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Her Grace: A Pride & Prejudice Vagary
*** There are parts of this book which allude to domestic abuse, although there is not any graphic depiction of said violence.***
This a full length novel of about 115,000 words.
This is not a P&P variation, rather is is a vagary which features the characters from that magnificent work by the one and only Jane Austen.
Rather than protect their daughter like any good parent should, first Fanny and then Thomas Bennet push their 16 year old daughter Elizabeth into a marriage with a much older man who happens to be a duke.
Fanny is seduced by the fact he is a duke, even if he is not interested in Jane, something she cannot believe at first, and his willingness to dower her remaining four daughters. For Bennet when the Duke offers to break the entail on Longbourn, after a certain condition is met, his half-hearted opposition to the match dissipates.
At first, Elizabeth refuses to marry the man, and is adamant even if dragged to the church she will never recite her vows. However, after a private meeting with the vile duke, she agrees. The question is why would she change her mind so drastically.
In that meeting, she demands certain clauses to be added to the marriage settlement. What are they and how do they change outcomes some had previously expected?
We explore why the Duke is looking for a wife outside of the Ton in little market towns instead. We quickly see just how depraved the man is and why he is reviled by all in polite society. Is he the only villain in the tale?
Both Lady Anne and Robert Darcy are alive in this novel. Even with them both being alive, their son manages to suffer from boot-in-mouth syndrome on more than one occasion, including when he meets Lizzy for the first time, who is still married to the Duke at that point. No it is not at an assembly and there is not that insult delivered.
Including the much loved Biggs and Johns, there are some of my non-canon characters featured in this story, as well as some new ones.
It is not an easy path for Lizzy to travel, but she is strong and intelligent, not to mention extremely protective of those she loves. We follow her to find out if she gets the HEA we all want for her. If she does, will it be with Fitzwilliam Darcy?
Join me to have these and many other questions answered.
This a full length novel of about 115,000 words.
This is not a P&P variation, rather is is a vagary which features the characters from that magnificent work by the one and only Jane Austen.
Rather than protect their daughter like any good parent should, first Fanny and then Thomas Bennet push their 16 year old daughter Elizabeth into a marriage with a much older man who happens to be a duke.
Fanny is seduced by the fact he is a duke, even if he is not interested in Jane, something she cannot believe at first, and his willingness to dower her remaining four daughters. For Bennet when the Duke offers to break the entail on Longbourn, after a certain condition is met, his half-hearted opposition to the match dissipates.
At first, Elizabeth refuses to marry the man, and is adamant even if dragged to the church she will never recite her vows. However, after a private meeting with the vile duke, she agrees. The question is why would she change her mind so drastically.
In that meeting, she demands certain clauses to be added to the marriage settlement. What are they and how do they change outcomes some had previously expected?
We explore why the Duke is looking for a wife outside of the Ton in little market towns instead. We quickly see just how depraved the man is and why he is reviled by all in polite society. Is he the only villain in the tale?
Both Lady Anne and Robert Darcy are alive in this novel. Even with them both being alive, their son manages to suffer from boot-in-mouth syndrome on more than one occasion, including when he meets Lizzy for the first time, who is still married to the Duke at that point. No it is not at an assembly and there is not that insult delivered.
Including the much loved Biggs and Johns, there are some of my non-canon characters featured in this story, as well as some new ones.
It is not an easy path for Lizzy to travel, but she is strong and intelligent, not to mention extremely protective of those she loves. We follow her to find out if she gets the HEA we all want for her. If she does, will it be with Fitzwilliam Darcy?
Join me to have these and many other questions answered.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2023
157 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Shana Granderson
55 books66 followersI have three children and after a disastrous first marriage I found my soul mate who I thought that was lost to me over 25 years ago. I recently married the love of my life. I live with my soul mate in Australasia and have three pets, two cats, Darcy and Bingley and a golden lab, Honey.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
Like many high school students, Pride and Prejudice was assigned to me in an English literature class. It was not my favourite book, but I read it as I had to. I forgot about the book until in my 30’s when I saw and fell in love with the 1995 Pride and Prejudice version made for TV in England, and purchased a copy of the DVD that is now much played.
The tipping point was the 2005 big screen adaption of P&P. Not long after seeing it I found and read the complete works of Jane Austen on Amazon, starting with Pride and Prejudice. The latter book is by far my favourite. After I read it three of four times over, I wistfully said to myself: ‘it is a great pity that Miss Austen never wrote a sequel to her seminal novel.' One day I was searching Kindle books and for the fun of it I entered “Pride and Prejudice Sequel’ into the search not expecting any results.
The rest is history. I discovered the JAFF community and books. I became a veracious reader of JAFF books and once I had devoured all of the sequels and continuations that I could find, I read my first variation. I had been resisting variations wrongly thinking that I would not enjoy them as much as the sequels. Boy, was I ever wrong! Today I am the proud owner of well over 1,000 JAFF novels that I have purchased on Amazon. 'A Change of Fortunes' is my first book that I wrote. There are a number of others on the way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 29, 2023
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: as per the author: “*** Warning: There are parts of this book which allude to domestic abuse, although there is not any graphic depiction of said violence. *** OMG! The descriptions would have turned my hair if it wasn’t white already. Shudder, I wanted to take a bath after being in the head of the enemy. What a vile horrid man. Someone needed to put that mad dog down.
