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Tall, Dark and Darcy #5
Dedication and Devotion: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Darcy is on a quest. His mission is to restore the impertinence and joy which used to dance in the fine eyes of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and had captured his heart, although his mind told him not to give in.
To achieve his mission, he must find her missing sister.
But where, in all the millions of acres —all the farms, hamlets, towns and cities that make England — could she be?
Elizabeth Bennet is a gentlewoman. Society rules prevent her joining the search. But why would the arrogant and disdainful Mr. Darcy persist in the task?
Each time he returns to her to share what he has found, she falls more and more under the spell of his dark eyes and intense expression. But he cannot be possibly doing this all for the love of her. As the weeks turn into months, it must mean he is doing all this for her sister, so Elizabeth must deny herself her own happiness and distance herself from the man who makes her heart beat a stranger no longer.
And must she sacrifice her chance at love and happiness if her sister is denied it?
Dedication and Devotion is a standalone sweet and clean Regency Romance of more than 98,000 words
To achieve his mission, he must find her missing sister.
But where, in all the millions of acres —all the farms, hamlets, towns and cities that make England — could she be?
Elizabeth Bennet is a gentlewoman. Society rules prevent her joining the search. But why would the arrogant and disdainful Mr. Darcy persist in the task?
Each time he returns to her to share what he has found, she falls more and more under the spell of his dark eyes and intense expression. But he cannot be possibly doing this all for the love of her. As the weeks turn into months, it must mean he is doing all this for her sister, so Elizabeth must deny herself her own happiness and distance herself from the man who makes her heart beat a stranger no longer.
And must she sacrifice her chance at love and happiness if her sister is denied it?
Dedication and Devotion is a standalone sweet and clean Regency Romance of more than 98,000 words
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2024
76 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 13, 2024
A dark topic, but it brings love to two couples
Something dreadful has happened to Jane.
Darcy, out of duty, compassion and love, both for Elizabeth and his newly dead sister, puts his life on hold to find Jane.
Through the process, he and Elizabeth come to recognize deep feelings for the other.
The topic may be dark, but there is very little detail. The story mainly follows Darcy and Elizabeth as they struggle to push through the challenges over the year.
A little too much repetition of Darcy needing to do his duty and Elizabeth being beneath him. Like, a lot too much.
I also found the Jane-Colonel Fitzwilliam a bit contrived. Falling in love at first sight is attraction, not love. Certainly not to such an extent as portrayed here, but the author makes it work for a happy ever after.
The changes for the Bennet sisters is wonderful. Mr. And Mrs. Bennet are on par for their canon characters.
Something dreadful has happened to Jane.
Darcy, out of duty, compassion and love, both for Elizabeth and his newly dead sister, puts his life on hold to find Jane.
Through the process, he and Elizabeth come to recognize deep feelings for the other.
The topic may be dark, but there is very little detail. The story mainly follows Darcy and Elizabeth as they struggle to push through the challenges over the year.
A little too much repetition of Darcy needing to do his duty and Elizabeth being beneath him. Like, a lot too much.
I also found the Jane-Colonel Fitzwilliam a bit contrived. Falling in love at first sight is attraction, not love. Certainly not to such an extent as portrayed here, but the author makes it work for a happy ever after.
The changes for the Bennet sisters is wonderful. Mr. And Mrs. Bennet are on par for their canon characters.
January 16, 2024
Jane is kidnapped
An interesting idea. Darcy decides to search for her so the HEA is a given. The story of the search was a nice little bit of mystery. The last third of the story was about Jane and her new normal. I didn’t think it was finished. An epilogue about Jane’s future would have made the story much better. Just a so-so read.
An interesting idea. Darcy decides to search for her so the HEA is a given. The story of the search was a nice little bit of mystery. The last third of the story was about Jane and her new normal. I didn’t think it was finished. An epilogue about Jane’s future would have made the story much better. Just a so-so read.
