lord Matlock. Thus began the overthrow of the reign of a tyrant and a new beginning for Anne de Bourgh, the true mistress of Rosings Park.

What I didn’t like: Yeah, there be errors. In the genealogy or family tree diagram, the Earl was Ashworth, and in the text Ashcroft. I can’t mention all the errors but that one stood out. In spite of the errors, I enjoy this author’s work.
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,684 reviews82 followers
September 4, 2023
Those seeking low-angst, amusing Pride and Prejudice reading enjoyment, look no further!

Neither Darcy nor Elizabeth have any real challenges to overcome here. Loved anticipating how and when others will learn that this simple country miss is actually higher in society than Darcy - her twin brother (who lives with their maternal grandparents, the Earl and Countess of Ashcroft) is destined to be formally recognized as viscount soon on their twenty-first birthday.

Jane doesn't exist in this particular P&P universe; Elizabeth is the oldest Miss Bennet, Mary is a shy beauty, and both have received education befitting an earl's granddaughters. Mrs. Fanny Bennet, who married Mr. Bennet's older brother, is Elizabeth's widowed aunt rather than her mother, and Kitty and Lydia are her cousins; those three live in Longbourn's dower house, while Mrs. Elizabeth Bennet (Mr. Bennet's mother) is Longbourn's mistress.

Mr. Hurst, the only one in the Netherfield party who recognizes Elizabeth, had seen her at a memorable ball during her short London season after her presentation to the Queen. Excessively diverted by Caroline's pretensions, he keeps this knowledge to himself. He's more observant and sensible than usual here, as is his wife, Louisa.

Mr. Collins, another somewhat altered character, visits Longbourn but isn't much of an irritant.

There's a nice build of anticipation as everyone invited prepares for a ball in celebration of the twins reaching their majority as Lady Catherine is barreling her way towards Hertfordshire to confront Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

It's a bit too fluffy to earn 5 stars, but it's a well-written, well-edited, and entertaining story - a solid 4 star book.

Content is clean.
Profile Image for Sheila Majczan.
2,698 reviews206 followers
November 3, 2023
This story had several things stand out for me. First, we know from canon that one of the things which made Darcy hesitate in proposing to Elizabeth was her lack of connections. In this story Elizabeth has very high connections but she doesn't boast about them, and those "connections" don't live in the area, so Darcy has a wake-up call when he learns about such.

Then there is the matter of Caroline Bingley. She also has no clue about the two Bennet sisters who live at Longbourn. Loved how much more dramatically she is dealt with here.

Collins plays a slightly different role in this story. Not only is he immediately disabused of his intentions to marry a Bennet sister when he arrives uninvited, but also, he soon learns that Lady C. cannot take away the Hunsford living, which is for life unless the bishop rules against him. So, he acts somewhat differently.

Lady Catherine has her own "fate" which is different from canon.

There is a family tree before the story begins and I found I had to stop and think about which Mrs. Bennet was being spoken of. Plus, Elizabeth has a twin brother being reared by Grandparents as he is heir to the Earl. Mary is a younger sister. Lydia and Kitty are cousins.

This story did not really have any angst for me, but it was interesting as I read waiting for various characters to learn of the connections. The story leads up to the birthday on which both Elizabeth and her twin, James, reach their majority and all is revealed. Although some, here and there throughout the story learn of their place among peers earlier.

I did enjoy this story.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,560 reviews13 followers
August 8, 2023
Delightful

An absolutely delightful and entertaining variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Sydney Salier. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Anne.
799 reviews10 followers
October 11, 2023
Four stars with one giant reservation. The author never says how the daughter on an Earl can provide the heir. It is usually strictly through the male line.

Lots of modern language and some editing problems. I still enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,224 reviews
September 30, 2023
A jolly 3.5*

This is a fun and enjoyable read and I recommend it for that. The characters are engaging and the book does not drag.

There are a number editing errors, really quite a lot in all honesty hence the dropped stars. As an example, the grandfather is the Earl of Ashcroft but he is occasionally referred to as the Earl of Ashmore and as the Earl of Ashworth in the family tree at the beginning of the book. Ashmore is use as a family name but not consistently. In another example the family tree has the Bennet grandmother dying at least 4 years earlier than she actually does.

Overall an enjoyable book but not for those who find editing misses painful.
1,204 reviews31 followers
September 21, 2023
Good fun

Another fun and satisfying read from this author, whose books are an automatic purchase for me. As the book summary indicates, although the names and locations are from P&P, she has shuffled the deck to a large extent. The Bennetts are related to nobility, Mr Bennett is a widower, and he has just three children, including twins James and Elizabeth, and Mary, who is portrayed as a lot like Jane but with backbone and more education. Mr Bennett conceals the existence of his son and heir because of possible threats to his life, and the son is raised by the noble relations. He keeps Elizabeth and Mary at Longbourn, and conceals their fortune and connections to prevent fortune hunters. Mr Bennett's mother is still alive, and figures largely in the upbringing of Elizabeth and Mary.

