The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Jessie Lewis

A year after his hopes of securing Elizabeth Bennet’s heart are dashed, Fitzwilliam Darcy brings his sister Georgiana to London for her first Season. Believing he could never make Elizabeth love him—for so she emphatically told his aunt—he is mortified to come upon her while visiting an art exhibition with his sister. He makes a hasty escape before he can be seen. Or so he thinks.

Having survived a disastrous confrontation with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth Bennet is devastated, yet not surprised, when Mr Darcy never returns to Hertfordshire, for she had just come to understand her love for him. Determined to put him out of her mind, she accedes to her mother’s instruction to go to London and find a husband.

The highlight of the London Season is an art exhibition, where everybody who is anybody is determined to be seen, Elizabeth and her aunt included. Alas, it is also the location of a couch upon which much gossip is shared, confidences are overheard, and misunderstandings and mischief are created in abundance, as Darcy and Elizabeth soon discover first hand. Will they be able to untangle the web of misapprehension they are tangled in before one of them accepts someone new?

Genres: Regency, Romance, Audiobook, Historical Romance, Clean Romance, Historical Fiction, Humor

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2024

About the author

Get your FREE copy of the Rags to Richmonds prequel here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/i76i71msd2

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Reviews

[Carole (in Canada) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5*

“This might be the last time he ever saw her, the last moment before the spark of hope flickered wildly in his breast was forever doused.” (quote from the book)

Jessie Lewis has a way with words that I thoroughly enjoy reading. In this well written comedic farce of a novella, she weaves a unique twist. Unfortunately, it did not spark joy within me. However, I strongly recommend it as it has sparked joy in others.

“It was said that some people kept their cards close to their chests. Lizzy kept hers stuffed tightly down the front of her stays, never to see the light of day.” (quote from the book)

What did I enjoy? I did have a chuckle that brought the comedic duo of Abbott and Costello (1940’s -1950’s) in mind that another reviewer, Sam H., had too. Picture Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy in this scenario. The major setting of the action in this book…the couch…quite dignified, I assure you. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s epic fail and Kitty Bennet as a sister. No, she is not Jane, but she has matured some since Lydia’s disgraceful elopement! But let’s not forget Mr. Darcy. The poor man put himself through the ringer and around the pillars. He just needed the right incentive to put himself back in the ring!

You may ask why, if it is well written that I only gave it a 3.5 rating? I had a very hard time suspending belief when it came to some of Elizabeth Bennet’s actions and words at the beginning. I think it coloured my perceptions for the rest of the story. Plus, it wasn’t until the very end that Elizabeth and Darcy actually speak to each other. I found the misunderstandings and misinformation wearing on my poor nerves. If I had a handkerchief, it would be flapping wildly!

“Upon my word, I have never known anyone so prone to continually give offence wherever he goes.” (quote from the book)

So, I hope I have not given any offence or put anyone off from reading this novella.

[Les]

OMG A new jessie Lewis Book

I shall go distracted March 18, 2024.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harking back to the days of sparkling madcap Regency romantic comedy, Jessie Lewis’ latest was a highly entertaining romp.

The Cad, The Couch, and the Cut Direct is a long novella that was a light and amusing Pride & Prejudice from the start. Fitzwilliam Darcy proposed and Elizabeth Bennet disposed- with such scorching words that nearly a year later and they are both still feeling the blister from her words. A few well-timed lies by members of their families and any chance of reunion between is nil. Until a series of circumstances beginning with an overheard conversation on an art gallery couch bring them into each other’s orbit once more.

With adept use of miscues, misunderstandings, plottings, and poorly-timed good intensions, the book swiftly arrives at a satisfying conclusion. In a one week timespan, Darcy, Elizabeth, their sisters, his cousin, and a newly-met pair of cousins meet at the art gallery, make use of the resting couch, and get tangled in love. I was giggling and snorting, rolling my eyes and thoroughly enjoying my reading experience while wondering how they would all eventually sort things out after muddling all their opinions of each other. Well done, Jessie Lewis!

Whether P&P newbie or seasoned fan, all who enjoy old-style Regency romps should give this a go.

I rec'd a print copy from Quills & Quartos to read in exchange for an honest review.


My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 5.29.24

[wosedwew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book.
Immediately after I finished it, I read it again!

That is how much I loved it!!!