January 12, 2024
The ODC portion of this book was really strong. The Jane portion of this was unsatisfying.
Read
February 4, 2024DNF. This could have been a great book if it included Jane. One mention of Georgiana being dead- how, what happened. Too much of Darcy thinking of his duty, Elizabeth not good enough, what is happening with Mrs Bennet and the rest of the family?
January 11, 2024
Beyond Beautiful!!
I wish I could find a way to give this more than 5 stars. This is an amazingly poignant story, filled with so much hope and fear, loss and hope, with deep devotion being its heart and driving message. Sisterly devotion, A lover's devotion, and a father's loving devotion. This book is compelling reading at its finest.
I wish I could find a way to give this more than 5 stars. This is an amazingly poignant story, filled with so much hope and fear, loss and hope, with deep devotion being its heart and driving message. Sisterly devotion, A lover's devotion, and a father's loving devotion. This book is compelling reading at its finest.
June 28, 2024
Jane Kidnapped, Darcy Searches
When Jane is kidnapped, it’s Darcy who does all the searching for her—all for the love of Elizabeth, even though he keeps telling himself he could never marry her, of course. A good story, but I found it to be too long and could have been cut to some degree. I got bored a little and was anxious to finish it. Rafe Beckley’s narration got me through, however, as he is a great narrator whom I enjoy very much.
While the story is centered around Jane, she is absent throughout the story. It’s still very much an Elizabeth and Darcy variation. Harriet Knowles has Darcy express his love for Elizabeth in her books in a way that is often very swoon worthy. I thought this was one of them. I really liked Lord Matlock is this book. He does a complete turnaround which surprised and pleased me. I felt for Jane, and was glad she got a happy ending.
I listened to this book as part of the Tall, Dark and Darcy collection now available as one audiobook.
When Jane is kidnapped, it’s Darcy who does all the searching for her—all for the love of Elizabeth, even though he keeps telling himself he could never marry her, of course. A good story, but I found it to be too long and could have been cut to some degree. I got bored a little and was anxious to finish it. Rafe Beckley’s narration got me through, however, as he is a great narrator whom I enjoy very much.
While the story is centered around Jane, she is absent throughout the story. It’s still very much an Elizabeth and Darcy variation. Harriet Knowles has Darcy express his love for Elizabeth in her books in a way that is often very swoon worthy. I thought this was one of them. I really liked Lord Matlock is this book. He does a complete turnaround which surprised and pleased me. I felt for Jane, and was glad she got a happy ending.
I listened to this book as part of the Tall, Dark and Darcy collection now available as one audiobook.
April 11, 2024
Jane Bennet doesn’t make it to Netherfield for dinner with Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst. This starts Fitzwilliam Darcy on lengthy hunt to find her, if only to see Elizabeth Bennet smile again. His dedication and devotion allows for happiness in more than one quarter.
I looked the story but it seemed to drag along at times.
I looked the story but it seemed to drag along at times.
January 13, 2024
Okay
After a promising beginning, the story dragged. The mystical bond between the sisters turned into others treating Elizabeth's feelings as fact, which I thought was just silly. Throwing in a case of life changing love at first sight also reduced my enjoyment of the book. The plot deserved more realistic storytelling. I still gave it 4 stars because the author is a talented writer, and the book was well edited.
After a promising beginning, the story dragged. The mystical bond between the sisters turned into others treating Elizabeth's feelings as fact, which I thought was just silly. Throwing in a case of life changing love at first sight also reduced my enjoyment of the book. The plot deserved more realistic storytelling. I still gave it 4 stars because the author is a talented writer, and the book was well edited.
January 30, 2024
Lovely story despite the turmoil
Ms Knowles's stories always draw me into the lives of its characters. I find myself immersed into the details of the location and time period by her writing style and descriptions. There is a great deal of angst in this story, but the relationship between ODC progresses in a manner that was not anxiety-ridden for me. Despite the terrible things that happened, I found so much strength of character in the elder Bennet sisters. I really enjoyed this book, and will be re-reading it in the future.
