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Her Whole Heart: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
One brave act. An unexpected reward.
Fitzwilliam Darcy's uncle has insisted he finally remain in town for the full season. Ill at ease in London society, he makes a cutting remark about Elizabeth Bennet, a woman he's barely met. But she is not unprotected, and when an earl demands he make amends, he reluctantly complies.
Darcy is prepared to deal with yet another fortune hunter, but Elizabeth's kindness towards society's wallflowers and her quiet bravery in the face of adversity slowly wear away his prejudices. As his admiration grows, so does his dilemma. Can he convince Elizabeth to trust him, to see beyond his earlier rudeness and recognize his changed heart? Or will his initial misstep and Elizabeth's own guarded nature keep them apart?
Fitzwilliam Darcy's uncle has insisted he finally remain in town for the full season. Ill at ease in London society, he makes a cutting remark about Elizabeth Bennet, a woman he's barely met. But she is not unprotected, and when an earl demands he make amends, he reluctantly complies.
Darcy is prepared to deal with yet another fortune hunter, but Elizabeth's kindness towards society's wallflowers and her quiet bravery in the face of adversity slowly wear away his prejudices. As his admiration grows, so does his dilemma. Can he convince Elizabeth to trust him, to see beyond his earlier rudeness and recognize his changed heart? Or will his initial misstep and Elizabeth's own guarded nature keep them apart?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 6, 2025
This Pride and Prejudice variation opens at Longbourn, where the Bennet sisters find themselves practically disowned and resented by their parents. The reason behind this—a fortune that Elizabeth and Jane have received but cannot share—gradually comes to light. The two sisters are preparing to depart for London to be hosted by their school friend Amelia Hamilton’s aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Carlisle. Amelia has insisted they be invited to join her for their first Season in Town.
Pressured by his Uncle Matlock to attend the Season and finally choose a wife, Darcy reluctantly agrees. His infamous insult still occurs, but this time at a London ball where he first meets Elizabeth and Jane. The Earl of Carlisle, a peer who commands respect in the Ton, if not slightly feared, is seriously displeased with Darcy’s treatment of his ward and commands him to befriend Elizabeth and keep company with her during the remainder of the Season’s events. Darcy must balance this with not raising expectations or creating gossip amongst the Ton. As the reader might expect, this ‘forced’ friendship becomes real and then more, as respect, trust, and love grow. Trust will be tested.
Elizabeth’s portrayal is one of great strength and integrity—not only when she was a young girl but also as a woman—becoming a heroine twice over. There is a somewhat suspenseful subplot surrounding Elizabeth and Jane’s past at school which builds an intriguing backstory and context for their current challenges, especially Elizabeth’s.
Jane and Bingley’s burgeoning courtship will face a challenge when Bingley’s struggle to stand up to his domineering sisters almost jeopardizes their blooming romance. Jane’s strong-of-character portrayal had me wanting to applaud. Meanwhile, Elizabeth has to contend with the dreaded presence of, and cutting remarks made by ‘mean girls’ from her school days.
Character interactions are filled with the expected tension, disappointments, and evolving respect readers have come to expect from a good variation. Secondary character roles are enhanced by delightful banter involving Darcy and his Fitzwilliam cousins. The story is not just about overcoming personal challenges related to the past and adversity faced in the present. It is also about forging lasting friendships, as Elizabeth and Jane make some life-long women friends—delightful non-canon characters who play a large role in this novel, along with the younger Georgiana who is welcomed into their fold. The mean-girl villains in the book are brilliantly written too.
Melanie Rachel is a favourite JAFF author and "Her Whole Heart" is a multi-layered, captivating variation with an original plot and settings away from Longbourn. It is an excellent read for fans of "Pride and Prejudice" who love dialogue and crave something new and unique. I truly loved it.
Highly recommend.
Kisses only.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the Kindle version and the audiobook.
September 3, 2024 - Audiobook
Truly outstanding performance by Harry Frost. He just keeps getting better and better. There’s a scene where Darcy and his two Fitzwilliam cousins are giving Bingley advice which had me laughing out loud. He really nails that man scene. It helps when the dialogue is excellent. Great story, great narration!
May 5, 2025 - Audiobook - Second Listen
Harry Frost sings well as a girl. 😉 Makes me want to hear him singing as Darcy.
Pressured by his Uncle Matlock to attend the Season and finally choose a wife, Darcy reluctantly agrees. His infamous insult still occurs, but this time at a London ball where he first meets Elizabeth and Jane. The Earl of Carlisle, a peer who commands respect in the Ton, if not slightly feared, is seriously displeased with Darcy’s treatment of his ward and commands him to befriend Elizabeth and keep company with her during the remainder of the Season’s events. Darcy must balance this with not raising expectations or creating gossip amongst the Ton. As the reader might expect, this ‘forced’ friendship becomes real and then more, as respect, trust, and love grow. Trust will be tested.
Elizabeth’s portrayal is one of great strength and integrity—not only when she was a young girl but also as a woman—becoming a heroine twice over. There is a somewhat suspenseful subplot surrounding Elizabeth and Jane’s past at school which builds an intriguing backstory and context for their current challenges, especially Elizabeth’s.
Jane and Bingley’s burgeoning courtship will face a challenge when Bingley’s struggle to stand up to his domineering sisters almost jeopardizes their blooming romance. Jane’s strong-of-character portrayal had me wanting to applaud. Meanwhile, Elizabeth has to contend with the dreaded presence of, and cutting remarks made by ‘mean girls’ from her school days.
Character interactions are filled with the expected tension, disappointments, and evolving respect readers have come to expect from a good variation. Secondary character roles are enhanced by delightful banter involving Darcy and his Fitzwilliam cousins. The story is not just about overcoming personal challenges related to the past and adversity faced in the present. It is also about forging lasting friendships, as Elizabeth and Jane make some life-long women friends—delightful non-canon characters who play a large role in this novel, along with the younger Georgiana who is welcomed into their fold. The mean-girl villains in the book are brilliantly written too.
Melanie Rachel is a favourite JAFF author and "Her Whole Heart" is a multi-layered, captivating variation with an original plot and settings away from Longbourn. It is an excellent read for fans of "Pride and Prejudice" who love dialogue and crave something new and unique. I truly loved it.
Highly recommend.
Kisses only.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased the Kindle version and the audiobook.
September 3, 2024 - Audiobook
Truly outstanding performance by Harry Frost. He just keeps getting better and better. There’s a scene where Darcy and his two Fitzwilliam cousins are giving Bingley advice which had me laughing out loud. He really nails that man scene. It helps when the dialogue is excellent. Great story, great narration!
May 5, 2025 - Audiobook - Second Listen
Harry Frost sings well as a girl. 😉 Makes me want to hear him singing as Darcy.