Every page is chortle-worthy.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightfully ridiculous romp from beginning to end. It's akin to a Shakespearean comedy with various humorous misunderstandings (the reader knowing the truth in most instances from the start): eavesdropping, misinformation, mistaken identities, plotting that goes awry, and a happy ending. There's nary a villain in sight except for the backstory - just well-meaning but bumbling protagonists. The lack of angst doesn't make the story any less of a page-turner. The fun is anticipating how and when everything will get untangled.

Darcy and Elizabeth each continue to grieve the perceived loss of the other more than a year after Lady Catherine traveled to Longbourn to berate Miss Bennet over the rumor that she and Darcy were engaged. When the grand lady had subsequently confronted her nephew, her account of that conversation was less than truthful. Hearing that Elizabeth had no problem promising never to marry him since she had no interest in him anyway killed all Darcy's remaining hopes. Consequently, he never returned to Hertfordshire...which killed all Elizabeth's remaining hopes.

Darcy spots Elizabeth at a London art gallery and panics when she starts to turn her head in his direction, darting away and hiding behind a large urn. This is perceived by at least one observer as a cut direct of the young lady, setting off this string of entertaining events.

The principal cast of characters includes Kitty Bennet, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Sargeant Mulhall (the Colonel's batman), Lady Tuppence Swanhook, and Lord Rutherford (Lady T's cousin). Mr. Knowles is also a Person of Interest, since he has been calling on Elizabeth while she and Kitty are staying with the Gardiners.

Mr. Lewis's writing is, as always, a joy to read. The fact that she makes this farcical story convincing is a testament to her considerable talent.

Content is clean.

Highly recommend!

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A farce of colossal proportions.
Jessie Lewis has come up with a romp that takes the reader through the absurd and the ridiculous. In this comedic farce of ‘mayhem and misdirection’, nothing is as it seems, and while everything is a source of humour, this reader couldn’t help but feel a touch of angst as each misunderstanding adds to the confusion of the protagonists. The writing and story are amusing and entertaining, and eventually all is worked out, culminating in a second-chance opportunity and a sweet and romantic proposal. If you love a farce, you’ll love indulging in this fanciful novella. A very fun read.

Highly recommend.

Kisses only.

[Lady Mercury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea, but don't let that dissuade you Readers.

I found the premise to be intriguing, it still is. But these strange miscommunications in this story were so tiresome after some time which by the way were only loosely connected to Darcy and Elizabeth.
And what was more than sad, it took more than half the book until Darcy and Elizabeth finally talked to each other. The Book has 200 pages, and they finally talk to each other maybe around page 140. It was really driving me crazy. It even drove my poor dog crazy. When they finally talked, I cried loudly "OH FINALLY". Poor dog woke up from his slumber and jumped like someone was gonna attack me any moment. I may need to apologize to him.

So, as with other books by Ms. Lewis, this one is also very well written. She is a really talented Author, that's for sure! What I also liked was that Kitty seemed more mature and had a better relationship to Elizabeth. Well, Kitty still had her giggle moments but definitely more mature since there's no Lydia around her anymore. She was a good sister and friend to Elizabeth throughout the novel, and otherway around.
Dear Readers, let me tell you one last thing, Darcy was a gem! And as soon as ODC found each other again, it was so sweet reading their interactions.

- Clean Content
- Low Angst
- Quick Read

Even if I rate it 3,5 stars, I recommend you 'The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct'

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[James S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy doesn’t seek Lizzie out after Lydia marries Wickham

The writing and the emotions of the characters were enough to draw one into the story. But the reader has to remember we know Lydia lies all the time but no one is used to a sixteen year old Lydia not having any morals. Also Lady Catherine has always been a termagant but she hasn’t been caught being evil with her lies. The plot revolves around trusted relatives being down right evil.

I would have like to know more about Jane’s life and a paragraph or two about the Bingleys. Seems like story was scrubbed of anything but a very narrow range the lives the main characters.

[J. W. Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could have been a dull story; however, the discussions on that couch were a hoot.

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

>>Rating: mature teen: mild language, mild discussions of the actions of a rake and scoundrel
>>Angst Level: There be angst… Lover’s angst galore. There were frustrations and secrets, discoveries of deceit and treachery, and new pairings for some of the characters. Villains: although they were not on the page, you still felt their presence. I wanted to wring several necks—just saying.
>>Source: [Free copy via Booksprout] NOT! You snooze, you lose. I missed it. By the time I tried to claim an ARC, it was gone. There were only so many copies and I missed my chance. Everyone grabbed a copy before I could. Oh, well. It was worse than being caught in the rush at a Department Store sales table. Have you ever been to one of those? They are not pretty. At least I could purchase a copy. Truth be told, I was going to click KU but clicked buy instead. Not sorry.
>>Cover Art: Oh, that cover is so cute. That couch was so important to the story. What fun.
>>Timeline: post the Reclamation of the Couple of Shame. Grief. Lydia has a mouth on her that grated on my last nerve. I wanted to shake her. She has no sense… but then she is the product of her mother’s overindulgence and her father’s neglect. What can I say? However, that was not the focus of the story. I just wanted to vent my spleen over her cutting words to Darcy, the little brat.
>>Trope: A different pairing for Jane. Thank goodness. Bingley was a puppy and did not deserve her.