The Meryton assembly occurs, after the Bingleys, Hursts, and Darcy arrive in the neighborhood, and the author does a neat little twist to the infamous insult. The result is that Darcy and Elizabeth come to a much quicker understanding of each other, and become friends. Caroline Bingley is cartoonishly bad, but Darcy is satisfyingly forthright with the setdowns to her. The usual villains appear, but are all dealt with handily.

The book is well written and well edited. The romance is lovely, and there's some much appreciated subtle humor. I recommend it highly for a fun mashup of P&P.
Profile Image for Gratia.
228 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2023
One of my favourites from this author

After reading several long and angsty variations, this story was a nice change. I enjoyed the alternate outcomes of the usual villains. In my opinion, having no Jane and very little Kitty/Lydia/Mrs Bennet presence did not detract from the story at all. I also like the Bennets-have-better-connections trope that is in play.
Profile Image for Kim Power.
Author 4 books12 followers
August 17, 2024
A delightful, low angst romance

Salier has a keen wit and an impish sense of humour. She draws her characters compassionately, though in this case, with two spectacular exceptions, their flaws are minimised sympathetically, while villains meet their justifiable comeuppance. It is indeed a romp.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,282 reviews69 followers
January 22, 2024
In this Pride and prejudice variation Thomas Bennet is the younger son, and married to Lady Henrietta Ashworth. Their children are twins James and Elizabeth, and Mary. Henry Bennet is the older son, just before dying he married pregnant Frances Gardiner who has twins Catherine and Lydia. With Thomas Bennet now the estate owner of Longbourn how will this affect all their lives.
An entertaing and well-written variation.
3,473 reviews42 followers
August 8, 2023
I read this as a WIP . The published version may have been edited some from what I saw.

Mr. Bennet has been married twice and Jane has been replaced by James, his firstborn son who is somehow the heir to an earldom through the maternal line. So Elizabeth is the oldest daughter, followed by Mary. The way Caroline Bingley got a setdown was amusing but I hated Mr. Bennet who was an absolute waste of space as a father. He outsourced the raising of his son to the maternal family to such an extent that some acquaintances didn't even know that he had a son, and he gave Longbourn to Elizabeth to run. When she was twelve or thirteen years old. Uggh. I am all for female empowerment but that's just a deadbeat dad who can't be bothered to lift a finger to support his family. Mr. Bennet has been largely estranged from his second wife and has had very little to no interest in raising his daughters from her, Catherine and Lydia, who are left to their own devices, grow up silly, and get vilified and humiliated for it. Things turn out pretty well for Elizabeth and Mary but even so it was despite of their father, not because of. He was portrayed as a mostly sympathetic character in the story but I just couldn't stomach the way he took absolutely no responsibility for anything that ought to have been his responsibility.
Profile Image for Bethanne.
618 reviews10 followers
August 11, 2023
A wonderful experience!

I love long detailed stories and this fits the bill. Although I would love it being even longer, it covers almost all the important features of the classic but with less angst.
Mr Bennet is the second son, married to the daughter of an Earl, and widowed with 3 children ( James, his twin sister Elizabeth, and Mary) when his father and older brother die from a plague leaving him Longbourne and his mother, and pregnant sister in law ( Fanny Gardiner). They keep the news of James from the community and he's raised by his grandfather as he's the next Earl. Mr Bennet doesn't like running the estate and eventually gives it over to Elizabeth who is quite successful and doubled the income. The Earl purchased Netherfield for Mary's dowry and its rented out to Mr Bingley. Of course the usual miscommunication occurs especially on Caroline Bingley's part because she's incapable of understanding that wealthy people don't always advertise that wealth.
I enjoyed not having to read about Wickhams fascination with getting both Darcy's money and his attraction to very young girls. The writer successfully removed him from the story quite early in the story! BUT, never fear Lady Catherine makes her ridiculous appearance and received her just rewards!
Once again the writer has given me several hours of pure joy!
29 reviews
August 22, 2023
I enjoy this author's work as it is frequently entertaining and not an angsty roller coaster of PAIN! ANGUISH! WOE! This was no exception: it's a good story. Caroline BIngley is the quintessential mean girl she usually is and receives several very satisfying setdowns. Seriously, these are the kind of set downs I frequently wish to see while reading JAFF, only without the swear words. Lady Catherine always receives her just due, and for the first time, after reading countless JAFF titles, I realized that she is the Ultimate Karen. Brava! The only reason I took off a star was the inclusion of a few Jane Austen quotes from the original Pride & Prejudice. I don't recall Salier doing that before and it never works. It's jarring; Jane Austen's style is her own and it does not mesh well with another author's personal technique. It's like a glaring fissure in the narrative flow, and it's annoying.
Profile Image for Mustang.
325 reviews
June 30, 2024
A fun romp and how things get turned on their heads!

This is a Bennet’s are wealthy/higher rank story. Mr Bennet is a second son with a son and two daughters. His older brother married Fanny and had two girls. (No Jane in this story - you find out right away so no spoiler). It is through his marriage that the younger Mr Bennet is connected with the higher rank. This connection is kept secret for several reasons which became clear quickly. I enjoyed that Mr Bennet’s mother was alive and a blessing for the girls. Mr Hurst is so funny especially because he is aware of things that others are not so he sits back to see how many times Caroline has to stuff her foot in her mouth. 😂 His part in helping Lydia grow up is something I would have loved to see in the original but if that happened then we would have lost a chunk of the original story. The peers come out of the woodwork and what an awakening did Lady C have! Will I read this again? Most assuredly!
Profile Image for Katie.
296 reviews28 followers
March 12, 2024
Set downs and surprises

I actually really liked this book. There was a lot of Darcy adjusting his attitude and some for Elizabeth but it played well with the story. I liked the some story for Mary and Luisa Hurst. You only had a few scenes with Kitty and Lydia and Jane was switched out with a brother (who you didn't see much of unfortunately). I liked the Mr. Bennet portrayal in this story. He was mostly true to form but it made more sense. The Bennet grandmother was a major player which was nice. It just all worked. Wickham was a minor blip of a scene. Caroline and Lady Catherine got major set downs and Bingley actually seemed to grow up some. I'll most likely read it again in a year or two.
343 reviews
November 7, 2023
Really 4.5 stars.

This author is an automatic purchase and never disappoints. In the current book, it felt as if several plot lines were insufficiently developed. Without wanting to provide spoilers, the stories of Bennet extended family members (except Elizabeth and her father) need more detail. Overall this is an interesting variation that introduces peer-level connections to some of the family but not everyone. Loved the subplots around Fanny B, Lady C, and Anne de B. Wanted more about Wickham and Caroline.

Recommended to fans who know canon well and can read between the lines for a light and amusing story.
280 reviews
January 27, 2024
A wonderful story. Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are peers .

This time, it's Darcy's turn to overhear some unflattering remarks about his behavior and being unsuitable. As he takes a few moments to reflect on the comments , he makes his apologies to those at the Merryton assembly. The result is a better reception for the community and his friend, Charles Bingley. He's also attracted the notice of the young woman who made the enlightening remarks, one Miss Elizabeth Bennet. See how their relationship progresses , how they deal with opposition, and how they came to appreciate each other. Enjoy!
523 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2023
A frolicsome and witty farce.

Spirited wit and humor as Darcy makes a fool of himself and Lizzy fixes his misconceptions as the granddaughter of a peer. Several non-canon characters change the plot around as Lizzy has a twin brother, sister Mary, and no Jane, while Kitty and Lydia are cousins. Sweet romance, lovely setdowns for Caroline and Lady Catherine, cute giggles and some karma for Wickham.
Profile Image for Dawn.
214 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2023
I really like when the characters are slightly different than usual P&P stories. Having a brother a twin was nice. Just wish he would have been more present in the story. Caroline was still a little cray cray crazy but at least she didn't try to enter anyone's bed. Not having a Mrs. B set the tone for different. Their was still a Fanny but she wasn't married to Thomas. Darcy still made errors but Elizabeth was spunky and assured so it was more pride than prejudice. Loved it and look forward to more by this author. This was a Kindle Unlimited read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
156 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2024
A Delightful Fairy tale.

A fun story with a delightful twist. No really its a fun story , Caroline gets a much needed come uppins , Darcy finally tells her how he feels which is something we've always wished he would and Bingley has his say. The only disappointment is the 3 or 4 sentences given to Mr Wickham. His presence would have added a little much needed spice to the story. Oh well we can't expect everything to be the way we want now can we!

48 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2023
Immensely enjoyed reading this book. It caused me one sleepless night... and it was worth it. I highly recommend it! I'm happy that Fanny Bennet and Lydia did not cause so much trouble, and the few embarrassing moments were curtailed in a timely manner. Hurray for Mr. Hurst! I love this book and will read it again...
336 reviews
September 4, 2023
Lively and Entertaining

Worth the read. No contrived drama. I adore Darcy & Elizabeth—they are not perfect but wonderful. I missed Jane and the brother was one diminutional.
So much to love and miss in this alternative version.
I recommend this book for those who want innocence, funny conflicts, and simple resolutions.
Profile Image for Jeanah.
302 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2023
Warm read with low angst and a few surprises. I like P& P Variations where Elizabeth's circumstances or family have better connections/ wealth than is previously known. All the usual characters usually make absolute fools of themselves. It is very entertaining.
Profile Image for Mariska.
667 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2023
Loved It!!!

OMG!! Start them off as equals, let her be the one to voice the first and highly educational insult, and of course it leads to true love. If you love a feel good, angst free, at times laugh out loud love story, this is a book for you.
95 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2023
A Must read.

Fun, intelligent characters, Darcy not so stiff, Elizabeth a modern woman for her time. A brother, one sister and no perfect Jane. Loved this Mr. Bennet. Enjoy this author’s work.
Profile Image for LChristineW.
440 reviews
September 4, 2023
“No angst fluff” equated to boring for me. Lizzy being from the same sphere as Darcy made her proper, dull, and a bit of a know-it-all. The presentation of the book was odd to me; it read almost like a play. I don’t know how to describe it but this wasn’t for me,sorry.
199 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2023
Another brilliant story from this author

As soon has I see that he had written a new story I have to borrow it on my kitchen for unlimited I think that must have all his books by now. This is one of his best stand alone I my opinion
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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