Ms Knowles's stories always draw me into the lives of its characters. I find myself immersed into the details of the location and time period by her writing style and descriptions. There is a great deal of angst in this story, but the relationship between ODC progresses in a manner that was not anxiety-ridden for me. Despite the terrible things that happened, I found so much strength of character in the elder Bennet sisters. I really enjoyed this book, and will be re-reading it in the future.
January 24, 2024
Enjoyable but slow in places
A bit too long could have been cut down as I found myself jumping chapters to move the story on. It is a great idea for a story but like I said it was too long
A bit too long could have been cut down as I found myself jumping chapters to move the story on. It is a great idea for a story but like I said it was too long
February 16, 2024
a LONG book of missed potential
Ms Knowles’ Tug of Love shares a similar storyline as this book. Unlike Tug of Love, this book never gets off the ground. Both stories feature a woman horrifically assaulted (Georgiana and Jane), but Tug of Love spendt a lot of time focusing on Georgiana’s recovery. It was engrossing.
Dedication and Devotion has none of that; it spends far too long with Darcy and the family finding her and watching her from a distance. Jane appears in one scene at the end. This book would have been so much stronger if it had had scenes where the reader got to get inside her head, to feel what she’s going through. Instead, we’re told endlessly that she might never recover.
Furthermore, Dedication and Devotion has a Darcy and Elizabeth with no chemistry. We repeatedly hear Elizabeth and Darcy telling themselves they love the other, and that their love can never be, but we never feel that love. Add to that Elizabeth’s ridiculous, drawn out conjecture that Darcy loves Jane.
D&D introduces threads that never go anywhere. Georgiana is mentioned on occasion, but we only hear of her plight in the last chapters. In addition, Darcy realizes that Elizabeth heard his insult at the assembly, but that’s it. Why have hime realize how he’d offended her if he doesn’t apologize?
.
I must single out this phrase: “She drew a deep breath. The scent of him; that masculine mixture of sage and old leather, overlaid with the wild sense of the peaks, and even the faintest tang of the ocean. She smiled ruefully to herself; she had never seen these wonderful places, how did she somehow know their aroma?” He smells like the peaks later on, too.
Finally, I deduct half a star for Darcy’s creepy condescension: “allow me the privilege of introducing you to the joy of knowing each other better than any other in the world.” Introducing, teaching, tutoring, guiding—they’re all gross terms. Why not just have him say he looks forward to their wedding night, too?
Ms Knowles’ Tug of Love shares a similar storyline as this book. Unlike Tug of Love, this book never gets off the ground. Both stories feature a woman horrifically assaulted (Georgiana and Jane), but Tug of Love spendt a lot of time focusing on Georgiana’s recovery. It was engrossing.
Dedication and Devotion has none of that; it spends far too long with Darcy and the family finding her and watching her from a distance. Jane appears in one scene at the end. This book would have been so much stronger if it had had scenes where the reader got to get inside her head, to feel what she’s going through. Instead, we’re told endlessly that she might never recover.
Furthermore, Dedication and Devotion has a Darcy and Elizabeth with no chemistry. We repeatedly hear Elizabeth and Darcy telling themselves they love the other, and that their love can never be, but we never feel that love. Add to that Elizabeth’s ridiculous, drawn out conjecture that Darcy loves Jane.
D&D introduces threads that never go anywhere. Georgiana is mentioned on occasion, but we only hear of her plight in the last chapters. In addition, Darcy realizes that Elizabeth heard his insult at the assembly, but that’s it. Why have hime realize how he’d offended her if he doesn’t apologize?
.
I must single out this phrase: “She drew a deep breath. The scent of him; that masculine mixture of sage and old leather, overlaid with the wild sense of the peaks, and even the faintest tang of the ocean. She smiled ruefully to herself; she had never seen these wonderful places, how did she somehow know their aroma?” He smells like the peaks later on, too.