September 25, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
At the end of this story (A copy of which I won on her blog.) the author offers a copy of the Prologue she had deleted and an additional epilogue. I was very happy to read the Prologue as I had difficulty putting together in my mind how the "fire" and its consequences played out.
Elizabeth and Jane come to live with Lord and Lady Carlisle and their friend, Amelia, who has invited them to share an entry into society. There they meet some old friends and enemies from their school years at Mrs. Buxton's School.
Darcy, true to canon, insults Elizabeth at an affair and is called on the carpet by Lord Carlisle and ordered to befriend her and show society that the insult was not meant. As the couple spend much time together, Elizabeth also befriends Georgiana. Darcy at one point, having asked if he can "call" on Elizabeth, soon finds that not having shared the "why" of his being in her presence often finds himself having lost her trust, which is all-important to her.
Meanwhile Bingley's and Jane's story plays out just a little different when he is confronted with the fact that he allows his sisters to "rule the roost". He, too, decides to make some changes.
This is a longer story and much attention is given to the building relationship between D. and E. However, there is also time given to the old "enemies" from school and how those are still gossiping about Elizabeth and threatening to spoil both Bennet sisters' season in London.
I have read many of this author's stories and have enjoyed all of them. This was no exception.
At the end of this story (A copy of which I won on her blog.) the author offers a copy of the Prologue she had deleted and an additional epilogue. I was very happy to read the Prologue as I had difficulty putting together in my mind how the "fire" and its consequences played out.
Elizabeth and Jane come to live with Lord and Lady Carlisle and their friend, Amelia, who has invited them to share an entry into society. There they meet some old friends and enemies from their school years at Mrs. Buxton's School.
Darcy, true to canon, insults Elizabeth at an affair and is called on the carpet by Lord Carlisle and ordered to befriend her and show society that the insult was not meant. As the couple spend much time together, Elizabeth also befriends Georgiana. Darcy at one point, having asked if he can "call" on Elizabeth, soon finds that not having shared the "why" of his being in her presence often finds himself having lost her trust, which is all-important to her.
Meanwhile Bingley's and Jane's story plays out just a little different when he is confronted with the fact that he allows his sisters to "rule the roost". He, too, decides to make some changes.
This is a longer story and much attention is given to the building relationship between D. and E. However, there is also time given to the old "enemies" from school and how those are still gossiping about Elizabeth and threatening to spoil both Bennet sisters' season in London.
I have read many of this author's stories and have enjoyed all of them. This was no exception.
September 1, 2024
Audiobook: In search of desperately needed love
There is a lot of shadow surrounding the what and why of Elizabeth's and Jane's situations. The Bennet parents are nearly as bad as they can get, but there is much more to our dear girls' backstory, which get revealed to us slowly, one teasing piece of information at a time.
Darcy puts his foot in his mouth at a London ball, a 'la Meryton assembly. This time though, an earl forces him step up and make amends. Jane is Jane and Bingley is Bingley, but without his sisters in the beginning and with one loving sister's advice.
It's a wonderful love story between our dear couple, in the setting of London's Society. However, the real love story is Elizabeth learning to love an accept herself, after years of mental and emotional abuse from those her are supposed to love and protect her. Not tear her down. By letting go of all the negative baggage, she makes room for the love of a good and kind man. A lot happens before the happy ever after takes place.
Fantastic audiobook. Mr. Harry Frost is a favorite and he did a great job!
Loved it!
There is a lot of shadow surrounding the what and why of Elizabeth's and Jane's situations. The Bennet parents are nearly as bad as they can get, but there is much more to our dear girls' backstory, which get revealed to us slowly, one teasing piece of information at a time.
Darcy puts his foot in his mouth at a London ball, a 'la Meryton assembly. This time though, an earl forces him step up and make amends. Jane is Jane and Bingley is Bingley, but without his sisters in the beginning and with one loving sister's advice.
It's a wonderful love story between our dear couple, in the setting of London's Society. However, the real love story is Elizabeth learning to love an accept herself, after years of mental and emotional abuse from those her are supposed to love and protect her. Not tear her down. By letting go of all the negative baggage, she makes room for the love of a good and kind man. A lot happens before the happy ever after takes place.
Fantastic audiobook. Mr. Harry Frost is a favorite and he did a great job!
Loved it!
September 14, 2024
‘One brave act. An unexpected reward.’ Quote from the blurb.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: appropriate for everyone
>>Angst Level: some slight angst due to the machinations of villains [mean girls from school who had not grown up], and a tense moment nearly killed someone. Trigger for someone who suffers [PTSD] from having been in a fire.
>>Tissue Alert: I laughed so hard I was in tears. Those Fitzwilliam brothers were a scream
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [9-10-24] I volunteered to leave a review. Part of: Darcy and Elizabeth Happily Ever Afters (7 books) 31 chapters + epilogue
>>Trope: {1] Horrid Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as parents [2] Elizabeth and Jane make enviable connections. [3] Strong Jane [4] No silly sisters running amuck, no Wickham, or Lady Catherine…thank you very much
“Being the object of her father’s resentment and her mother’s ire for the past four years had left its mark.”
What a delightful story. I loved it and it was so well done. The language between the characters was hilarious. The snark and wit were evident with Elizabeth and she didn’t suffer fools. However, the damage wrought from the treatment, or lack thereof, from her parents was deeply set with Elizabeth and hard for her to overcome. They were horrid. Jane was a strong influence on her sister and her greatest supporter. I loved this characterization of Jane.
“[…] an insult to any member of my household is also an insult to me, a mere apology will not suffice.” Quote from the book
Oh, dear. Darcy had a few problems with foot-in-mouth but Elizabeth had someone on her team who would not tolerate a slight against his ward. Darcy was called on the carpet and was informed in no uncertain terms how things would progress. All the reader had to do now was watch him fall in love… and he did. How delightful.
Georgiana was so much fun. I enjoyed watching her blossom under the care of Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, and a cadre of their friends. I enjoyed watching them help this shy girl grow into her strength. I wanted to be friends with them. This was 5++ stars and one I will read again.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: appropriate for everyone
>>Angst Level: some slight angst due to the machinations of villains [mean girls from school who had not grown up], and a tense moment nearly killed someone. Trigger for someone who suffers [PTSD] from having been in a fire.
>>Tissue Alert: I laughed so hard I was in tears. Those Fitzwilliam brothers were a scream
>>Source: Borrowed from KU [9-10-24] I volunteered to leave a review. Part of: Darcy and Elizabeth Happily Ever Afters (7 books) 31 chapters + epilogue
>>Trope: {1] Horrid Mr. and Mrs. Bennet as parents [2] Elizabeth and Jane make enviable connections. [3] Strong Jane [4] No silly sisters running amuck, no Wickham, or Lady Catherine…thank you very much
“Being the object of her father’s resentment and her mother’s ire for the past four years had left its mark.”
