Tolerable: Sensual Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Darcy Fitzwilliam

Steamy, playful, enemies-to-lovers romance!

When Fitzwilliam Darcy insults Elizabeth Bennet at a ball, he’s shamed into dancing with her. To his surprise, she’s utterly charming. Her fine, dark eyes enchant him. Lively Elizabeth is the wrong sort of woman for aristocratic Darcy—but is she the only one who can win his heart?

This Regency Pride and Prejudice variation is heartfelt and fun. It has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.

Genres: Romance

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2024

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

One Liner: Timepass read

Darcy Fitzwilliam insults Elizabeth Bennet at a ball but has to dance with her. He soon finds out that she is charming and enchanting. Of course, she might be the wrong person for an aristocrat, but she is who Darcy wants.

The story comes in the third-person POV of Darcy and Lizzy.

My Thoughts:

So, I grabbed this novella for these reasons:

1. To tick off a reading challenge prompt
2. The book is just 110+ pages long
3. Rosh promised to read it if I read it first
( she didn’t; I’m making this up and hiding it as a spoiler to give her a mini scare )

Anyhoo, this is like an abridged version of P&P, but with a few tweaks.

The major difference is how Lizzy and Darcy communicate well and act rational. This eliminates the need for high drama and a third-act breakup. A relief if you ask me. ;)

Of course, we still have Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham to try and make things hard for the dear couple.

Mrs. Bennet is the same, though we get to see her in full action only once. The focus is more on getting Darcy and Lizzy together for as many scenes as possible.

Now, I’m not sure why we needed the steamy up there with the title. It does have a bit of steam, but not to the point where it should be highlighted. 2 max on the scale of 5.

To summarize, Tolerable is quite tolerable and enjoyable (better than I hoped, IMO). It’s a super light time-pass read.

Thank you, NetGalley, Decadent Darcy Press, and Victoria Editing Co-op, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #TolerableDarcyFitzwilliam

[Gratia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* rounded up. This is a good start and quick read by a new author. The canon story is altered during the events of the Meryton assembly after Darcy makes his infamous insult. Both Darcy and Elizabeth are self-reflective in a more positive direction and misunderstandings are treated with more restraint. The Bennet family, as a whole, are more restrained due to well placed comments by Jane and Elizabeth.

The author also incorporates diversity by adding POC subtly into her story.

My biggest criticism of the story is Darcy's resolution with Wickham. I simply have difficulty reconciling the scheme against his sister as "causing trouble".

I thought this book was well written and edited, and definitely had more storyline and content than the typical steamy romance. In fact, if you don't want the steam, you can skip the last 4.5 pages after the wedding!.

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

[Gill M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review also posted on my blog

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

Fitzwilliam Darcy is overheard dismissing Elizabeth Bennet as only tolerable.

In this variation, Darcy corrects his error by immediately asking Elizabeth to dance.

They both find much to admire in each other.

This changes the whole trajectory of the story. Those changes are pleasing.

I quite enjoyed the book, although some things jarred a little. Canteloupe and grapes for sale in the Meryton market?

Nevertheless, I am sure many will enjoy the story too.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tolerable: Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variation is a scant 111 pages. It gets to the point rather quickly.

As with most regency time romances, we find there is generally a group of snobs who think that they are better than others. Darcy Fitzwilliam insults Elizabeth Bennet labeling her as tolerable, totally unaware that she has overheard him. Darcy has to dance with her, finds out that there is more to Elizabeth than he had claimed.

The writing did not draw me into the story. I found it cumbersome and difficult to enjoy. I also did not find it steamy, so a bit misleading for me.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the Meryton Assembly Darcy insults Elizabeth not knowing that she overhears him. But only moments later he knows she has and is enchanted by her and her reaction to his insult. Therefore he asks her for a dance and her forgiveness. Forgiveness is granted and they soon become better acquainted and form a friendship. Friendship leads to love but is there a chance for a happy future together? Or is their station in life too different? Can they overcome the obstacles in their path to a happily ever after?

This story was very well written by the author Darcy Fitzwilliam.

In this variation soon after his insults Darcy asks Elizabeth for forgiveness. Because of this their acquaintance has a better start and they can get to know each other better without prejudices. Furthermore Darcy is, due to this, more inclined to accept his love for Elizabeth and Elizabeth on her part is not already prejudiced against him when she learns of his love. I very much like this nicer start for them and the development of their relationship from friendship to love.
And I really like that they are courting. There were some really nice scenes in the book in which they show their affection for each other. I especially liked their interactions at the harvest festival ❤️.

There are the usual villains in this story and they, as always, try to separate ODC. But because of their friendship and later love the villains are not successful. Darcy and Elizabeth talk to each other, raise the topic at hand and find a solution. I like this very much.

If you would like to read a story where Elizabeth and Darcy have a better start and therefore a much easier way to an understanding you should definitely read this book.

I highly recommend it.

The book contains scenes for a mature audience.

I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gen Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll make no secret that the original P&P is my favourite novel! One of the reasons why is the significance character growth and redemption arc afforded to our main couple. This story takes nearly all of that out, as things are solved so easily - which is admittedly the perspective it aimed for.

It is cute, sans some of the original sparkle - proving that sometimes a hard situation, such as the original story, can result in an equally happy outcome as the smooth path.

I do think that the labelling of sensual was a tad misleading, as it wasn’t overly steamy… at least by my standards.

2.5 stars - mainly as it wouldn’t stack up well on its own if you didn’t have P&P knowledge, and some inconsistencies such as cantaloupes and the lack of chaperones. But it was still mostly an enjoyable and quick read.

Thanks NetGalley for the free ARC of the book. The review left is voluntary and is my honest opinion.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Darcy is pushed to dance with Elizabeth Bennett at the Assembly, he discovers that there is more to her than he original thought. Attracted by her wit, compassion and beauty, he finds that he can't stay away from her. When an old foe of Darcy's appears in Meryton and starts spreading accusations against him and Elizabeth's cousin appears trying to stop any chance of a future, they realise that honesty and communication between each other will be key for their future. Full of drama, twists, turns and surprises, you can't fail to be captivated and engaged with this Pride and Prejudice variation.

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

[Lady Mercury · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 76% on my Kindle. Therefore only 2,5 Stars.

It was good book until Darcy and Elizabeth agreed to a courtship. Cute quick read if you get into it.
And well written, liked their banter and Mr Bennet's humor.

I liked the premise and was instantly intrigued, their friendship blossoming into love was beautiful to read, I gotta admit that. Darcy was until the courtship a likable character. A bit like Reformed Darcy from Canon.
Though for Elizabeth, I can't say the same.. She's definitely already in love or at least cares a great deal for Darcy but believes Wickham? This makes no sense to me. Even after Darcy explained himself, she's doubting him. A great start for a courtship indeed.

Their courtship, first, WHY is Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst accompanying Mr. Bingley (for Jane of course) and Darcy? If Darcy was in earnest he should have make her stay at Netherfield. I get that she wants Darcy but he is already courting Elizabeth so just say 'Back off'.
Second, Darcy was at Longbourn to call on Elizabeth, talked to her.. Miss Bingley interrupted and asked Darcy to take a walk around the room. He agreed!! WTF? He abandoned Elizabeth, the girl he called on, to walk around the room with Miss Bingley? A No-GO.
Third, Mr Collins calling Elizabeth 'Miss Eliza'.. That put me off too. And he is so insulting in my opinion. To be honest, if I would've been the mistress of the home, I would've thrown him out. Doesn't matter if he inherits Longbourn or not. It's not yet his, so Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet can still throw guests out.


I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review, all opinions expressed above are mine.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Darcy Fitzwilliam and I enjoyed the story and how all the characters were written. This book had several really fun scenes and I it was nice to read a fast paced story with Elizabeth and Darcy overcoming his insult at the ball so quickly. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather different turn of events for Darcy and Elizabeth. When Darcy insults Lizzy at the Assembly, he immediately notices she goes to her friends and they are laughing at him. Peeved, he then insists that Bingley introduce him to her. He invites her to dance, and realizes she is completely different from any other lady he has ever met, and he is flummoxed, so he determines not to speak with her for the rest of his time in Hertfordshire. Ha! That lasts for one day, when he meets with her in Meryton, and is intrigued by her. He desires to spend more time with her, falling more and more under her spell as time goes on.

I enjoyed the budding romance between Lizzy and Darcy. There was some humor here and there that made the book more enjoyable. I loved the harvest festival scenes, especially where Darcy is one of the cider contest judges and one of the other judges over-indulges in the cider and has to be carried away. The dialogue was mostly quite witty and fun, although there were too many modernisms for something that was supposed to be in the Regency era. The relationship between Darcy and Miss Bingley was very odd and rather unbelievable in places. She was always angry and trying to make him jealous, whereas he was trying to be friends with her (?) as if that could be possible! Wickham threw a (small) spanner in the works, and Collins was completely ridiculous - no surprise there. Jane and Bingley are sweet together and fall completely in love.

Anything else would be too much of a spoiler, though really, I doubt you would be surprised to find out that Darcy and Elizabeth get married at the end, eh? But the other things that happen and the rest of the details are fun to read about, so please do so!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this review, which is my own true and independent opinion.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a very short novella that is a variation on Pride and Prejudice. It stays pretty close to P+P in tone and in a shortened format with some minor changes in relationships. Darcy and Elizabeth have a more romantic connection and courtship with some of the same challenges by Wickham, but with some different relationships in this iteration. Mr. Collins is still foolish and heir to Mr. Bennet, and vicar to Lady Catherine, but her challenge to Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship is set differently and creatively formatted in this iteration. There is a steamy HEA as well. I did rather enjoy it as a short read and a variation on the P+P world.

3.25 stars out of 5.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
P&P variation that is overall faithful to the original – with some intriguing alterations. This version explores how the relationship could develop and play out if Darcy and Lizzy communicated with each other from the beginning. The story is fast-paced (and fast-tracked) and written with an easy and fun tone. And though it is shortened considerably, it still contains the most memorable and impactful characters. It is not particularly steamy though, so the title is somewhat misleading in that regard.
Thanks to Decadent Darcy Press and Net Galley for access to this quick and easy version of Pride and Prejudice that is surprisingly fun and satisfying.

[Trinnia Greenlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tolerable indeed! Mr Darcy says this of Elizabeth Bennet and she overhears him. He has to ask her to dance to save himself from embarrassment. The dance changes his perception of her and sparks fly between them. I like this shortened version without all the angst and miscommunications between the two. A few new twists and different outcomes change the story, but I enjoyed it. Mr Darcy and Elizabeth get their HEA without too much interference from others, along with Jane and Mr Bingley. A good short different version of P&P. I recommend this book.

TG

I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this book voluntarily.

[Buturot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story started at the Assembly, when Mr. Darcy insulted Elizabeth. After the insult, Elizabeth did what she normally did but Mr. Darcy did something different. From then on, the interaction between the two were tolerable but very much agreeable. There were hints of criticism or rebuke but the response to them were different on both sides. Enjoyable play with words and retorts that escalated into a courtship.

This is a wonderfully made subtle romance between ODC with lots of interactions/moments to enjoy. Highly recommend enjoying this read.

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

[Michelle Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full speed ahead on this P&P variation. A very quick and easy read, Tolerable, was well written with some interesting variations, and though short in length, addressed some issues I’ve always held with P&P - I found this an overall fun read.

Steam level is very mild and I found it came across awkwardly. Regarding that aspect, in the words of Mr Darcy himself, “tolerable, but not (handsome) enough to tempt me”. If something proclaims itself “steamy”, I expect that.




Thank you to Decadent Darcy Press and NetGalley for the DRC

[Jen B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
ODC were out of character in this variation, overcoming their misunderstandings earlier - it was nice to see them actually communicate to get them through the angst - miracle! That happens so rarely in the JAFF world.
It was a fun, fairly quick read.

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

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tolerable: Steamy Pride and Prejudice Variation by Darcy Fitzwilliam was of course Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) and it was the basic P&P but fast tracked. I thought it was uneventful but for a few small changes at the end. It was pleasant enough I just wanted more.
Thanks Decadent Darcy Press via NetGalley.
3.5⭐️

[Meranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way that this variation of Darcy is forthright and direct. There aren’t miscommunications between ODC, just connections.

This Darcy was a little less tied to structures of society, and a little more swoon-inducing.

Definitely worth the read!.

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

[julianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice solid twist on a classic. It does read a bit like P&P fanfic but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I liked the characterisations, and the pairing shift from the original.

A couple of things that were glaringly out of place - there's no way there would have been grapes and cantaloupes for sale at the market in Meryton.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Fitzwilliam Darcy insults Elizabeth Bennet at a ball, he’s shamed into dancing with her. To his surprise, she’s utterly charming. Her fine, dark eyes enchant him. Lively Elizabeth is the wrong sort of woman for aristocratic Darcy—but is she the only one who can win his heart? A steamy, intriguing read. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I love the original story, this was a quick and enjoyable read for the most part. On the other hand, it was almost too short. This one was lacking some character development and accuracy for the time period. If you're looking for a quick hit of P & P without diving too deep into how realistic it is, you'll enjoy this.

[sharon temple · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a nice story but it could have been written about any young couple. There are too many extreme alterations to our beloved characters and it rendered them almost strangers with familiar names.
Sorry but I really wanted to like this more than I did.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light, no-angst variation in which Darcy regrets his assembly insult almost immediately and our dear couple comes into an understanding more quickly.
Steam level: A wedding night in the last few pages.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This variation of Pride and Prejudice was enjoyable and well written. It includes romance and steam, and it ends happily. I recommend reading.