Finally, I deduct half a star for Darcy’s creepy condescension: “allow me the privilege of introducing you to the joy of knowing each other better than any other in the world.” Introducing, teaching, tutoring, guiding—they’re all gross terms. Why not just have him say he looks forward to their wedding night, too?
February 3, 2024
The premise of searching for Jane is holding Darcy and Elizabeth together in this mystery story. I did like how they found a way to communicate which would not cross boundaries of propriety.
The Bingley sisters bear a large amount of blame for the delay in searching for Jane, which, of course, they do not admit to nor apologize for. They can't be bothered to contact Longbourn to ask why Jane never shows up for their dinner together. And Charles, wimp that he is, turns his back on the whole affair and goes off to London while Darcy stays at an inn or communicates from London as this story stretches out over a year.
Elizabeth and Darcy recognize their feelings for each other. However, Elizabeth "knows" Darcy can never court her and so decides he must be in love with Jane, although that, too, is an impossible match now that Jane is ruined. The whole Bennet family must share in that ruination. Yes, Darcy fights with himself over how beneath him Elizabeth is...as in canon.
Darcy has many men searching high and low for Jane or for clues as to where she is or what her fate is. As the Colonel gets in touch with Darcy after returning from the continent and being assigned a new career, he, ironically, finds himself now involved with Jane's fate.
I was disappointed with the fact that at the end we don't have an epilogue for Jane. I would have liked to have some projection of how this kidnapping did or did not affect her future in relationship with a certain man who comes to love her.
This story did keep me turning pages.
The Bingley sisters bear a large amount of blame for the delay in searching for Jane, which, of course, they do not admit to nor apologize for. They can't be bothered to contact Longbourn to ask why Jane never shows up for their dinner together. And Charles, wimp that he is, turns his back on the whole affair and goes off to London while Darcy stays at an inn or communicates from London as this story stretches out over a year.
Elizabeth and Darcy recognize their feelings for each other. However, Elizabeth "knows" Darcy can never court her and so decides he must be in love with Jane, although that, too, is an impossible match now that Jane is ruined. The whole Bennet family must share in that ruination. Yes, Darcy fights with himself over how beneath him Elizabeth is...as in canon.
Darcy has many men searching high and low for Jane or for clues as to where she is or what her fate is. As the Colonel gets in touch with Darcy after returning from the continent and being assigned a new career, he, ironically, finds himself now involved with Jane's fate.
I was disappointed with the fact that at the end we don't have an epilogue for Jane. I would have liked to have some projection of how this kidnapping did or did not affect her future in relationship with a certain man who comes to love her.
This story did keep me turning pages.
January 29, 2025
This story had quite a dark tone underlying everything. Jane is kidnapped, presumably raped and is left deeply scarred from her ordeal. The reader doesn't see any of it but we are aware of her story and in the end are left with a hope that she might be healed eventually but it is going to be years in coming. Thank heavens for the woman that sets out to help her do so.
The title of the book fits Darcy's determination to find Jane and also fits Elizabeth's determination to never give up in looking for her.
I was very annoyed with Bingley who was really kind of a louse and I was annoyed with Mr. Bennet. I mean in canon he is willing to go search for Lydia when she behaves stupidly. In this story he doesn't stir himself to do anything but allows Darcy to take it all on himself. And Jane's disappearance was not self inflicted as was Lydia's. Jane deserved more from her father.
I enjoyed Colonel F's father in this one and I loved Darcy's determination and patience.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a good job.
Potential triggers: kidnapping, rape, loss of loved ones
Sex: implied
Language: I don't remember any
Violence: off page kidnapping & rape
The title of the book fits Darcy's determination to find Jane and also fits Elizabeth's determination to never give up in looking for her.