What a delightful story. I loved it and it was so well done. The language between the characters was hilarious. The snark and wit were evident with Elizabeth and she didn’t suffer fools. However, the damage wrought from the treatment, or lack thereof, from her parents was deeply set with Elizabeth and hard for her to overcome. They were horrid. Jane was a strong influence on her sister and her greatest supporter. I loved this characterization of Jane.
“[…] an insult to any member of my household is also an insult to me, a mere apology will not suffice.” Quote from the book
Oh, dear. Darcy had a few problems with foot-in-mouth but Elizabeth had someone on her team who would not tolerate a slight against his ward. Darcy was called on the carpet and was informed in no uncertain terms how things would progress. All the reader had to do now was watch him fall in love… and he did. How delightful.
Georgiana was so much fun. I enjoyed watching her blossom under the care of Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, and a cadre of their friends. I enjoyed watching them help this shy girl grow into her strength. I wanted to be friends with them. This was 5++ stars and one I will read again.
August 18, 2025
Heroism is not only in the man but in the occasion. — Calvin Coolidge
“Her Whole Heart” is the story of a heroic Elizabeth Bennet.
We will not learn the circumstances of her heroism until later in the book, but the mystery appears early. Elizabeth and her sister, Jane, are invited to the London season by their friend, Amelia. They will reside with Amelia’s grandparents, Lord and Lady Carlisle.
The situation at Longbourn has become uncomfortable for both young women and they are unlikely to return to their childhood home. The reason for the estrangement is obscure and is related to Elizabeth’s heroism.
Details of canon Pride & Prejudice appear — insults, anyone — but the resolution is different. Lord Carlisle will not allow behavior that Mr. Bennet tolerates.
Melanie Rachel is one of my favorite JAFF authors, so I have high expectations of her books.. This story did not disappoint me. Loved it!
The real hero is always a hero by mistake. — Umberto Eco
“Her Whole Heart” is the story of a heroic Elizabeth Bennet.
We will not learn the circumstances of her heroism until later in the book, but the mystery appears early. Elizabeth and her sister, Jane, are invited to the London season by their friend, Amelia. They will reside with Amelia’s grandparents, Lord and Lady Carlisle.
The situation at Longbourn has become uncomfortable for both young women and they are unlikely to return to their childhood home. The reason for the estrangement is obscure and is related to Elizabeth’s heroism.
Details of canon Pride & Prejudice appear — insults, anyone — but the resolution is different. Lord Carlisle will not allow behavior that Mr. Bennet tolerates.
Melanie Rachel is one of my favorite JAFF authors, so I have high expectations of her books.. This story did not disappoint me. Loved it!
The real hero is always a hero by mistake. — Umberto Eco
September 8, 2024
Lizzy in London
The author is one of my two favorite Pride and Prejudice variation writers. The story is very original and takes place mostly in London. I love when a variation has Lizzy in London. There are so many places where a story can begin there and room to surprise the reader.
The book has just become available so I shan’t give spoilers away. I’m sure most readers will enjoy a well crafted tale. Five thumbs up.
The author is one of my two favorite Pride and Prejudice variation writers. The story is very original and takes place mostly in London. I love when a variation has Lizzy in London. There are so many places where a story can begin there and room to surprise the reader.
The book has just become available so I shan’t give spoilers away. I’m sure most readers will enjoy a well crafted tale. Five thumbs up.
September 5, 2024
Lizzy in London
4.5* rounded down
In a story without wicked Wickham, kowtowing Collins or quarrelsome Lady Catherine, the challenge to Elizabeth's happiness stems from emotional abuse and bullying from Regency mean girls and her parents. Elizabeth rises against her challenges with indomitable spirit and aplomb. Darcy was quite a curmudgeon at the beginning of their acquaintance and didn't understand why he was in such ill humour. Ultimately, ODC grow and come to depend on each other for emotional stability. As a Regency history buff, kudos to Ms.
Rachel for incorporating actual events into the plot. This is a wonderful book and audiobook narrated by the inimitable Harry Frost.
4.5* rounded down
In a story without wicked Wickham, kowtowing Collins or quarrelsome Lady Catherine, the challenge to Elizabeth's happiness stems from emotional abuse and bullying from Regency mean girls and her parents. Elizabeth rises against her challenges with indomitable spirit and aplomb. Darcy was quite a curmudgeon at the beginning of their acquaintance and didn't understand why he was in such ill humour. Ultimately, ODC grow and come to depend on each other for emotional stability. As a Regency history buff, kudos to Ms.
Rachel for incorporating actual events into the plot. This is a wonderful book and audiobook narrated by the inimitable Harry Frost.
September 9, 2024
perfect Lizzy
2.75 stars
The story featured a Lizzy who never had to atone for any character flaw. I also didn’t understand how she was able to keep her £, as she was a single woman under 21 and her father would have full say over her finances. I couldn’t wait to be done with the book.
2.75 stars
The story featured a Lizzy who never had to atone for any character flaw. I also didn’t understand how she was able to keep her £, as she was a single woman under 21 and her father would have full say over her finances. I couldn’t wait to be done with the book.
December 7, 2024
Imaginative
Interesting variation where the circumstances affect the characters. Lovely original characters and some (thankfully the least) are really hateful. In all, an engaging tale.
Interesting variation where the circumstances affect the characters. Lovely original characters and some (thankfully the least) are really hateful. In all, an engaging tale.
October 14, 2024
This caught MY whole heart.
Elizabeth and Jane are invited to spend the season with a friend from school at the home of her Aunt and Uncle, who are Aristocracy, allied with the Matlocks, friends of Darcy’s parents when they were alive. Elizabeth and Jane have significant dowries, the source of which is slowly revealed during the story.
In this book the Bennet parents are not a visible role in the story, but they are a significant source of anger and sadness for the oldest sisters, especially Elizabeth. Meeting Darcy and Bingley came under different circumstances, their characters are the same in the beginning as in canon. Watching their characters evolve and grow was what makes this story so especially original and satisfying. Jane’s character is stronger here and I loved that.
Elizabeth has to face and endure tortuous false gossip from two women she and Jane knew from the school they attended as younger girls. Basically The Mean Girls personified times-x. Darcy quickly becomes enamored of Elizabeth and becomes her champion, once he eats some shoe leather over a huge faux pas. oh my. Again, original.
Elizabeth gains a few very good friendships in the story, which makes for an important support group in opposition to the lies being spread around. These ladies were fascinating character studies in their own right but came into the story at just the right time. I loved it. I want a sequel with these characters as part of the ongoing story.
The building friendship and romance between Darcy and Elizabeth was compelling, heroic, deeply emotional. Very endearing.
The writing, if possible, was even better than we come to expect from this author. I’m going to sound ‘gushy’ here but this was amazing, fantastic , wonderful work. This will be in my reread stack of favorites and it’s going on my top ten list for the year. I can’t wait to get the audio book. Highly recommended.
Elizabeth and Jane are invited to spend the season with a friend from school at the home of her Aunt and Uncle, who are Aristocracy, allied with the Matlocks, friends of Darcy’s parents when they were alive. Elizabeth and Jane have significant dowries, the source of which is slowly revealed during the story.
In this book the Bennet parents are not a visible role in the story, but they are a significant source of anger and sadness for the oldest sisters, especially Elizabeth. Meeting Darcy and Bingley came under different circumstances, their characters are the same in the beginning as in canon. Watching their characters evolve and grow was what makes this story so especially original and satisfying. Jane’s character is stronger here and I loved that.
Elizabeth has to face and endure tortuous false gossip from two women she and Jane knew from the school they attended as younger girls. Basically The Mean Girls personified times-x. Darcy quickly becomes enamored of Elizabeth and becomes her champion, once he eats some shoe leather over a huge faux pas. oh my. Again, original.
Elizabeth gains a few very good friendships in the story, which makes for an important support group in opposition to the lies being spread around. These ladies were fascinating character studies in their own right but came into the story at just the right time. I loved it. I want a sequel with these characters as part of the ongoing story.
The building friendship and romance between Darcy and Elizabeth was compelling, heroic, deeply emotional. Very endearing.
The writing, if possible, was even better than we come to expect from this author. I’m going to sound ‘gushy’ here but this was amazing, fantastic , wonderful work. This will be in my reread stack of favorites and it’s going on my top ten list for the year. I can’t wait to get the audio book. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2024
Elizabeth Bennet doesn't let one insult hold her back, but the earl who has taken her and Jane into his home for a London season objects to Mr. Darcy's treatment of his ward on their first encounter, and insists that Darcy become her friend and protector. What begins grudgingly turns into a friendship, and then love, until a misunderstanding trips it up. In the mean time the reader gradually begins to find the answer to why the earl has taken the sisters in, and where their hefty dowry comes from. That makes the story that much more intriguing, as stories are told on each side of the situation that don't add up until near the end. I found this caused the story to hold my interest in a way that the simple romance and more obvious friendships alone would not have. A quite refreshing variation on Pride and Prejudice that turned out better than I first expected.
October 2, 2024
Elizabeth and Jane Bennet are to enjoy the season as a guest of their friend. The story has them meeting people, finding true friends, standing up for themselves and others, earning and giving trust, and finding love.
The characters are wonderful and I struggled to put the book down!
The characters are wonderful and I struggled to put the book down!
September 13, 2024
3.25 stars
October 24, 2025
I was reluctant to read "Jane and Elizabeth have a fortune" story, especially with additional "they have connections to peerage" trope, as a lot of them go the same way. There's some dancing, there's some flirting, every man is chasing the Bennet girls to get their hands on "fortune" (even when it feels relatively... modest by the ton society standards), and the girls either put too much trust into the men who eventually show their true colours, or they immediately get jaded and have no trust.
This story is unique. It does a lot of things I haven't really seen in a P&P variation before (at least, not in such detail).
In this story, Mr Bennet is just SLIGHTLY more responsible, and he sends his two eldest daughters to a very good school, in hopes they'll get connections among the rich girls with rich brothers, find rich husbands, and save the Bennet family. While in school, the girls come to a fortune (20k each), and the "hows" get revealed later in the story, befriend a Miss Amelia Hamilton, who is a niece to Lord Carlisle, and get invited to have a season in London.
And so the novel starts with Jane (21-22yo) and Lizzie(19-20yo) leaving Longbourn for their first ever season in London. The reader doesn't yet know all the details, but we know that Jane & Elizabeth are angry with their parents and vow to never return to Longbourn again. Even if they stay spinsters, they have enough money to rent a house in the countryside.
With Gardiners are out of town that season, it's really just a Jane & Elizabeth take-on-the-ton story. But not quite:
Lord Carlisle is a powerful man no one wants to cross, so his name alone keeps the rakes away. There's only one suitor (besides Darcy&Bingley) who repeatedly engages in conversation with Elizabeth, and he disappears quite fast.
One of the main plots throughout the novel is the politics/drama of the high society. We have Darcy who wants to prepare his sister for her outing, he's frequently in conversation with his Fitzwilliam cousins, with his uncle and even with Lord Carlisle. Then there're the Bennet sisters, who have to deal with the rumours spread by the mean girls from the school they went to, and Carlisle & Fitzwilliam families unite in combating those rumours and keeping their reputation clean. Oh, and although there're a few mean girls, Bennet girls make a few friends among the ton bachelorettes, and the girls spending time together is another big part of the novel.
And what I consider a novelty is that Miss Bingley is barely present and Lady Catherine doesn't make an appearance, there're other villains who drive the plot.
There were a few modernisms "for quite literally no reason at all" (that's a quote).
But there were also some good historical fiction details: e.g. the talk during a dance at the beginning kept mentioning 'breaks' where Elizabeth and Darcy would not be able to talk. There're a few details about paying in a store, about the gowns, about the appropriate (food and flowers) or not appropriate (jewelry) gifts from a gentleman who is courting you. The chaperons felt like a more present force in the story.
The romance between Elizabeth and Darcy starts off on the wrong foot (that's just the usual). They're arguing too much, even the text notes how exhausting it was.
It got better, though. The "switch" didn't feel the most organic, but once they started being friendly with each other, it was an enjoyable romance to read.
It wasn't the best: it felt like Elizabeth & Darcy were mostly speaking about trust/drama and how amazing they were to each other, rather than finding out more about each other (Darcy never talked of Pemberley, and Elizabeth doesn't have a passion for countryside and walking). But still, it was unique, had strong parts other variations did not, and therefore enjoyable.
There was no "Elizabeth is unsuitable" drama, no "bad proposal #1" tropes that are repeated in so many variations. Elizabeth's fortune is decent enough, her connections are not direct, but the powerful Carlisles seem very protective of her, and that's good enough. She also befriends a very powerful lady, which is a plus for Georgiana's outing. Lord Carlisle also immediately schools Darcy on how traders like Mr Gardiner are better than many of the ton people. Not much is known about Longbourn or the Bennet family, but Elizabeth is a daughter to a respectable landed gentleman, and the remaining Bennet women aren't an axe hanging over potential suitors' heads.
Jane is wonderful in the story.Is Jane-with-a-backbone a trope in JAFF? Her years in the school with all the mean girls taught her that some people have bad motives and want to hurt you for no apparent reason, and she grew very defensive of Elizabeth, who was usually the target of the mean girls.
Jane is also all propriety, and Elizabeth warns all potential suitors that they must not scare her off and act the way gentlemen supposed to. With the girls loathing Mr Bennet for not saving up for any dowries, not being able to curtail spending of Mrs Bennet and charging the oldest sisters to save their family, Jane is looking for a husband with a spine, and so after she sees Bingley not being able to control his sisters, Jane sends Bingley off en route to become a man more deserving of having a wife.
They do eventually get HEA, but I thought it happened too soon after the reunification. Bingley should've done more to prove himself to Jane, with how otherwise proper she'd been all novel.
Another big part of the novel was grief and trust. Darcy is grieving for his parents, and it's not a switch he can just turn off. Elizabeth is also grieving, for what - it's hard to describe, some combination of bitterness at her parents and the trauma she experienced at school. She carries a lot of that hurt inside, and opens up to Darcy & occasionally to Jane (she already knows most of it) about how hard all the events have been for her.
Although the plot - the society politics drama, Bennet girls & friends, the secrets relating to past unraveling - was solid, there were a few inconsistencies. Like in the beginning there was an insinuation that Bennet girls standing with Carlisles could be fragile, and that Lady Carlisle might be angry that they outshone her niece and Elizabeth was the first choice for Mr Darcy. But that's was forgotten about, that insecurity doesn't appear again, and the niece, as it turned out, wasn't even looking for marriage that season, and the Carlisles are ride-or-die for the Bennets.
Darcy is also "ordered" to be a friend to Elizabeth early on, but then immediately he skips on 2 weeks worth of social engagements. Didn't feel like he was actually doing his part.
And in school Bennet girls were supposedly respected/favourites, were pitied that so much goodness came with no fortune, yet everyone were too afraid to be friends with them.
I think the Bennet parents were made too evil, it was uncomfortable to read. And my biggest qualm about the whole situation, is that the younger sisters were completely forgotten about. It's hard to know how they lived in Longbourn, and they are not featured in any epilogues (there's the main one and there's a bonus one).
Lydia, Kitty and even Mary could be haughty, but they were ALSO victims of their parents. They're also one year younger than in the P&P, and we do not know whether they were the same as in P&P or changed, as Mr Bennet was a bit more responsible in this variation.
It was hard for me to read that Jane & Elizabeth had little love for them in the end because of what Mrs Bennet did.
This story is unique. It does a lot of things I haven't really seen in a P&P variation before (at least, not in such detail).
In this story, Mr Bennet is just SLIGHTLY more responsible, and he sends his two eldest daughters to a very good school, in hopes they'll get connections among the rich girls with rich brothers, find rich husbands, and save the Bennet family. While in school, the girls come to a fortune (20k each), and the "hows" get revealed later in the story, befriend a Miss Amelia Hamilton, who is a niece to Lord Carlisle, and get invited to have a season in London.
And so the novel starts with Jane (21-22yo) and Lizzie(19-20yo) leaving Longbourn for their first ever season in London. The reader doesn't yet know all the details, but we know that Jane & Elizabeth are angry with their parents and vow to never return to Longbourn again. Even if they stay spinsters, they have enough money to rent a house in the countryside.
With Gardiners are out of town that season, it's really just a Jane & Elizabeth take-on-the-ton story. But not quite:
Lord Carlisle is a powerful man no one wants to cross, so his name alone keeps the rakes away. There's only one suitor (besides Darcy&Bingley) who repeatedly engages in conversation with Elizabeth, and he disappears quite fast.
One of the main plots throughout the novel is the politics/drama of the high society. We have Darcy who wants to prepare his sister for her outing, he's frequently in conversation with his Fitzwilliam cousins, with his uncle and even with Lord Carlisle. Then there're the Bennet sisters, who have to deal with the rumours spread by the mean girls from the school they went to, and Carlisle & Fitzwilliam families unite in combating those rumours and keeping their reputation clean. Oh, and although there're a few mean girls, Bennet girls make a few friends among the ton bachelorettes, and the girls spending time together is another big part of the novel.
And what I consider a novelty is that Miss Bingley is barely present and Lady Catherine doesn't make an appearance, there're other villains who drive the plot.
There were a few modernisms "for quite literally no reason at all" (that's a quote).
But there were also some good historical fiction details: e.g. the talk during a dance at the beginning kept mentioning 'breaks' where Elizabeth and Darcy would not be able to talk. There're a few details about paying in a store, about the gowns, about the appropriate (food and flowers) or not appropriate (jewelry) gifts from a gentleman who is courting you. The chaperons felt like a more present force in the story.
The romance between Elizabeth and Darcy starts off on the wrong foot (that's just the usual). They're arguing too much, even the text notes how exhausting it was.
How had she turned such a banal remark into a debate? She was exhausting, and he was done.Darcy & Elizabeth both wanted to have the last word in any conversation and that made me scream staaaaaaaaaawp, just stawp talking! enough!.
It got better, though. The "switch" didn't feel the most organic, but once they started being friendly with each other, it was an enjoyable romance to read.
It wasn't the best: it felt like Elizabeth & Darcy were mostly speaking about trust/drama and how amazing they were to each other, rather than finding out more about each other (Darcy never talked of Pemberley, and Elizabeth doesn't have a passion for countryside and walking). But still, it was unique, had strong parts other variations did not, and therefore enjoyable.
There was no "Elizabeth is unsuitable" drama, no "bad proposal #1" tropes that are repeated in so many variations. Elizabeth's fortune is decent enough, her connections are not direct, but the powerful Carlisles seem very protective of her, and that's good enough. She also befriends a very powerful lady, which is a plus for Georgiana's outing. Lord Carlisle also immediately schools Darcy on how traders like Mr Gardiner are better than many of the ton people. Not much is known about Longbourn or the Bennet family, but Elizabeth is a daughter to a respectable landed gentleman, and the remaining Bennet women aren't an axe hanging over potential suitors' heads.
Jane is wonderful in the story.
Jane is also all propriety, and Elizabeth warns all potential suitors that they must not scare her off and act the way gentlemen supposed to. With the girls loathing Mr Bennet for not saving up for any dowries, not being able to curtail spending of Mrs Bennet and charging the oldest sisters to save their family, Jane is looking for a husband with a spine, and so after she sees Bingley not being able to control his sisters, Jane sends Bingley off en route to become a man more deserving of having a wife.
They do eventually get HEA, but I thought it happened too soon after the reunification. Bingley should've done more to prove himself to Jane, with how otherwise proper she'd been all novel.
Another big part of the novel was grief and trust. Darcy is grieving for his parents, and it's not a switch he can just turn off. Elizabeth is also grieving, for what - it's hard to describe, some combination of bitterness at her parents and the trauma she experienced at school. She carries a lot of that hurt inside, and opens up to Darcy & occasionally to Jane (she already knows most of it) about how hard all the events have been for her.
Although the plot - the society politics drama, Bennet girls & friends, the secrets relating to past unraveling - was solid, there were a few inconsistencies. Like in the beginning there was an insinuation that Bennet girls standing with Carlisles could be fragile, and that Lady Carlisle might be angry that they outshone her niece and Elizabeth was the first choice for Mr Darcy. But that's was forgotten about, that insecurity doesn't appear again, and the niece, as it turned out, wasn't even looking for marriage that season, and the Carlisles are ride-or-die for the Bennets.
Darcy is also "ordered" to be a friend to Elizabeth early on, but then immediately he skips on 2 weeks worth of social engagements. Didn't feel like he was actually doing his part.
And in school Bennet girls were supposedly respected/favourites, were pitied that so much goodness came with no fortune, yet everyone were too afraid to be friends with them.
I think the Bennet parents were made too evil, it was uncomfortable to read. And my biggest qualm about the whole situation, is that the younger sisters were completely forgotten about. It's hard to know how they lived in Longbourn, and they are not featured in any epilogues (there's the main one and there's a bonus one).
Lydia, Kitty and even Mary could be haughty, but they were ALSO victims of their parents. They're also one year younger than in the P&P, and we do not know whether they were the same as in P&P or changed, as Mr Bennet was a bit more responsible in this variation.
It was hard for me to read that Jane & Elizabeth had little love for them in the end because of what Mrs Bennet did.
September 23, 2024
Decent Story 3.5 Stars
- I enjoyed the story and the characters.
- Darcy and Elizabeth are good together.
- This is one of the better Elizabeth and Jane relationships.
- This 'strong' Jane works, and she wasn't overdone. I usually don't buy into the change if there isn't a good reason behind it.
- It's refreshing to see new villains. My only lingering question would be: how and why did Henrietta know about the money and the brothers didn't?
- I enjoyed the story and the characters.
- Darcy and Elizabeth are good together.
- This is one of the better Elizabeth and Jane relationships.
- This 'strong' Jane works, and she wasn't overdone. I usually don't buy into the change if there isn't a good reason behind it.
- It's refreshing to see new villains. My only lingering question would be: how and why did Henrietta know about the money and the brothers didn't?
September 14, 2024
3,5 Stars
November 8, 2024
An interesting premise and emotionally satisfying variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by the talented Melanie Rachel. I enjoyed it very much
March 30, 2025
In this one, Elizabeth and Jane go to London for a season after some alternative backstory events lead them to having significant dowries, a sponsorship by noble sponsors, and a break from Mr and Mrs B over their monies. Like is always the case, the insult cannot be avoided in even drastically changed scenarios, but here her sponsored family take major umbrage with Darcy and he's tasked with befriending Elizabeth and helping her with her season.
It's a slow burn and pretty long. The writing is excellent overall. The character psychology works well and and female friendships depicted are awesome. However, I felt like it went on a bit too long and that the final conflict was more to give an obligatory final drama before the big acceptance than anything really necessary. The amount of drama overall was pretty mild, but then there's this big messy part at the end that unfolds with waterworks, revelations about a fire contained in the backstory, a betrayal that's ridiculously minor when you back up even a little bit from the momentum of the plot. I think the last act also has too many extremes in it and too much dialogue like "My heart, can you ever learn to trust me again?" and "I will always love and respect you. I will protect you even if the sky falls." There's a lot of subtlety throughout the rest of the story but the love declarations and dialogue between ODC is a bit too much and skirts around that subtlety late in the book. I guess that's what the audience usually wants and I like that in small doses, but the end had so much of it that I started skipping paragraphs and saying out loud, "just kiss and get married already." Story is good and rereadable, if a bit slow past 70%.
It's a slow burn and pretty long. The writing is excellent overall. The character psychology works well and and female friendships depicted are awesome. However, I felt like it went on a bit too long and that the final conflict was more to give an obligatory final drama before the big acceptance than anything really necessary. The amount of drama overall was pretty mild, but then there's this big messy part at the end that unfolds with waterworks, revelations about a fire contained in the backstory, a betrayal that's ridiculously minor when you back up even a little bit from the momentum of the plot. I think the last act also has too many extremes in it and too much dialogue like "My heart, can you ever learn to trust me again?" and "I will always love and respect you. I will protect you even if the sky falls." There's a lot of subtlety throughout the rest of the story but the love declarations and dialogue between ODC is a bit too much and skirts around that subtlety late in the book. I guess that's what the audience usually wants and I like that in small doses, but the end had so much of it that I started skipping paragraphs and saying out loud, "just kiss and get married already." Story is good and rereadable, if a bit slow past 70%.
September 14, 2024
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. This is book seven of seven in the Darcy and Elizabeth’s Happily Ever Afters series. One brave act and an unexpected reward. Fitzwilliam Darcy's uncle has insisted he finally remain in town for the full season. Ill at ease in London society, he makes a cutting remark about Elizabeth Bennet, a woman he's barely met, but she is not unprotected, and when an earl demands he make amends, he reluctantly complies. Darcy is prepared to deal with yet another fortune hunter, but Elizabeth's kindness towards society's wallflowers and her quiet bravery in the face of adversity slowly wear away his prejudices. As his admiration grows, so does his dilemma. Can he convince Elizabeth to trust him, to see beyond his earlier rudeness and recognize his changed heart? Or will his initial misstep and Elizabeth's own guarded nature keep them apart? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
*Don’t forget to download the extra content at the end*
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. This is book seven of seven in the Darcy and Elizabeth’s Happily Ever Afters series. One brave act and an unexpected reward. Fitzwilliam Darcy's uncle has insisted he finally remain in town for the full season. Ill at ease in London society, he makes a cutting remark about Elizabeth Bennet, a woman he's barely met, but she is not unprotected, and when an earl demands he make amends, he reluctantly complies. Darcy is prepared to deal with yet another fortune hunter, but Elizabeth's kindness towards society's wallflowers and her quiet bravery in the face of adversity slowly wear away his prejudices. As his admiration grows, so does his dilemma. Can he convince Elizabeth to trust him, to see beyond his earlier rudeness and recognize his changed heart? Or will his initial misstep and Elizabeth's own guarded nature keep them apart? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
*Don’t forget to download the extra content at the end*
September 19, 2024
Premise: Elizabeth and Jane have a Season in Town. They are hosted by an Earl and have come into money for their dowries (how that happened is revealed as the story progresses). Darcy's insult is even ruder than 'not handsome enough to tempt me' and Elizabeth's sponsor is Not. Pleased. Cue forced proximity and lots of 'hey she's actually pretty and kind and brave and awesome but I was such a dick' perseverating from Darcy.
What I liked: Elizabeth's growing group of gal pals. Bingley's "I need a spine" moment.
Characterization: Jane is essentially still as sweet as canon, but her experiences at school and with her parents post-money removed her rose tinted glasses and stiffened her spine. Mr and Mrs Bennet are more indolent, selfish, and mercenary. Elizabeth's experience at school gave her a wider array of accomplishments and interests.
Smut level: Very low. Kisses only.
Any non-canon parings: No. Some original characters pair off in the epilogue.
Issues: I could have done with some more scenes with the Bennet parents, to make their comeuppance all the more sweet.
What I liked: Elizabeth's growing group of gal pals. Bingley's "I need a spine" moment.
Characterization: Jane is essentially still as sweet as canon, but her experiences at school and with her parents post-money removed her rose tinted glasses and stiffened her spine. Mr and Mrs Bennet are more indolent, selfish, and mercenary. Elizabeth's experience at school gave her a wider array of accomplishments and interests.
Smut level: Very low. Kisses only.
Any non-canon parings: No. Some original characters pair off in the epilogue.
Issues: I could have done with some more scenes with the Bennet parents, to make their comeuppance all the more sweet.
September 25, 2024
Circumstances have changed from the original Pride and Prejudice story. Our couple meets in London. Jane and Elizabeth are there for the season. Yet, Darcy puts his foot into his mouth as per usual. However, this time, it was heard by the right or wrong person depending on your point of view. Darcy now must do as he is told. He drags his feet to comply with the “request.” How does this affect the story? Will Elizabeth accept this interference in her season? How will Elizabeth and Darcy become a couple?
Love the changes. Jane is more forceful. Elizabeth is more outspoken and unafraid. There are new characters that add to the story. Georgiana plays a larger role than previously in canon. Darcy is super protective. The Fitzwilliam brothers were hilarious. Bingley will be pushed to his limits.
This novel can be read in a long afternoon with several cups of hot tea or over many days. Plus, there is a bonus epilogue that can be downloaded. We get to read about Elizabeth and Jane when they were young.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Love the changes. Jane is more forceful. Elizabeth is more outspoken and unafraid. There are new characters that add to the story. Georgiana plays a larger role than previously in canon. Darcy is super protective. The Fitzwilliam brothers were hilarious. Bingley will be pushed to his limits.
This novel can be read in a long afternoon with several cups of hot tea or over many days. Plus, there is a bonus epilogue that can be downloaded. We get to read about Elizabeth and Jane when they were young.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2025
Lovely
This was a lovely non-canon variation.
Elizabeth was awarded a sum of money after a heroic good deed as a girl. Now of age to attend a season in London she shares her good fortune with Jane and they both attend under the care of a school friend’s family.
This brings them into the path of Darcy and Bingley. Unfortunately, both men let their mouths get them in trouble and have to earn back the Bennet ladies.
Throw in some scheming regency mean girls, some sublime wallflowers and plenty of rumours for a fantastic page turner.
I absolutely loved the friendship group that Elizabeth created. Each woman had a good heart and kindness that was overlooked through the male lens of the season. Elizabeth subtly challenged the men of her acquaintance to open their eyes to the wonderful women that had faded into the background.
This Darcy was almost foolish in the beginning, but the character development was great and he flourished. Elizabeth also had great depth and had to deal with and overcome the pain caused by her parents and the gossips.
I will definitely be reading this again.
This was a lovely non-canon variation.
Elizabeth was awarded a sum of money after a heroic good deed as a girl. Now of age to attend a season in London she shares her good fortune with Jane and they both attend under the care of a school friend’s family.
This brings them into the path of Darcy and Bingley. Unfortunately, both men let their mouths get them in trouble and have to earn back the Bennet ladies.
Throw in some scheming regency mean girls, some sublime wallflowers and plenty of rumours for a fantastic page turner.
I absolutely loved the friendship group that Elizabeth created. Each woman had a good heart and kindness that was overlooked through the male lens of the season. Elizabeth subtly challenged the men of her acquaintance to open their eyes to the wonderful women that had faded into the background.
This Darcy was almost foolish in the beginning, but the character development was great and he flourished. Elizabeth also had great depth and had to deal with and overcome the pain caused by her parents and the gossips.
I will definitely be reading this again.
August 29, 2024
Melanie Rachel has given us another wonderful story!
Not a spoiler as you learn right away that Mr & Mrs Bennet are not as loving as canon; no violence just selfish parents. Elizabeth and Jane were sent to school instead of being educated at home as in canon. They are on their way to London to have their season together (how this can be done / funded is explained). Their connections are better because of their friend from school. Darcy is SO good at putting his foot in his mouth repeatedly and it’s even better when he’s called on the carpet for it. The friendships that we see develop between many characters is lifelong and strong. I loved when Darcy decided that Elizabeth was the only one who could be his wife and what he does for her is so sweet and exactly what Elizabeth needed. This will be a story that I will read / listen again. I love that Harry Frost did a fantastic and fabulous narration. He is truly one of the best narrators in the JAFF world.
Spoiler: no Lady Catherine, Wickham or Mr Collins to deal with - YEAH!
Not a spoiler as you learn right away that Mr & Mrs Bennet are not as loving as canon; no violence just selfish parents. Elizabeth and Jane were sent to school instead of being educated at home as in canon. They are on their way to London to have their season together (how this can be done / funded is explained). Their connections are better because of their friend from school. Darcy is SO good at putting his foot in his mouth repeatedly and it’s even better when he’s called on the carpet for it. The friendships that we see develop between many characters is lifelong and strong. I loved when Darcy decided that Elizabeth was the only one who could be his wife and what he does for her is so sweet and exactly what Elizabeth needed. This will be a story that I will read / listen again. I love that Harry Frost did a fantastic and fabulous narration. He is truly one of the best narrators in the JAFF world.
Spoiler: no Lady Catherine, Wickham or Mr Collins to deal with - YEAH!
August 30, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. Audio version Harry Frost is always a joy to listen to.
Melanie Rachel is a very skilled Pride and Prejudice writer, and she didn't dissapoint.
This variation has different twist and nothing from the original pride and prejudice story comes to pass. It almost entirely takes place in London except for the first chapter.
Early on in this story Mr Bennet realize that his daughters need to marry advantageously, so he sends Janne and Lizzie of to school. There a tragic event occurs, that still has impact on their lives. What happend is slowly revealed.
Though Mr Darcy stills offend Elizabeth at a ball, but she has powerful protectors Lord and Lady Carlisle and their niece. Unfortunately there are also two mean girls from school, and they really carry a grudge. One of which is Mr Darcy's cousin. Fortunately her father the Earl of Matlock and brothers Coronel Fitzwilliam and Lord Milton are reasonable men and friendly with the Carlisle, so they help mitigate the rumours, that are spread about Elizabeth.
I reccomend the story
Melanie Rachel is a very skilled Pride and Prejudice writer, and she didn't dissapoint.
This variation has different twist and nothing from the original pride and prejudice story comes to pass. It almost entirely takes place in London except for the first chapter.
Early on in this story Mr Bennet realize that his daughters need to marry advantageously, so he sends Janne and Lizzie of to school. There a tragic event occurs, that still has impact on their lives. What happend is slowly revealed.
Though Mr Darcy stills offend Elizabeth at a ball, but she has powerful protectors Lord and Lady Carlisle and their niece. Unfortunately there are also two mean girls from school, and they really carry a grudge. One of which is Mr Darcy's cousin. Fortunately her father the Earl of Matlock and brothers Coronel Fitzwilliam and Lord Milton are reasonable men and friendly with the Carlisle, so they help mitigate the rumours, that are spread about Elizabeth.
I reccomend the story
October 18, 2024
I was loving this book the entire time I read it! I am a huge fan of Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen's works in general. This retelling does a great job of keeping the spirit and lively tone of the OG book while being completely different story wise. I enjoyed this take and the romance, it is a bit more CW drama as far as the plot and in general the writing but hey I am not complaining.
For me the biggest part of what made the OG book great was the slow-burn element of the romance between Lizzy and Darcy. And while I enjoyed the romance between the two of them in this book, I will say it is much less of a slow burn. So while I wanted them to end up together, it wasn't as satisfying when they did because it was lacking the slow burn element.
Also I thought that this book was going to be much more rated R than it was. It was more of a PG rating for me, but so was the OG book.
So 4/5 for me, I would reccommend if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice! But sadly no spicy scenes :(
For me the biggest part of what made the OG book great was the slow-burn element of the romance between Lizzy and Darcy. And while I enjoyed the romance between the two of them in this book, I will say it is much less of a slow burn. So while I wanted them to end up together, it wasn't as satisfying when they did because it was lacking the slow burn element.
Also I thought that this book was going to be much more rated R than it was. It was more of a PG rating for me, but so was the OG book.
So 4/5 for me, I would reccommend if you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice! But sadly no spicy scenes :(
May 27, 2025
Elizabeth has some money and connections in an unconventional way, of which the details really are not revealed in full until much later in the story. These she shares with Jane, and they embark on a London season. The famous insult happens in a London ballroom, and might even be worse than the original. However, this time, Darcy is made to make penance, unbeknownst to Elizabeth.
This story takes place almost exclusively in London and the rest of the Bennets really aren't featured other than a few quick mentions of childhood, a letter, and a quick trip to Hertfordshire.
Lizzy and Darcy are reluctant friends and slowly learn the value of one another. By the time there are feelings, there really isn't hesitation. There is a rather large secret standing between them, and Darcy must prove himself when it all comes to light. Their friendship is really sweet and we get to enjoy their courtship in a way we never did in the original.
I listened to the audiobook and Harry Frost's narration is perfection (even signing in a girl's voice!).
This story takes place almost exclusively in London and the rest of the Bennets really aren't featured other than a few quick mentions of childhood, a letter, and a quick trip to Hertfordshire.
Lizzy and Darcy are reluctant friends and slowly learn the value of one another. By the time there are feelings, there really isn't hesitation. There is a rather large secret standing between them, and Darcy must prove himself when it all comes to light. Their friendship is really sweet and we get to enjoy their courtship in a way we never did in the original.
I listened to the audiobook and Harry Frost's narration is perfection (even signing in a girl's voice!).
May 26, 2025
4.5⭐️
I adore this book. Dare I say I ardently admire it? After reading 16 other variations of P&P this book was such a revelation. I have to say, while it stayed true ti its characters, they had a life of their own by the end. This had elements I really liked - the enemies to friends to courtship pipeline in this book was just *chef's kiss*. It also made me laugh and tear up. The relationship between Jane and Lizzy , the Bennets and Georgiana and the one between the women in this book was just beautiful to watch. Both the good ones and the bad ones. I liked that there wasn't too much antagonism between Darcy and Lizzy at first and that part was resolved quickly. And we see Jane with a back bone from the beginning and what a sight that was to behold. The relationships were what made this book for me. Definitely one that I will revisit again.
I adore this book. Dare I say I ardently admire it? After reading 16 other variations of P&P this book was such a revelation. I have to say, while it stayed true ti its characters, they had a life of their own by the end. This had elements I really liked - the enemies to friends to courtship pipeline in this book was just *chef's kiss*. It also made me laugh and tear up. The relationship between Jane and Lizzy , the Bennets and Georgiana and the one between the women in this book was just beautiful to watch. Both the good ones and the bad ones. I liked that there wasn't too much antagonism between Darcy and Lizzy at first and that part was resolved quickly. And we see Jane with a back bone from the beginning and what a sight that was to behold. The relationships were what made this book for me. Definitely one that I will revisit again.
September 8, 2024
A lovely love story
Darcy is the same arrogant fool as usual until his heart is won by the courageous Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth comes with a tragic but a brave history and trust is not something that she bestows easily. Darcy has to overcome his own insufferable pride and stand in the gap to protect her when the ton turns on her and her beloved sister.
All the important characters are there but some noticeable absence such as Wickham, Mr. Collins, the younger Bennet sisters, Lady Catherine and the Gardiners are hardly missed. But instead we have some delightful new ones who brighten this story to no end.
Loved it. Looking forward to more of the same. Cheers.
Darcy is the same arrogant fool as usual until his heart is won by the courageous Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth comes with a tragic but a brave history and trust is not something that she bestows easily. Darcy has to overcome his own insufferable pride and stand in the gap to protect her when the ton turns on her and her beloved sister.
All the important characters are there but some noticeable absence such as Wickham, Mr. Collins, the younger Bennet sisters, Lady Catherine and the Gardiners are hardly missed. But instead we have some delightful new ones who brighten this story to no end.
Loved it. Looking forward to more of the same. Cheers.
September 6, 2024
Loved this!
I so enjoy all of this author's books, so you might want to add a grain of salt.. This latest book has some twists on canon plot that are fun to see: a Bingley and Jane with spines; Bennet parents who are both irredeemable; a Darcy a little slower than his epiphany, but once he found his way out of his self created pit, I found him quite the romantic hero. There are plenty of new characters that I found I didn't miss all the canon characters not included. I had to devour this in less than two days.
I so enjoy all of this author's books, so you might want to add a grain of salt.. This latest book has some twists on canon plot that are fun to see: a Bingley and Jane with spines; Bennet parents who are both irredeemable; a Darcy a little slower than his epiphany, but once he found his way out of his self created pit, I found him quite the romantic hero. There are plenty of new characters that I found I didn't miss all the canon characters not included. I had to devour this in less than two days.
November 13, 2024
I enjoyed this one. What if Lizzie had the money and connections in London. What if someone in power called Darcy to task immediately for being rude. What if he and Elizabeth got a second chance for a good impression right away. Their relationship flows nicely from there with a steady growth from grudging approval to respect to friendship to affection. There's not a whole lot keeping our couple apart; most of the conflict is centered on the Bennet sisters' acceptance in society. It was a fun read with some sweet scenes.
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