Where do I start? There are so many nuances to this story. I was right in the middle of the confusion experienced by Elizabeth and Darcy. Jessie Lewis is either a genius or seriously demented. I had to laugh at how certain characteristics of our characters were used against them. One little action, or lack of action, spiraled out of control in so many different directions. I can’t say without giving a spoiler.

Point one: Darcy still loved Elizabeth. Point two: Elizabeth loved Darcy. Now, how to get them together without creating a scandal? Ah, heck, let’s create a scandal. Damage Control: new characters were introduced and I adored them. They were so much fun. I actually would like a story that continued with them. How did Lewis do that? Darcy’s last comment in the story summed it up beautifully. I howled with laughter. How poignant. It was beautifully done.

[Meredith (Austenesque Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meetings at an Exhibition

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Source: Gift from Publisher

TYPE OF NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Variation Novella

THE PREMISE: Darcy and Elizabeth never resolved their misunderstandings after he rescued Lydia from scandal. And a year later they accidentally and unexpectedly cross paths with each other in London when they both happen to be viewing the same art exhibition. But the shock of seeing Elizabeth again makes Mr. Darcy unaware of his actions…

MY THOUGHTS: What a farce! Reading this felt like I was at the theatre watching a comedy of errors. In fact, I think it would translate very well to a play one could see acted out on stage. However, I will forewarn that the reader will need to suspend some disbelief in order to buy in to some of the misunderstandings and actions of these characters. But if they didn’t have these mistaken assumptions and misunderstandings, this situation or novella would not exist…

I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this novella. I love that it is Kitty staying with Elizabeth and the Gardiners in London and not Jane (because she has married). It is amusing to see how this sisterly relationship develops. Kitty is quite different from Jane – she has grown more independent and isn’t afraid to tell you what she really thinks. It is interesting to see how Elizabeth adjusts to this change and how much she decides to open up to Kitty while they are together. I especially love that Kitty has a romantic interest of her own – Sergeant Mullhall – who just happens to be Colonel Fitzwilliam’s batman.

Speaking of…Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana soon become enlisted in a scheme to help Mr. Darcy protect Elizabeth from meeting with a “titled cad.” And then there is Lord Rutherford and his cousin Lady Tuppence, two new original characters who are charming, frank, and perhaps a bit overly friendly. This intimate cast of players was wonderful together. And how their relationships developed with each other was very satisfying.

My one quibble would be that I thought Elizabeth’s actions of divulging a lot of information about her broken heart to someone who is a virtual stranger a little out of character. Elizabeth seems to be too private for that, and I found it hard to believe she would be this trusting or not protect anyone’s privacy by being vague or not using their real names.

In addition, I would almost quibble about how Darcy and Elizabeth share such a minuscule amount of page time together. They only have their first conversation together in the last twenty pages of the novella! But what is lacking in quantity, is most assuredly made up for in quality. Darcy and Elizabeth mirrored each other for so much of the novel – they were apprehensive, doubtful, despondent, and regretful. And finally, through their own introspections, came to the same important conclusion. It was a most blissfully happy ending!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

🛋️ Never before has a couch featured so prominently in an Austenesque novel!

😁 Eavesdropping, mad-cap schemes of interference, hilarious mix-ups, and delightfully unexpected twists – this was a hilarious Regency romp!

📖 While this novella is perhaps without the poignancy and intense angst that are present in many other Jessie Lewis novels, readers will still be mesmerized by the beauty of her prose and elegant way with words.

Austenesque Reviews

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, indeed, "a comedy of errors". Misunderstandings and mistaken identities, to say the least, play a big part in the story line...as does the one couch set at the art exhibit where much of this story takes place. "The Cad/CAD" was hilarious, when you finally untangle that. And "did Darcy really cut Elizabeth at that exhibit?" The viewers are led to believe so.

The author did an excellent job weaving all the steps and missteps together for the reader...a page-turner for me!

Lady Catherine is even more vile in this story as she adds to the misunderstandings by lying about her confrontation with Elizabeth.

And then there is confusion as to just who is related to whom and/or what other relationships are in fact.

I highly recommend this story. I have read all this authors JA variations.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After bringing Bingley to Longbourn Darcy never returned because his aunt told him that Elizabeth didn't care for him. Now, a year later, he and his sisters are visiting an art exhibition. He has never forgotten Elizabeth and is startled when he unexpectedly sees her there, too. Darcy immediately hides and overhears a conversation that forms in him the will to secretly protect her from meeting a cad.
Elizabeth on her part is heartbroken after Darcy never returned. She is now convinced that she loves him but that he must hate her after Lydia's elopement. To forget him and to escape her mother who wants her to find a husband she travels to her aunt and uncle in London. She is visiting an art exhibition with her aunt, the highlight of the London season and the place where gossip is shared and created, as Elizabeth soon discovers on her own. And of all the places she discovers Darcy there ...
Will they find a way to talk to one another and finally discover their true feelings? Or will gossip tear them apart? And what about the cad and the cut direct the gossip is talking about?

This book is very well written by the author Jessie Lewis. I like her style of writing and telling a story very much.

The story takes many unexpected turns and is very funny due to many mix-ups that occur. I'm only glad the author didn't lose track in writing the story 😉. All is very well and cleverly constructed and everything is solved in the end through Darcy and Elizabeth. After the resolve the events and their results are totally comprehensible, but this uncertainty whether everything will be all right at the end, what exactly happened and who was involved keeps you on reading. I for myself was hardly able to put it down.

The Colonel and Darcy share a deep bond in this story and they tease each other constantly. I like stories in which they are so close and that at ease with each other very much. Some of their teasing is quite witty and made me laugh out loud several times.

In the book Elizabeth's sister Kitty is one of the other main characters. I like stories where other sisters of Elizabeth, besides Jane, have a prominent role. And I like the version of Kitty we discover here very much. Without Lydia and in another surrounding than Longbourn she is really amiable and I am glad that the visit at her relatives has also some pleasant surprises for her.

As for the couch ... You need to discover on your own what its roles besides the cad and the cut direct is 😉

If you like to know who meets who at the exhibition, who is the cad and if Darcy and Elizabeth finally confess their feelings you should definitely read this excellent book.

I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita Deodato · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 Rounded Up to 5
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...

The Cad, the Couch and the Cut Direct is very different in style from Jessie Lewis’s previous novels, but not in quality. While it doesn’t have the intense swoony romances she usually builds in her books, it’s full of humor, and the cascade of misunderstandings will keep you turning the pages, eager to see how it all unravels.

This story picks up after the Lydia scandal and Bingley’s visit to Longbourn, but by the time he visits, Jane is already engaged to someone else, which means that both Darcy and Elizabeth have no opportunity to discover their true feelings. Feeling dejected for knowing she has lost the only man in the world she would be prevailed upon to marry, and hoping a change of scenery will lift her spirits, Elizabeth travels to London with Kitty to stay with their uncle. While visiting an art gallery, she’s unexpectedly spotted by Darcy, who, overwhelmed and unsure of how to approach her flees the scene instead of speaking to her, unintentionally giving her the cut direct. Before he escapes, however, he overhears the lady beside Elizabeth persuading her to meet a gentleman Darcy knows to be a notorious cad, and this moment sets off a wonderfully tangled series of misunderstandings that will have readers laughing out loud.

Because this is intended as a farse, Elizabeth and Darcy do not actually speak to each other until very late in the book, but the humor and especially the relationships of other characters compensated for that fact. Actually, one of the aspects I enjoyed the most in this book was Kitty’s storyline, not only her romance, but also her relationship with Elizabeth and her character growth. She was definitely the standout character in this book for me.

I also really enjoyed the other secondary characters, their romances, their misunderstandings, and the way their stories intertwined. The book is beautifully written, with all the plotlines cleverly and seamlessly woven together. It is also a very fast read, so it can be appreciated as it was intended, a humorous novel featuring our favorite characters.

Overall, The Cad, the Couch and the Cut Direct is a delightful departure from Jessie Lewis’s usual style, offering a fresh, humorous take on familiar characters. While it may lack the deep romance we are used to, it more than makes up for it with wit, clever misunderstandings, and charming secondary character romances. The entangled storylines, especially Kitty’s unexpected growth, provide plenty of heart and laughter. If you’re willing to accept Darcy and Elizabeth will have little interaction, and are looking for a fast, lighthearted and well written read, this book will not disappoint.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s hilarious fun!

I will be buying it and I hope an audio book comes someday.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a comedy of errors. This was a fantastic fast paced read with just enough anxiety - as I kept waiting to see just how badly things would go awry before being righted (I had faith in our authoress to set things right).
Curses on Lydia (well she was already cursed wasn't she?) and Lady Catherine for their roles in the ODC's deviation from canon and longer path to their HEA. But without that, we wouldn't have this delight!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosava Doshchyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a perfect romcom!

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun romp of misunderstandings and false interpretations. Not a lot of D/E interaction until the very end.

[lori huff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and romantic

After the Lydia debacle, Darcy fears that Elizabeth hates him for not protecting them all from Wickham. Then, Lady Catherine reports to him, after accosting Elizabeth in Hertfordshire, that Elizabeth wants nothing more to do with him. Of course this is a lie, but Darcy believes her, and learns to live with his despair. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Kitty come to London to stay with the Gardiners. At an art exhibit that they attend, Elizabeth catches a glimpse of Darcy, whom she has fallen in love with, and regrets that he never returned to her after Lydia's wedding. There ensues a complex series of overheard conversations and misunderstandings that will eventually lead to near catastrophes and several budding romances.

This tale is obviously written with a tongue-in-cheek tone, and is meant to be taken as kind of a rom-com. I like this author. She's an automatic purchase for me. The story is light and amusing. I deducted two stars, however, because although I know this should be taken as somewhat silly, I'm disappointed when ODC do really stupid things. Elizabeth particularly is so out-of-character that I couldn't like her. Darcy is portrayed as especially inept and immature, not his usual confident and decisive self. Also, I couldn't appreciate the humor of an extremely annoying Kitty Bennett. Rather than being cute, she just made me grit my teeth.

Fortunately, the romance is lovely and completely saves the day. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it for a quick, light, and romantic tale by a talented writer.

[Gill M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog

https://myjaffobsession.blogspot.com/...

Fitzwilliam Darcy is still bereft at his failure to win the love of Elizabeth Bennet.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth is heartbroken that she fell in love with Darcy, but he never returned for her.

A year later finds them both in London.
A chance encounter in a gallery leads to what, may or may not have been "The Cut Direct".

The gallery contains a couch, which bears witness to much gossip, misunderstandings and mistaken identities. It is also where we encounter the Cad!

Cue many misguided efforts to correct mistakes, relaying messages to entirely the wrong person.

Happy endings are of course guaranteed.

All in all, it is glorious mayhem.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[abmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

5++ stars. This is quite a hilarious story with just a hint of melancholy to spice it up a bit. With all the misunderstandings and mistaken identities and unexpected pairings and lies and gossip, we wait in anticipation for ODC to meet and when they do, what a meeting it turns out to be. Short and so sweet.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

whose on first?

Honestly the first two thirds of this book gave me anxiety. ODB and ODG could not have been more confused and lost. Thanks to Lady C’s interference they never got together. It took a couch, a couple of cads and an interfering new friend to eventually get them in the right place.

[Liz H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this book, though I finished it.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. The most perfect P&P novella I have ever read!! The characters are spot on—no small feat—and I was enraptured by the plot the entire time. I consumed this story as quickly as possible. Such utterly delightful build up, and what a glorious ending!!! I will be recommending this to every Austen-lover I know!

[Kristin O'donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: 4.5

In the world of Austen inspired works, Jessie Lewis has quickly become one of my favorites and an auto buy. Needless to say, I was very excited to hear that she was coming out with a new novella, The Cad, the Couch and The Cut Direct. Once again, Lewis delivers a fun Pride and Prejudice variation and in contrast to some of her other works, this one keeps things much lighter and angst-free.

In The Cad, the Couch and the Cut Direct, Lewis picks up the story months after Lydia's marriage to Wickham and Darcy's confession to Bingley regarding his role in separating him from Jane Bennet. However, much to Elizabeth's disappointment, Darcy does not return to Meryton and while she cannot blame him, her heart refuses to move on from the only man she realizes she can ever truly love. Meanwhile, through a series of deceptions and outright lies, Darcy is led to believe that Elizabeth could never be made to love him and spends months tortured by the regrets of what could have been between them.

However, Lewis does not spend long allowing our main couple to wallow in these feelings as she launches her reader into a set of chance encounters, miscommunications and mistaken identities that will leave you smiling at every turn. After Darcy has a near run in with Elizabeth at a London art gallery, he overhears disturbing plans that will put her into the path of a known rake and cad. While Darcy knows there is no hope for his own happiness with Elizabeth, he refuses to stand idoly by as the reputation and safety of the woman he loves is threatened. Through a series of her own actions, Elizabeth unknowingly puts Darcy's sister into the path of another potential scandal and she is determined to make sure this does not happen.

At times the pace and situational humor of this story almost made it feel like you were watching a great comedy variety show. The amount of mischief and near disaster that our main couple gets into as they each try do right by the other will leave you laughing many times over. They each pull in their own accomplices to help them and Lewis brings things to a delightful high point as truths are revealed and our main couple comes to realize that they each had been completely misdirected when it came to their feelings for one another. I also really enjoyed how Lewis integrated the character of Kitty into the story. She's one of the Bennet sisters that we don't get to know much about in Austen's tale and it was sweet to see her have a bit of the spotlight and to help Elizabeth get out of of her own way when it came to finally admitting how she felt about Darcy.

All in all, this is a sweet and delightful read that you can enjoy in one sitting and that brings a refreshing dose of the humorous and irreverent to Austen's classic tale.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Tale of Cuts and Confusion

What should have been an innocent attempt to escape turns into a potential scandal that could ruin Miss Elizabeth's social reputation forever.

This book was absolutely delightful! The cast of characters is small but effective, and each chapter scampers with flirty, fast-paced energy.

The eventual resolution between Darcy and Elizabeth is swoon worthy, and you'll enjoy the roles of some familiar and new characters too.

Highly recommend!

[J.C. Plummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I could have tolerated the absurdity of the story if Darcy and Elizabeth had not been separated for the first 90% of the story. The story consisted of one contrived misunderstanding after another, which is just so very tiresome.

Read through KU. 2.5-stars rounded up.

[Bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute P&P variation. The whole plot however revolved around mistaken identity and miscommunication after mistaken identity and miscommunication and by the time it was resolved it had gotten to be a bit much.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun novella with plenty of misunderstandings, new characters and of course a happy ending for ODC.

[Nicole Barton Sasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Status: Read October 9-10, 2024 via kindle edition & audible edition of Cads & Capers: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Duology

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Library Notes:

The Cad, the Couch, and the Cut Direct
by Jessie Lewis
Kindle Edition, 200 pages
Published March 18, 2024 Quills & Quartos Publishing (first published February 15, 2024)
ASIN: B0CRGW799M

He does not love me, and my heart will never mend if I am constantly reminded of it.

A year after his hopes of securing Elizabeth Bennet’s heart are dashed, Fitzwilliam Darcy brings his sister Georgiana to London for her first Season. Believing he could never make Elizabeth love him—for so she emphatically told his aunt—he is mortified to come upon her while visiting an art exhibition with his sister. He makes a hasty escape before he can be seen. Or so he thinks.

Having survived a disastrous confrontation with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth Bennet is devastated, yet not surprised, when Mr Darcy never returns to Hertfordshire, for she had just come to understand her love for him. Determined to put him out of her mind, she accedes to her mother’s instruction to go to London and find a husband.

The highlight of the London Season is an art exhibition, where everybody who is anybody is determined to be seen, Elizabeth and her aunt included. Alas, it is also the location of a couch upon which much gossip is shared, confidences are overheard, and misunderstandings and mischief are created in abundance, as Darcy and Elizabeth soon discover first hand. Will they be able to untangle the web of misapprehension they are tangled in before one of them accepts someone new?

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

I loved it!

It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. A year after his hopes of securing Elizabeth Bennet’s heart are dashed, Fitzwilliam Darcy brings his sister Georgiana to London for her first Season. Believing he could never make Elizabeth love him, for so she emphatically told his aunt, he is mortified to come upon her while visiting an art exhibition with his sister. He makes a hasty escape before he can be seen, or so he thinks. Having survived a disastrous confrontation with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Elizabeth Bennet is devastated, yet not surprised, when Mr Darcy never returns to Hertfordshire, for she had just come to understand her love for him. Determined to put him out of her mind, she accedes to her mother’s instruction to go to London and find a husband. The highlight of the London Season is an art exhibition, where everybody who is anybody is determined to be seen, Elizabeth and her aunt included. Alas, it is also the location of a couch upon which much gossip is shared, confidences are overheard, and misunderstandings and mischief are created in abundance, as Darcy and Elizabeth soon discover first hand. Will they be able to untangle the web of misapprehension they are tangled in before one of them accepts someone new? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.