I was very annoyed with Bingley who was really kind of a louse and I was annoyed with Mr. Bennet. I mean in canon he is willing to go search for Lydia when she behaves stupidly. In this story he doesn't stir himself to do anything but allows Darcy to take it all on himself. And Jane's disappearance was not self inflicted as was Lydia's. Jane deserved more from her father.
I enjoyed Colonel F's father in this one and I loved Darcy's determination and patience.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a good job.
Potential triggers: kidnapping, rape, loss of loved ones
Sex: implied
Language: I don't remember any
Violence: off page kidnapping & rape
February 13, 2024
Caution: not the sweet love story you think it is
Reading the description, I assumed, as I'm sure most would, that this is a story of Lydia running off, and Darcy trying to find her. However, this is a story about Jane going missing. I am including spoilers going forward so you know what you're getting into, as I was increasingly uncomfortable as the story went forward. Jane is abducted by a man who is obsessed with her. It's never confirmed but strongly implied that he has raped her during the many months she was missing. Whatever happened to her, she had a miserable existence for many months, and by the end of the book, she is still reluctant to be around people. It's hard to enjoy the love between Darcy and Elizabeth with the shadow of Jane's unhappiness and knowing terrible things have happened to her.
Reading the description, I assumed, as I'm sure most would, that this is a story of Lydia running off, and Darcy trying to find her. However, this is a story about Jane going missing. I am including spoilers going forward so you know what you're getting into, as I was increasingly uncomfortable as the story went forward. Jane is abducted by a man who is obsessed with her. It's never confirmed but strongly implied that he has raped her during the many months she was missing. Whatever happened to her, she had a miserable existence for many months, and by the end of the book, she is still reluctant to be around people. It's hard to enjoy the love between Darcy and Elizabeth with the shadow of Jane's unhappiness and knowing terrible things have happened to her.
February 14, 2024
lovely in its way but…
This book sticking with me for a while. Idk if i will read again but it’s in my memory for originality. Storyline amazing internal/external dialogue moved story nicely but imho too long for resolution (sure it’s tied in w/ long recovery of a MC) this book is gritty, rather desolate in its mood. The Bennet parents even less worthy than usual & the Bingley Family reprehensible in their behavior or lack thereof; FD is amazingly steadfast if less than insightful in his own regard, EB is even more than herself usually portrayed & her sister (while a main character) story not really revealed other than superficially-perhaps another book in the ether? Good book overall.
This book sticking with me for a while. Idk if i will read again but it’s in my memory for originality. Storyline amazing internal/external dialogue moved story nicely but imho too long for resolution (sure it’s tied in w/ long recovery of a MC) this book is gritty, rather desolate in its mood. The Bennet parents even less worthy than usual & the Bingley Family reprehensible in their behavior or lack thereof; FD is amazingly steadfast if less than insightful in his own regard, EB is even more than herself usually portrayed & her sister (while a main character) story not really revealed other than superficially-perhaps another book in the ether? Good book overall.
January 16, 2024
Very well done
This is the first time I have come across this plot line and I loved it. I admit to being more interested in the novel length stories, and those that hold more true to the era in which the original was set. This was also high angst which I enjoy, but didn’t drag it out too long! I was surprised there was no epilogue or sequel, as I’d be very eager to know what came next for some other characters.
This is the first time I have come across this plot line and I loved it. I admit to being more interested in the novel length stories, and those that hold more true to the era in which the original was set. This was also high angst which I enjoy, but didn’t drag it out too long! I was surprised there was no epilogue or sequel, as I’d be very eager to know what came next for some other characters.
January 28, 2024
A different plot angle
Focus of the story is on Jane and the repercussions of her disappearance when she rides over to Netherfield to find with Bingley's sisters. Darcy grows into his best self as he helps the Bennet family despite their social ruin. Very romantic thoughts and moments. No Wickham, but a non-canon villain. Very entertaining.