>>Angst Level: Right up there: It may have broken my angst meter.
>>Cover Art: The cover art was perfect and made me take a closer look when it was first posted.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU: I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions, I wrote it without artificial assistance. Unless you count my computer. Perhaps I should say mental assistance. Although, I have been accused of being mental. Just saying.
>>Trope: A Granderson special [1] NSN Mr. & Mrs. Bennet: ship them off, oh, wait… no, spoiler. [2] Lizzy married another [3] FMS (forced marriage scenario) [4] Title and wealth out the wazoo. [5] A strong Elizabeth character [6] Different outcome for Wickham. I did not see that coming.
Oh, my goodness. I have never disliked M/M Bennet as I did in this alternate universe created by Granderson. This author is well-known for writing outside the box. I loved it. If there were errors, I was so involved with the story that I didn’t notice and I didn’t care. I was up into the wee hours of the morning and finally crashed. I didn't want to meet those leaving for work early. Yeah. ICNPID! It was gripping and had me by the throat right from the start. By the end, Granderson had wrapped up all the loose threads and wrote about everyone who married and their children. I may have to read this again. That cover art was perfect.
>>Rating: as per the author: “*** Warning: There are parts of this book which allude to domestic abuse, although there is not any graphic depiction of said violence. *** OMG! The descriptions would have turned my hair if it wasn’t white already. Shudder, I wanted to take a bath after being in the head of the enemy. What a vile horrid man. Someone needed to put that mad dog down.
>>Angst Level: Right up there: It may have broken my angst meter.
>>Cover Art: The cover art was perfect and made me take a closer look when it was first posted.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU: I volunteered to leave a review of my thoughts and opinions, I wrote it without artificial assistance. Unless you count my computer. Perhaps I should say mental assistance. Although, I have been accused of being mental. Just saying.
>>Trope: A Granderson special [1] NSN Mr. & Mrs. Bennet: ship them off, oh, wait… no, spoiler. [2] Lizzy married another [3] FMS (forced marriage scenario) [4] Title and wealth out the wazoo. [5] A strong Elizabeth character [6] Different outcome for Wickham. I did not see that coming.
Oh, my goodness. I have never disliked M/M Bennet as I did in this alternate universe created by Granderson. This author is well-known for writing outside the box. I loved it. If there were errors, I was so involved with the story that I didn’t notice and I didn’t care. I was up into the wee hours of the morning and finally crashed. I didn't want to meet those leaving for work early. Yeah. ICNPID! It was gripping and had me by the throat right from the start. By the end, Granderson had wrapped up all the loose threads and wrote about everyone who married and their children. I may have to read this again. That cover art was perfect.
December 30, 2023
The Dukes Wife
Lizzy has basically been sold into slavery. Her parents force her to her marry a duke. But really the duke is the bad guy. It was either agree with him or he would destroy the entire family.
Not interesting enough to be rated any higher.
Lizzy has basically been sold into slavery. Her parents force her to her marry a duke. But really the duke is the bad guy. It was either agree with him or he would destroy the entire family.
Not interesting enough to be rated any higher.
April 20, 2025
A good yarn.
This vagary has Elizabeth forced to marry a duke who is older than her father. She refuses, but he threatens to take Jane instead, so she accepts in order to save her sister. I found this multi-trope read a little over the top often, stretching my belief, but it held my interest. I’m happy to see this writer continue to improve. The editing and proofreading really pays off and makes her books more pleasurable to read, although some errors were still noticed.
Mature content.
July 16, 2024 - Audiobook
I really enjoyed this new-to-me narrator, Karen Cass. Excellent.
This vagary has Elizabeth forced to marry a duke who is older than her father. She refuses, but he threatens to take Jane instead, so she accepts in order to save her sister. I found this multi-trope read a little over the top often, stretching my belief, but it held my interest. I’m happy to see this writer continue to improve. The editing and proofreading really pays off and makes her books more pleasurable to read, although some errors were still noticed.
Mature content.
July 16, 2024 - Audiobook
I really enjoyed this new-to-me narrator, Karen Cass. Excellent.
May 9, 2025
Reading, again, the author's story description leads me to say that in my opinion she is very complete is giving the readers an outline of this story. As she says this is NOT a variation but uses the same characters in a totally different tale.
The Bennets are vile! Elizabeth thus refuses to continue to call them "mother" and "father" but "Mr. Bennet" and "Mrs. Bennet". She continues to have a close and loving relationship with her sisters.
You will have a moment when you mights say "Aw" as you learn what Elizabeth means as she marries "for love" although you know from the story description it is not for love of this vile man.
Jane and Bingley are not a couple in this story. And Charlotte has a different love.
I had to applaud Mrs. Bennet's and Lady Catherine's fate. (Well done, author.)
The epilogue goes on and on about who marries who, who gains possession of what estates and then the children with which they are all blessed.
There is lots of angst in the first...maybe half of the book. But you will like how Elizabeth gains the admiration and trust of the servants, and even Wickham, in this story.
I do recommend this story.
The Bennets are vile! Elizabeth thus refuses to continue to call them "mother" and "father" but "Mr. Bennet" and "Mrs. Bennet". She continues to have a close and loving relationship with her sisters.
You will have a moment when you mights say "Aw" as you learn what Elizabeth means as she marries "for love" although you know from the story description it is not for love of this vile man.
Jane and Bingley are not a couple in this story. And Charlotte has a different love.
I had to applaud Mrs. Bennet's and Lady Catherine's fate. (Well done, author.)
The epilogue goes on and on about who marries who, who gains possession of what estates and then the children with which they are all blessed.
There is lots of angst in the first...maybe half of the book. But you will like how Elizabeth gains the admiration and trust of the servants, and even Wickham, in this story.
I do recommend this story.
January 17, 2024
Repetitive words: intoned. Averred. Corpulent.
For such a long novel, there was very little lizzy/darcy time. More detail was put into their family trees than their courtship.
Dialogue was unbelievable and cheesy. The “bad guys” were written terribly. Just over the top caricatures of a villain.
I also didn’t like how she called herself a slave constantly. Ignored in a mansion with servants and food but being forced to be intimate is more broodmare or well, aristocratic wife. Nowhere near the abuse, trauma, and indignity enslaved people faced. She didn’t even know he planned to physically abuse her later.
All surface level writing. No emotion.
I’m not being a bully - as her author note was concerned about. I’m just putting down my thoughts on things that can be worked on. At least author has a published novel. That’s more than I’ve accomplished!
Great imagination. Solid world building. Grammar and spelling was great.
For such a long novel, there was very little lizzy/darcy time. More detail was put into their family trees than their courtship.
Dialogue was unbelievable and cheesy. The “bad guys” were written terribly. Just over the top caricatures of a villain.
I also didn’t like how she called herself a slave constantly. Ignored in a mansion with servants and food but being forced to be intimate is more broodmare or well, aristocratic wife. Nowhere near the abuse, trauma, and indignity enslaved people faced. She didn’t even know he planned to physically abuse her later.
All surface level writing. No emotion.
I’m not being a bully - as her author note was concerned about. I’m just putting down my thoughts on things that can be worked on. At least author has a published novel. That’s more than I’ve accomplished!
Great imagination. Solid world building. Grammar and spelling was great.
January 6, 2024
Interesting concept, poorly executed
I rarely write book reviews, but feel it necessary. The idea and concept behind this story is intriguing, however the author writes unnecessary details that interrupt the flow of the story and add nothing overall. Example, in a scene with Darcy Sr and Wickham Sr enjoying a glass of port, the author describes the furniture layout and a hidden safe. The hidden safe is not foreshadowing. Nothing later happens. I.e Wickham Jr does not try to steal from it. Many scenes and chapters were full of such irrelevant details. I skipped a lot of paragraphs and pages as I was invested enough in finding out how it all ends. Spoiler-- Mr. Bennett becomes the villain in this version.
I rarely write book reviews, but feel it necessary. The idea and concept behind this story is intriguing, however the author writes unnecessary details that interrupt the flow of the story and add nothing overall. Example, in a scene with Darcy Sr and Wickham Sr enjoying a glass of port, the author describes the furniture layout and a hidden safe. The hidden safe is not foreshadowing. Nothing later happens. I.e Wickham Jr does not try to steal from it. Many scenes and chapters were full of such irrelevant details. I skipped a lot of paragraphs and pages as I was invested enough in finding out how it all ends. Spoiler-- Mr. Bennett becomes the villain in this version.
Want to read
December 28, 2023After reading the sample (four chapters), I am completely put off. The story is sickening (maybe my sensibilities are too delicate, but I do not think so).
To top it off, the characters are extreme. Whether entirely faultless or completely evil, there is no half measure or grey area.
The dialogues are forced.
Everyone and their neighbour has a nickname, in fact, when each character is introduced, they are by their full name, nickname, and entire Id - border form style...
There is abuse described in a "humorous" manner - which does not sit well with me.
Perhaps I am being too harsh after only four chapters, but I do believe it is enough to make up one's mind.
To top it off, the characters are extreme. Whether entirely faultless or completely evil, there is no half measure or grey area.
The dialogues are forced.
Everyone and their neighbour has a nickname, in fact, when each character is introduced, they are by their full name, nickname, and entire Id - border form style...
There is abuse described in a "humorous" manner - which does not sit well with me.
Perhaps I am being too harsh after only four chapters, but I do believe it is enough to make up one's mind.
January 11, 2024
Stories where Lizzy becomes an aristocrat are generally pretty boring to me and it’s because reading a novel length version of the Pretty Woman revenge shopping scene just isn’t that interesting. If you like that trope, this book will delight you.
January 6, 2024
Another good book
I love this story. Parts of it are dark but otherwise it was an uplifting story. I love that Wickham reformed his shelf, and Mr and Mrs bennet's got exactly what they deserved.
I love this story. Parts of it are dark but otherwise it was an uplifting story. I love that Wickham reformed his shelf, and Mr and Mrs bennet's got exactly what they deserved.
January 2, 2024
Wonderful
Fair warning: this story has heartbreaking and gut wrenching elements. However, it also has much that is heartwarming and uplifting. The Duke of Hertfordshire, in his mid sixties, with two dead wives under his belt, and a terrible reputation for cruelty and abuse, needs a new wife to birth him an heir, but no one in the first circles of society will associate with him. He looks for a wife in the country, and chooses Elizabeth for her feisty and impertinent behavior because he likes the challenge of breaking a woman's spirit. Mr and Mrs Bennett see only the dollar signs when approached by the duke, and Elizabeth is forced to marry the evil old man in order to protect her sisters.
This story reached out and grabbed me from the first pages. As in many of this author's works, Mrs Bennett is cartoonishly weak minded, and fixes on Elizabeth as the source of all of her troubles. Unfortunately, in this version, Mr Bennett is also extremely useless, so there's never a whisper of hope that he'll step up and defend his so-called favorite daughter. Fortunately, this book features an Elizabeth with a core of steel, and an abundance of inner strength. After her parents both fail her, the extended family and friends are her supporters and her source of strength. The comeuppance to the Bennett parents is quite spectacular.
The romance is lovely. The "meet cute" for Elizabeth and Darcy is charming, even if Darcy is still required to act like a doofus at their first encounter. The fact that both of the Darcy parents are still alive throughout the story enriches the storyline greatly. The usual annoying characters, Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley, appear, but get satisfying treatments. The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly, but keep your box of tissues handy!
Fair warning: this story has heartbreaking and gut wrenching elements. However, it also has much that is heartwarming and uplifting. The Duke of Hertfordshire, in his mid sixties, with two dead wives under his belt, and a terrible reputation for cruelty and abuse, needs a new wife to birth him an heir, but no one in the first circles of society will associate with him. He looks for a wife in the country, and chooses Elizabeth for her feisty and impertinent behavior because he likes the challenge of breaking a woman's spirit. Mr and Mrs Bennett see only the dollar signs when approached by the duke, and Elizabeth is forced to marry the evil old man in order to protect her sisters.
This story reached out and grabbed me from the first pages. As in many of this author's works, Mrs Bennett is cartoonishly weak minded, and fixes on Elizabeth as the source of all of her troubles. Unfortunately, in this version, Mr Bennett is also extremely useless, so there's never a whisper of hope that he'll step up and defend his so-called favorite daughter. Fortunately, this book features an Elizabeth with a core of steel, and an abundance of inner strength. After her parents both fail her, the extended family and friends are her supporters and her source of strength. The comeuppance to the Bennett parents is quite spectacular.
The romance is lovely. The "meet cute" for Elizabeth and Darcy is charming, even if Darcy is still required to act like a doofus at their first encounter. The fact that both of the Darcy parents are still alive throughout the story enriches the storyline greatly. The usual annoying characters, Lady Catherine and Caroline Bingley, appear, but get satisfying treatments. The book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly, but keep your box of tissues handy!
February 5, 2024
Not the author's best
The pace moved fast, often too fast with ODC wedding almost as soon as Lizzy's first husband hit the dirt in his unconsecrated grave. The cast of characters expended to the point that one needed a spreadsheet to wade through the cousins, aunts, uncles and various additions. Not one of her better endeavors.
The pace moved fast, often too fast with ODC wedding almost as soon as Lizzy's first husband hit the dirt in his unconsecrated grave. The cast of characters expended to the point that one needed a spreadsheet to wade through the cousins, aunts, uncles and various additions. Not one of her better endeavors.
February 17, 2024
Interesting
A completely out of canon variation that only keeps the characters but relates an engaging tale. Prepare to hate some people!
A completely out of canon variation that only keeps the characters but relates an engaging tale. Prepare to hate some people!
May 23, 2024
The author's usual fare, Elizabeth with high rank, wealth, connections and really bad villains. But there were nice people too. Lots of good changes and enjoyable outcomes.
June 6, 2024
Overall, I enjoyed this book. JAFF is a guilty pleasure and pure escapism for me. The concept for this vagary was solid and interesting. I really liked Elizabeth and Wickham's characters in particular in this story, and maybe even Wickham's the most. I know!
I like a bad Mr/Mrs B, and they truly are terrible, but they get such justice. It's hard not to appreciate how bad Elizabeth's situation was in order to bring it about. The Duke is a bad guy, unable to move in normal circles available to a man of his wealth and status because even the gentry can't overlook his proclivities. And yet, he is somehow easily manipulated and is fooled into thinking he has loyalty when really he does not.
There were a few things I didn't like as much. [The author specifically stated that in the end, she doesn't appreciate criticism that isn't constructive, so I hope if she ever reads this, she will keep these things in mind. I would like to keep reading your stories.]
1) Overuse of unusual adjectives. The Duke is described as "corpulent" probably 10-15 times. It is so unusual that it stood out. And it wasn't just an internal thought. He was described that way by others.
2) I know this story was focusing on E becoming a Duchess and all that comes with it. But I really wish we would have had more conversations between her and Darcy once they met. A little courtship we get to read would have made the quick evolution of their relationship so much more believable.
3) How did the Duke have so much money? It's weird that a bad guy not welcomed in society had so much. Or that other peers are unsuccessful in getting him excommunicated, but Elizabeth has the aide of the Queen and is able to do it later. Like I said before, I enjoyed escapism and I'm okay with stories that have crazy things happen. It just needs to make sense.
I enjoy an elevated Elizabeth story, especially if she is the only one. In this case, her elevation is able to elevate the others, but not without a significant personal cost.
I like a bad Mr/Mrs B, and they truly are terrible, but they get such justice. It's hard not to appreciate how bad Elizabeth's situation was in order to bring it about. The Duke is a bad guy, unable to move in normal circles available to a man of his wealth and status because even the gentry can't overlook his proclivities. And yet, he is somehow easily manipulated and is fooled into thinking he has loyalty when really he does not.
There were a few things I didn't like as much. [The author specifically stated that in the end, she doesn't appreciate criticism that isn't constructive, so I hope if she ever reads this, she will keep these things in mind. I would like to keep reading your stories.]
1) Overuse of unusual adjectives. The Duke is described as "corpulent" probably 10-15 times. It is so unusual that it stood out. And it wasn't just an internal thought. He was described that way by others.
2) I know this story was focusing on E becoming a Duchess and all that comes with it. But I really wish we would have had more conversations between her and Darcy once they met. A little courtship we get to read would have made the quick evolution of their relationship so much more believable.
3) How did the Duke have so much money? It's weird that a bad guy not welcomed in society had so much. Or that other peers are unsuccessful in getting him excommunicated, but Elizabeth has the aide of the Queen and is able to do it later. Like I said before, I enjoyed escapism and I'm okay with stories that have crazy things happen. It just needs to make sense.
I enjoy an elevated Elizabeth story, especially if she is the only one. In this case, her elevation is able to elevate the others, but not without a significant personal cost.
December 31, 2023
Only the deepest love.....
I cried buckets for Her Grace...This is the most compelling portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett ever. I rejoiced and sang hallelujah when the vile, evil incarnate villain died. I applaud George Wickham. He redeemed himself, admirably I might add! No flirty Lydia. All the sisters turned out well. I love the portrayal of Mr &. Mrs.Gardner, the Lucas family and Mr. & Mrs. Phillips. This is a well orchestrated and well thought of book. My favorite so far. I highly recommend.
I cried buckets for Her Grace...This is the most compelling portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett ever. I rejoiced and sang hallelujah when the vile, evil incarnate villain died. I applaud George Wickham. He redeemed himself, admirably I might add! No flirty Lydia. All the sisters turned out well. I love the portrayal of Mr &. Mrs.Gardner, the Lucas family and Mr. & Mrs. Phillips. This is a well orchestrated and well thought of book. My favorite so far. I highly recommend.
January 17, 2024
Really good read
As others commenter have noted, the beginning of this book is definitely worthy of the warning of violence and nastiness..though the violence is discussed, not first hand.
The Bennet parents kind of became caricatures of bad parenting, but their behavior tied all the other characters together.
The romance of ODC came about so quickly I found it a little unbelievable. I did enjoy the short appearances of Caroline and Lady C. I always love stories where their put downs are well done.
As others commenter have noted, the beginning of this book is definitely worthy of the warning of violence and nastiness..though the violence is discussed, not first hand.
The Bennet parents kind of became caricatures of bad parenting, but their behavior tied all the other characters together.
The romance of ODC came about so quickly I found it a little unbelievable. I did enjoy the short appearances of Caroline and Lady C. I always love stories where their put downs are well done.
December 29, 2023
Enjoyable read
Very entertaining variation. Interesting storyline with additional characters, additional villains and even the suggestion of abuse to previous wives, thankfully no abuse of the active characters. Only 4 stars because of the writing style which includes a great deal of 'telling' of the story, A favorite of this author. Enjoy.
Very entertaining variation. Interesting storyline with additional characters, additional villains and even the suggestion of abuse to previous wives, thankfully no abuse of the active characters. Only 4 stars because of the writing style which includes a great deal of 'telling' of the story, A favorite of this author. Enjoy.
April 23, 2025
A Pride and Prejudice variation where in 1806 the old and debauched Duke of Hertfordshire is seeking his third wife, one to give him a heir. His reputation means he must look to a country miss for a wife. He choices Elizabeth and she is forced to marry him. Her parents refuse to save her. How will,this affect the fortunes of all the Bennets, their relations and friends.
An entertaining story
An entertaining story
October 12, 2025
disappointing read.
Everything is just so surface level in this one. Elizabeth is forced to accept Duke's proposal. The duke is known to be the worst kind of man who killed his first two wives, but Elizabeth is not aware of that in the beginning, nor is there ever a time when she's afraid for her safety, let alone her life.
She kept describing how awful he was to her, and it is a reality of many aristocrat wives, but honestly she was just taking walks with guards and forced to lie under him (which is awful, but it's not described as awful! The feelings of the repeated SA are NOT a topic of discussion in that novel, it's not that deep). Her situation didn't sound that awful, and she had no idea he was going to murder her. I expected her to be lonely, but that's not touched upon either.
The emotions are non-existant.
There're a lot of useless descriptions in the text. The worst kinds was Duke thinking how he was going to punish someone - I mostly skipped it, after reading 2-3 of them, I got the gust of it.
There's no direct violence descriptions, but there're phrases such as "oh, I'm gonna break her, and that will turn me on, and then I'll go and rape some wives of my enemies and make them look like cuckholds". *Sigh*, *cringe*, etc
Once Elizabeth reached Derbyshire, it became so cheesy.
"William" Darcy was awful. So many times he suffered from foot-in-the-mouth disease and said "Duchess is probably a fortune hunter!" (even after he saw Queen's stamp of approval, which was supposed to make people like Darcy treat her nicely) and kept assuming the worst about her and everyone else.
Then he meets Elizabeth, insults her immediately (somehow NOT realizing she's the duchess, even though he saw her before and knows duchess is in residence and is on the duke's territory), and then falls in love with her.
Elizabeth immediately opens her heart to Fitzwilliam siblings and "William" - ijbol. Her confining in those two families was just augh. Boring, cheesy, not-that-deep.
Insta-romance, insta-love. Felt ingenuine.
A 17yo pregnant duchess is remarrying immediately after a bad marriage. She's a hormonal pregnant 17yo, so I don't blame her for wanting to remarry, but her guardians should've forbidden her from marrying again for a few years, at least.
I'm also not sure William was at the age/status he'd be in charge of his wedding contract, I thought the scene needed older Mr Darcy
Weird that those titled Fitzwilliams and proud Darcys didn't even note that Duchess's entourage was very low on a social ladder (it could be justified as "they ARE duchess's people", but there was no such dialogue, they're just immediately accepted).
Older Bennets are awful, and yet they were also treated abysmally. The book is trying to tell me that teenage girls felt NOTHING when they heard of the mistreatment their parents faced?
Your parents' betrayal hurts, it's a wound that lasts for years and years, especially in such tender age as your brain matures and you keep readjusting your understanding of what kind of people the parents were. There's no conflicting emotions, there's no grieving. Girls understand their parents are awful and send them to the hedgerows.
Everything is just so surface level in this one. Elizabeth is forced to accept Duke's proposal. The duke is known to be the worst kind of man who killed his first two wives, but Elizabeth is not aware of that in the beginning, nor is there ever a time when she's afraid for her safety, let alone her life.
She kept describing how awful he was to her, and it is a reality of many aristocrat wives, but honestly she was just taking walks with guards and forced to lie under him (which is awful, but it's not described as awful! The feelings of the repeated SA are NOT a topic of discussion in that novel, it's not that deep). Her situation didn't sound that awful, and she had no idea he was going to murder her. I expected her to be lonely, but that's not touched upon either.
The emotions are non-existant.
There're a lot of useless descriptions in the text. The worst kinds was Duke thinking how he was going to punish someone - I mostly skipped it, after reading 2-3 of them, I got the gust of it.
There's no direct violence descriptions, but there're phrases such as "oh, I'm gonna break her, and that will turn me on, and then I'll go and rape some wives of my enemies and make them look like cuckholds". *Sigh*, *cringe*, etc
Once Elizabeth reached Derbyshire, it became so cheesy.
"William" Darcy was awful. So many times he suffered from foot-in-the-mouth disease and said "Duchess is probably a fortune hunter!" (even after he saw Queen's stamp of approval, which was supposed to make people like Darcy treat her nicely) and kept assuming the worst about her and everyone else.
Then he meets Elizabeth, insults her immediately (somehow NOT realizing she's the duchess, even though he saw her before and knows duchess is in residence and is on the duke's territory), and then falls in love with her.
Elizabeth immediately opens her heart to Fitzwilliam siblings and "William" - ijbol. Her confining in those two families was just augh. Boring, cheesy, not-that-deep.
Insta-romance, insta-love. Felt ingenuine.
A 17yo pregnant duchess is remarrying immediately after a bad marriage. She's a hormonal pregnant 17yo, so I don't blame her for wanting to remarry, but her guardians should've forbidden her from marrying again for a few years, at least.
Weird that those titled Fitzwilliams and proud Darcys didn't even note that Duchess's entourage was very low on a social ladder (it could be justified as "they ARE duchess's people", but there was no such dialogue, they're just immediately accepted).
Older Bennets are awful, and yet they were also treated abysmally. The book is trying to tell me that teenage girls felt NOTHING when they heard of the mistreatment their parents faced?
Your parents' betrayal hurts, it's a wound that lasts for years and years, especially in such tender age as your brain matures and you keep readjusting your understanding of what kind of people the parents were. There's no conflicting emotions, there's no grieving. Girls understand their parents are awful and send them to the hedgerows.
June 6, 2024
***Warning: There are parts of this book which allude to domestic abuse, although there is not any graphic depiction of said violence.***
I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is not a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation, rather it is a vagary which means it features the characters from that magnificent original work. Rather than protect their daughter like any good parent should, first Fanny and then Thomas Bennet push their 16 year old daughter Elizabeth into a marriage with a much older man who happens to be a duke. Fanny is seduced by the fact he is a duke, even if he is not interested in Jane, something she cannot believe at first, and his willingness to dower her remaining four daughters. For Bennet when the Duke offers to break the entail on Longbourn, after a certain condition is met, his half-hearted opposition to the match dissipates. At first, Elizabeth refuses to marry the man, and is adamant even if dragged to the church she will never recite her vows. However, after a private meeting with the vile duke, she agrees. The question is why would she change her mind so drastically. In that meeting, she demands certain clauses to be added to the marriage settlement. What are they and how do they change outcomes some had previously expected? We explore why the Duke is looking for a wife outside of the Ton in little market towns instead. We quickly see just how depraved the man is and why he is reviled by all in polite society. Is he the only villain in the tale? Both Lady Anne and Robert Darcy are alive in this story. Even with them both being alive, their son manages to suffer from boot-in-mouth syndrome on more than one occasion, including when he meets Lizzy for the first time, who is still married to the Duke at that point. No it is not at an assembly and no the famous insult was not delivered. Including the much loved Biggs and Johns, there are some of the authors non-canon characters featured in this story, as well as some new ones. It is not an easy path for Lizzy to travel, but she is strong and intelligent, not to mention extremely protective of those she loves. Will she still get the HEA we all want for her and if she does, will it be with Fitzwilliam Darcy? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
I loved it! It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is not a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation, rather it is a vagary which means it features the characters from that magnificent original work. Rather than protect their daughter like any good parent should, first Fanny and then Thomas Bennet push their 16 year old daughter Elizabeth into a marriage with a much older man who happens to be a duke. Fanny is seduced by the fact he is a duke, even if he is not interested in Jane, something she cannot believe at first, and his willingness to dower her remaining four daughters. For Bennet when the Duke offers to break the entail on Longbourn, after a certain condition is met, his half-hearted opposition to the match dissipates. At first, Elizabeth refuses to marry the man, and is adamant even if dragged to the church she will never recite her vows. However, after a private meeting with the vile duke, she agrees. The question is why would she change her mind so drastically. In that meeting, she demands certain clauses to be added to the marriage settlement. What are they and how do they change outcomes some had previously expected? We explore why the Duke is looking for a wife outside of the Ton in little market towns instead. We quickly see just how depraved the man is and why he is reviled by all in polite society. Is he the only villain in the tale? Both Lady Anne and Robert Darcy are alive in this story. Even with them both being alive, their son manages to suffer from boot-in-mouth syndrome on more than one occasion, including when he meets Lizzy for the first time, who is still married to the Duke at that point. No it is not at an assembly and no the famous insult was not delivered. Including the much loved Biggs and Johns, there are some of the authors non-canon characters featured in this story, as well as some new ones. It is not an easy path for Lizzy to travel, but she is strong and intelligent, not to mention extremely protective of those she loves. Will she still get the HEA we all want for her and if she does, will it be with Fitzwilliam Darcy? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
October 31, 2024
A very young Elizabeth forced to marry
This is an outside canon story that starts with a just “out” Elizabeth. A very dissolute and abusive Duke who cannot find a wife from among other peers because of his behavior, searches the small town to find his next wife/victim. He is looking for someone he will enjoy breaking and so he wants a spirited wife. Mrs Bennet as canon pushes Jane towards the Duke (the community doesn’t know he is bad until right before the wedding). Elizabeth is blackmailed into the marriage as he threatens her sister. Elizabeth is basically sold into slavery (her words) as the Duke promised to break the entail on her home is another reason why her parents push for this union. Elizabeth’s aunts and uncles are extremely upset about this and cut the Bennet parents off and take the other girls away. The support from many (peers and lower class) give Elizabeth the fortitude and strength to survive. There were a few surprises that turned out very well. Has a long epilogue for those that are interested. Overall an enjoyable story that could have benefited from some editing. With the audiobook the narrator was good and a new to me narrator.
This is an outside canon story that starts with a just “out” Elizabeth. A very dissolute and abusive Duke who cannot find a wife from among other peers because of his behavior, searches the small town to find his next wife/victim. He is looking for someone he will enjoy breaking and so he wants a spirited wife. Mrs Bennet as canon pushes Jane towards the Duke (the community doesn’t know he is bad until right before the wedding). Elizabeth is blackmailed into the marriage as he threatens her sister. Elizabeth is basically sold into slavery (her words) as the Duke promised to break the entail on her home is another reason why her parents push for this union. Elizabeth’s aunts and uncles are extremely upset about this and cut the Bennet parents off and take the other girls away. The support from many (peers and lower class) give Elizabeth the fortitude and strength to survive. There were a few surprises that turned out very well. Has a long epilogue for those that are interested. Overall an enjoyable story that could have benefited from some editing. With the audiobook the narrator was good and a new to me narrator.
October 27, 2024
Not good
I was very disappointed in this book - the first half is essentially about a serial rapist and the second half is a very prolonged epilogue.
I chose to read this book knowing that the author's work is not of the great literature variety but is usually fun. Sometimes an easy read is exactly what is required and I rather hoped for that. I had, of course, read the precis which says that "domestic violence is alluded to but that there is no graphic depiction". What I got was a ludicrous pantomime villain and a graphic, mature, depiction of marital rape. there is another 18+ scene towards the end of the book too.
As always the book is riddled with errors of period language and etiquette as well as grammar and language errors.
- being in your sixth decade means 70+ not 60+. This was repeated many times.
- Esmeralda is a name for a Disney character not for Jane Bennet's middle name
- The Gardiner children's chronology was somewhat fluid
etc etc
I don't like leaving such a negative review but this really has no redeeming features whatsoever and I cannot recommend it to anyone.
I was very disappointed in this book - the first half is essentially about a serial rapist and the second half is a very prolonged epilogue.
I chose to read this book knowing that the author's work is not of the great literature variety but is usually fun. Sometimes an easy read is exactly what is required and I rather hoped for that. I had, of course, read the precis which says that "domestic violence is alluded to but that there is no graphic depiction". What I got was a ludicrous pantomime villain and a graphic, mature, depiction of marital rape. there is another 18+ scene towards the end of the book too.
As always the book is riddled with errors of period language and etiquette as well as grammar and language errors.
- being in your sixth decade means 70+ not 60+. This was repeated many times.
- Esmeralda is a name for a Disney character not for Jane Bennet's middle name
- The Gardiner children's chronology was somewhat fluid
etc etc
I don't like leaving such a negative review but this really has no redeeming features whatsoever and I cannot recommend it to anyone.
February 13, 2024
Could have been a 5 star
I loved that:
- it was fast paced and interesting.
- Wickham was not all bad
- Lizzy was not with the Duke for very long
I would have been better if: (spoiler alert)
- there was more on screen time for ODC. Did they even have a conversation that lasted more than half a page or 1 page?
- things moved too quickly once the Duke died. It's like the story started wrapping up at 60%.
- i wanted redemption for Mr. & Mrs Bennet. I did not like how that ended.
Now to be petty:
-Why was the Lucas's blessed so much?
- Lizzy was a little tooo generous for my liking.
- some reviews talked of an explicit wedding night... don't listen to them. It was NOT explicit.
I loved that:
- it was fast paced and interesting.
- Wickham was not all bad
- Lizzy was not with the Duke for very long
I would have been better if: (spoiler alert)
- there was more on screen time for ODC. Did they even have a conversation that lasted more than half a page or 1 page?
- things moved too quickly once the Duke died. It's like the story started wrapping up at 60%.
- i wanted redemption for Mr. & Mrs Bennet. I did not like how that ended.
Now to be petty:
-Why was the Lucas's blessed so much?
- Lizzy was a little tooo generous for my liking.
- some reviews talked of an explicit wedding night... don't listen to them. It was NOT explicit.
January 13, 2024
Another great read.
This story is another great story to enjoy if you enjoy Shana Granderson, who is one of my favorite authors. Please keep in mind the trigger warning but remember that there is nothing graphic. I borrowed this on Kindle Unlimited and will buy it like I have bought every other story by Granderson, as soon as I get my next paycheck. (lol)
This story is another great story to enjoy if you enjoy Shana Granderson, who is one of my favorite authors. Please keep in mind the trigger warning but remember that there is nothing graphic. I borrowed this on Kindle Unlimited and will buy it like I have bought every other story by Granderson, as soon as I get my next paycheck. (lol)
February 2, 2024
Mr and Mrs Bennet are incredibly selfish. They arrange a marriage of their daughter to a duke older than Mr Bennet without doing any background checks. The town and loved ones are appalled by their behavior. Their daughter behaves with grace and kindness regardless of the evil intentions of her husband. Everyone in the life of Elizabeth Bennet either knows or realizes how amazing she is. Her strength and those around her earn her new friends, family and eventually a happily ever after.
April 5, 2024
Marriage for love.
I felt very emotional for Elizabeth and in this story, understand what decisions she chose about her parents. It made me ever so grateful for my own.
This also showed how smart she is in this story. Lots of dispair, hate, disgust, and lots of love. Marriage for love
I felt very emotional for Elizabeth and in this story, understand what decisions she chose about her parents. It made me ever so grateful for my own.
This also showed how smart she is in this story. Lots of dispair, hate, disgust, and lots of love. Marriage for love
May 5, 2024
Wonderful
Great variation. E & D eventual. A nasty villain(s) surprisingly not Caroline, Wickham, Collins or Lady C. Potential trigger warning however nothing explicit. I think I gave myself the angst more than the story lol. Sisterly love and dedication. Heart warming. Outside couples which draws the tale together with a lovely emerald ribbon.
Great variation. E & D eventual. A nasty villain(s) surprisingly not Caroline, Wickham, Collins or Lady C. Potential trigger warning however nothing explicit. I think I gave myself the angst more than the story lol. Sisterly love and dedication. Heart warming. Outside couples which draws the tale together with a lovely emerald ribbon.
June 2, 2025
3.5⭐️
A variation set a few years earlier than the OG setting and one where Elizabeth is married off for the gain of the Bennets. While there are allusions to DV it is not explicitly shown in the book. Elizabeth shines in this book and the comeuppance of the antagonists along with the redemption of a few is great to read.
A variation set a few years earlier than the OG setting and one where Elizabeth is married off for the gain of the Bennets. While there are allusions to DV it is not explicitly shown in the book. Elizabeth shines in this book and the comeuppance of the antagonists along with the redemption of a few is great to read.
October 20, 2025
Very enjoyable. With just the right level of suspense. I cried so much, first from sadness and then from joy. Such an emotional roller coaster. I was also happy many of the things I had envisioned and dreaded did not occur. So happy and looking forward the second variation/ revision the author has written based on this story.
December 27, 2023
Absolutely Loved This!!!
5 Stars for Her Grace!!! Shana Granderson uses Dizzy Bennet to illustrate the true depth and meaning of the word Grace!! This is an epic story that I have loved so much that I will soon buy a copy for my bookshelf.
5 Stars for Her Grace!!! Shana Granderson uses Dizzy Bennet to illustrate the true depth and meaning of the word Grace!! This is an epic story that I have loved so much that I will soon buy a copy for my bookshelf.
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