Focus of the story is on Jane and the repercussions of her disappearance when she rides over to Netherfield to find with Bingley's sisters. Darcy grows into his best self as he helps the Bennet family despite their social ruin. Very romantic thoughts and moments. No Wickham, but a non-canon villain. Very entertaining.
March 9, 2024
a very emotional book
Read the description and reviews. I will say this is a version emotional book and might bring you your tears. The plot has miss Bennet going missing in her horse ride to Netherfield for dinner with the sisters of Mr Bingley. The aftermath is truly heartbreaking. ODC find their happy ending do don’t worry.
Read the description and reviews. I will say this is a version emotional book and might bring you your tears. The plot has miss Bennet going missing in her horse ride to Netherfield for dinner with the sisters of Mr Bingley. The aftermath is truly heartbreaking. ODC find their happy ending do don’t worry.
March 24, 2024
heart wrenching
Had to deduct a half star for the dismissal of key characters (would have liked to see the Bingley family have a face to face set down). As another reviewer stated, a Jane version of this story would be… “nice” isn’t the word, but “interesting” may be better, but it would be heart wrenching times two. A HEA would make the trauma worth the read.
Had to deduct a half star for the dismissal of key characters (would have liked to see the Bingley family have a face to face set down). As another reviewer stated, a Jane version of this story would be… “nice” isn’t the word, but “interesting” may be better, but it would be heart wrenching times two. A HEA would make the trauma worth the read.
January 15, 2024
Another Great Take from A Great Author
I am greatly enjoying the work of Ms. Knowles and this one was no exception. I would love a variation on this story from Jane’s point of view. Will we never find out exactly what happened?
I am greatly enjoying the work of Ms. Knowles and this one was no exception. I would love a variation on this story from Jane’s point of view. Will we never find out exactly what happened?
January 16, 2024
Its been a good while since I read Ms Knowles, but I have to say I love her work.
This a very different plot very well written and extremely enjoyable.
I loved it ten stars if I could.
Recommend it highly.
This a very different plot very well written and extremely enjoyable.
I loved it ten stars if I could.
Recommend it highly.
February 28, 2024
50\50
By halfway i wondered if i wanted to finish reading this even though I'm a fan of this author. I did persist though and did appreciate the second half but don't know whether I'll want to re-read.
By halfway i wondered if i wanted to finish reading this even though I'm a fan of this author. I did persist though and did appreciate the second half but don't know whether I'll want to re-read.
January 24, 2024
Dedication and Devotion is so wonderful!
I loved this book. Poor Jane though! Each of of the Bungles should have been sent off to Australia!! Grrrrrr!
I loved this book. Poor Jane though! Each of of the Bungles should have been sent off to Australia!! Grrrrrr!
January 28, 2024
Angsty
The relationship that develops between them amongst sadness and sorrow is sweet and enduring. I liked how Mr. Bennet reacts. A different and unique tale.
The relationship that develops between them amongst sadness and sorrow is sweet and enduring. I liked how Mr. Bennet reacts. A different and unique tale.
January 29, 2024
Unique
What a great story this is. A different spin
on Jane Bennetts life. This story had me Delighted with all the twists and turns. I love this author!!!
What a great story this is. A different spin
on Jane Bennetts life. This story had me Delighted with all the twists and turns. I love this author!!!
February 5, 2024
So Different!!
Really enjoyed this book. It’s so different and so good!! I read it in a day. Let’s just say I got nothing done today. Nothing!!
Really enjoyed this book. It’s so different and so good!! I read it in a day. Let’s just say I got nothing done today. Nothing!!
February 13, 2024
Interesting story but a bit draggy in places. I felt that Jane's situation did not receive much closure and wondered if a sequel was being considered.
June 18, 2024
A Heartwrenching story, I was hard pressed not to peak forward just to see how it will all turn out, it seemed impossible at times.
May 14, 2025
I quite enjoyed how the first half developed, but the pace changed alot and the lasylt part felt like a very different book and I didn't enjoy it as much
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews