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Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Duology
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero is a duology comprised of two previously published novella length variations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper
ON THE DAY AFTER MR BINGLEY'S BALL at Netherfield Park, Fitzwilliam Darcy is determined to leave Hertfordshire and put the delightfully beguiling Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind. As he is preparing to leave, however, he hears some horrifying news. Mr Collins, it seems, intends to make Elizabeth an offer of marriage. Mrs Bennet—panicked by Mr Bennet’s illness—will stop at nothing to ensure that her obstinate, headstrong girl accepts it and becomes Mrs Collins as soon as is possible.
RUSHING TO LONGBOURN, Darcy finds that Mrs Bennet has contrived to make Elizabeth out of her wits while she and Mr Collins plan for an immediate wedding. Recognising that Elizabeth will find herself bound to a ridiculous man for life, Darcy acts a hero, rescuing her and removing her from harm, intending to keep her away from the dastardly duo until she has regained her wits.
DAZED AND CONFUSED BY THE STRANGE GOINGS-ON at Longbourn, Elizabeth finds herself thrust into a terrifying journey alone with Mr Darcy. Mr Collins and her mother will stop at nothing to see their plans carried to fruition, and Mr Darcy is her only chance of salvation. Can she learn to trust him quickly enough to discern which of the choices before her will lead to happiness?
A Case of Some Urgency by Mary SmytheWhen Lydia Bennet elopes with George Wickham it seems certain that the fledging second chance at love between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy has been destroyed. Dashing home from her visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth Bennet re-reads Darcy’s letter and regrets what surely can never be, not now.
Desperate times often call for desperate measures, as Mr Bennet is soon to discover under the most painful of circumstances. His search for Lydia and Wickham is proving unfruitful and still worse—he has discovered signs of a secret romance between his most sensible second daughter and none other than Mr Darcy.
Seeing an opportunity to both avoid ruination and perhaps have some redemption of the family name, Mr Bennet is quick to visit Mr Darcy with a proposed solution. But every solution provides a new set of challenges for Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale of romance lost and found.
Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper
ON THE DAY AFTER MR BINGLEY'S BALL at Netherfield Park, Fitzwilliam Darcy is determined to leave Hertfordshire and put the delightfully beguiling Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind. As he is preparing to leave, however, he hears some horrifying news. Mr Collins, it seems, intends to make Elizabeth an offer of marriage. Mrs Bennet—panicked by Mr Bennet’s illness—will stop at nothing to ensure that her obstinate, headstrong girl accepts it and becomes Mrs Collins as soon as is possible.
RUSHING TO LONGBOURN, Darcy finds that Mrs Bennet has contrived to make Elizabeth out of her wits while she and Mr Collins plan for an immediate wedding. Recognising that Elizabeth will find herself bound to a ridiculous man for life, Darcy acts a hero, rescuing her and removing her from harm, intending to keep her away from the dastardly duo until she has regained her wits.
DAZED AND CONFUSED BY THE STRANGE GOINGS-ON at Longbourn, Elizabeth finds herself thrust into a terrifying journey alone with Mr Darcy. Mr Collins and her mother will stop at nothing to see their plans carried to fruition, and Mr Darcy is her only chance of salvation. Can she learn to trust him quickly enough to discern which of the choices before her will lead to happiness?
A Case of Some Urgency by Mary SmytheWhen Lydia Bennet elopes with George Wickham it seems certain that the fledging second chance at love between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy has been destroyed. Dashing home from her visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth Bennet re-reads Darcy’s letter and regrets what surely can never be, not now.
Desperate times often call for desperate measures, as Mr Bennet is soon to discover under the most painful of circumstances. His search for Lydia and Wickham is proving unfruitful and still worse—he has discovered signs of a secret romance between his most sensible second daughter and none other than Mr Darcy.
Seeing an opportunity to both avoid ruination and perhaps have some redemption of the family name, Mr Bennet is quick to visit Mr Darcy with a proposed solution. But every solution provides a new set of challenges for Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale of romance lost and found.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 21, 2025
Loved the duology. Excellent voice. Fabulous storytellers. Clever stories with solid characterization of Austen’s favorites. Easy to recommend.
February 16, 2025
A duology containing two novella-length variations on Pride and Prejudice. I chose to read this not realizing I'd already read both stories that are contained within, as separate books. That's what happens when I am not careful choosing what to read, just sort of grabbing what seems to fit my escape-reading mindset. But this turned out to have a pleasant outcome.
I prefer the first story, Mr. Darcy's Abducted Bride, by Julie Cooper, though I feel a bit funny about it too. Well, it is humorous, but it's a story where the outcome could have been tragic, with Mrs. Bennet at the bottom of it, and I felt she came off rather lightly for her part in it. Still, humor, so lighten up, me.
The second story, A Case of Some Urgency by Mary Smythe has its own dark side. Lizzy misplaces her letter from Mr. Darcy in the Gardiners' carriage, and Mr. Bennet finds it during his search for Lydia after she runs off with Wickham. Mr. Bennet is not in a good frame of mind just then to discover that his second daughter has been corresponding with an unmarried man, and he immediately goes to visit Mr. Darcy.
The story is mostly somewhat amusing, but there's a dark side to it. Some of the story is told from Lydia's point of view, and she turns out to be worse than usual in this variation. In fact she and Wickham turn out to be a perfect match.
I prefer the first story, Mr. Darcy's Abducted Bride, by Julie Cooper, though I feel a bit funny about it too. Well, it is humorous, but it's a story where the outcome could have been tragic, with Mrs. Bennet at the bottom of it, and I felt she came off rather lightly for her part in it. Still, humor, so lighten up, me.
The second story, A Case of Some Urgency by Mary Smythe has its own dark side. Lizzy misplaces her letter from Mr. Darcy in the Gardiners' carriage, and Mr. Bennet finds it during his search for Lydia after she runs off with Wickham. Mr. Bennet is not in a good frame of mind just then to discover that his second daughter has been corresponding with an unmarried man, and he immediately goes to visit Mr. Darcy.
The story is mostly somewhat amusing, but there's a dark side to it. Some of the story is told from Lydia's point of view, and she turns out to be worse than usual in this variation. In fact she and Wickham turn out to be a perfect match.
September 14, 2024
Marking this read because I read both stories separately.
August 28, 2025
Great duology
I love having two-for-one audiobooks, and this one with Julie Cooper’s Mr Darcy’s Abducted Bride and Mary Smythe’s A Case of Some Urgency fit that bill perfectly. I also loved Simon Alison’s narration and performance of both books. He’s new to me, and I enjoyed him very much.
For reviews of the books themselves, see my respective individual posts for each one.
I love having two-for-one audiobooks, and this one with Julie Cooper’s Mr Darcy’s Abducted Bride and Mary Smythe’s A Case of Some Urgency fit that bill perfectly. I also loved Simon Alison’s narration and performance of both books. He’s new to me, and I enjoyed him very much.
For reviews of the books themselves, see my respective individual posts for each one.
October 15, 2024
Status: Read October 10-12, 2024 via audible edition & kindle editions of Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride and A Case of Some Urgency
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
My Library Notes:
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Duology
by Julie Cooper and Mary Smythe, Simon Alison (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 7 pages
Published September 13, 2024 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
(first published August 31, 2024)
ASIN: B0DGWNJDQG
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero is a duology comprised of two previously published novella length variations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper
ON THE DAY AFTER MR BINGLEY'S BALL, Fitzwilliam Darcy is preparing to leave Netherfield when he hears horrifying news. Mr Collins, it seems, intends to make Elizabeth an offer of marriage. Mrs Bennet—panicked by Mr Bennet’s illness—will stop at nothing to ensure that her obstinate, headstrong girl accepts it and becomes Mrs Collins as soon as is possible.
RUSHING TO LONGBOURN, Darcy finds Elizabeth out of her wits while she and Mr Collins plan for an immediate wedding. Recognising that Elizabeth will find herself bound to a ridiculous man for life, Darcy acts a hero, rescuing her and removing her from harm, intending to keep her away from the dastardly duo until she has regained her wits.
DAZED AND CONFUSED BY THE STRANGE GOINGS-ON at Longbourn, Elizabeth finds herself thrust into a terrifying journey alone with Mr Darcy. Mr Collins and her mother will stop at nothing to see their plans carried to fruition, and Mr Darcy is her only chance of salvation. Can she learn to trust him quickly enough to discern which of the choices before her will lead to happiness?
A Case of Some Urgency by Mary Smythe
When Lydia Bennet elopes with George Wickham it seems certain that the fledging second chance at love between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy has been destroyed. Dashing home from her visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth Bennet re-reads Darcy’s letter and regrets what surely can never be, not now.
Desperate times often call for desperate measures, as Mr Bennet is soon to discover under the most painful of circumstances. His search for Lydia and Wickham is proving unfruitful and still worse—he has discovered signs of a secret romance between his most sensible second daughter and none other than Mr Darcy.
Seeing an opportunity to both avoid ruination and perhaps have some redemption of the family name, Mr Bennet is quick to visit Mr Darcy with a proposed solution. But every solution provides a new set of challenges for Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale of romance lost and found.
Listening Length: 6 hours and 40 minutes
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
My Library Notes:
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero: A Pride & Prejudice Variation Duology
by Julie Cooper and Mary Smythe, Simon Alison (Narrator)
Audible Audio, Unabridged, 7 pages
Published September 13, 2024 by Quills & Quartos Publishing
(first published August 31, 2024)
ASIN: B0DGWNJDQG
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero is a duology comprised of two previously published novella length variations of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper
ON THE DAY AFTER MR BINGLEY'S BALL, Fitzwilliam Darcy is preparing to leave Netherfield when he hears horrifying news. Mr Collins, it seems, intends to make Elizabeth an offer of marriage. Mrs Bennet—panicked by Mr Bennet’s illness—will stop at nothing to ensure that her obstinate, headstrong girl accepts it and becomes Mrs Collins as soon as is possible.
RUSHING TO LONGBOURN, Darcy finds Elizabeth out of her wits while she and Mr Collins plan for an immediate wedding. Recognising that Elizabeth will find herself bound to a ridiculous man for life, Darcy acts a hero, rescuing her and removing her from harm, intending to keep her away from the dastardly duo until she has regained her wits.
DAZED AND CONFUSED BY THE STRANGE GOINGS-ON at Longbourn, Elizabeth finds herself thrust into a terrifying journey alone with Mr Darcy. Mr Collins and her mother will stop at nothing to see their plans carried to fruition, and Mr Darcy is her only chance of salvation. Can she learn to trust him quickly enough to discern which of the choices before her will lead to happiness?
A Case of Some Urgency by Mary Smythe
When Lydia Bennet elopes with George Wickham it seems certain that the fledging second chance at love between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy has been destroyed. Dashing home from her visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth Bennet re-reads Darcy’s letter and regrets what surely can never be, not now.
Desperate times often call for desperate measures, as Mr Bennet is soon to discover under the most painful of circumstances. His search for Lydia and Wickham is proving unfruitful and still worse—he has discovered signs of a secret romance between his most sensible second daughter and none other than Mr Darcy.
Seeing an opportunity to both avoid ruination and perhaps have some redemption of the family name, Mr Bennet is quick to visit Mr Darcy with a proposed solution. But every solution provides a new set of challenges for Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale of romance lost and found.
Listening Length: 6 hours and 40 minutes
April 18, 2025
Two excellent stories.
A couple of great what-ifs. Each long enough to have some surprises but short enough to finish after a couple of lunch hours.
A couple of great what-ifs. Each long enough to have some surprises but short enough to finish after a couple of lunch hours.
May 19, 2025
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 a standalone story that is part of The Gentleman Mr Darcy series. This is a duology comprised of two previously published novellas.
Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper
On the day after Mr Bingley’s Ball at Netherfield Park, Fitzwilliam Darcy is determined to leave Hertfordshire and put the delightfully beguiling Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind. As he is preparing to leave, however, he hears some horrifying news; Mr Collins, it seems, intends to make Elizabeth an offer of marriage. Mrs Bennet, panicked by Mr Bennet’s illness, will stop at nothing to ensure that her obstinate, headstrong girl accepts it and becomes Mrs Collins as soon as is possible. Rushing to Longbourn, Darcy finds that Mrs Bennet has contrived to make Elizabeth out of her wits while she and Mr Collins plan for an immediate wedding.
Recognising that Elizabeth will find herself bound to a ridiculous man for life, Darcy acts a hero, rescuing her and removing her from harm, intending to keep her away from the dastardly duo until she has regained her wits. Dazed and confused by the strange goings-on at Longbourn, Elizabeth finds herself thrust into a terrifying journey alone with Mr Darcy. Mr Collins and her mother will stop at nothing to see their plans carried to fruition, and Mr Darcy is her only chance of salvation. Can she learn to trust him quickly enough to discern which of the choices before her will lead to happiness?
A Case of Some Urgency by Mary Smythe
When Lydia Bennet elopes with George Wickham it seems certain that the fledging second chance at love between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy has been destroyed. Dashing home from her visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth Bennet re-reads Darcy’s letter and regrets what surely can never be, not now. Desperate times often call for desperate measures, as Mr Bennet is soon to discover under the most painful of circumstances.
His search for Lydia and Wickham is proving unfruitful and still worse, he has discovered signs of a secret romance between his most sensible second daughter and none other than Mr Darcy. Seeing an opportunity to both avoid ruination and perhaps have some redemption of the family name, Mr Bennet is quick to visit Mr Darcy with a proposed solution, but every solution provides a new set of challenges for Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale of romance lost and found.
So with all that and more these two stories will pull you in and hold you tight. They are a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
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 a standalone story that is part of The Gentleman Mr Darcy series. This is a duology comprised of two previously published novellas.
Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper
On the day after Mr Bingley’s Ball at Netherfield Park, Fitzwilliam Darcy is determined to leave Hertfordshire and put the delightfully beguiling Elizabeth Bennet out of his mind. As he is preparing to leave, however, he hears some horrifying news; Mr Collins, it seems, intends to make Elizabeth an offer of marriage. Mrs Bennet, panicked by Mr Bennet’s illness, will stop at nothing to ensure that her obstinate, headstrong girl accepts it and becomes Mrs Collins as soon as is possible. Rushing to Longbourn, Darcy finds that Mrs Bennet has contrived to make Elizabeth out of her wits while she and Mr Collins plan for an immediate wedding.
Recognising that Elizabeth will find herself bound to a ridiculous man for life, Darcy acts a hero, rescuing her and removing her from harm, intending to keep her away from the dastardly duo until she has regained her wits. Dazed and confused by the strange goings-on at Longbourn, Elizabeth finds herself thrust into a terrifying journey alone with Mr Darcy. Mr Collins and her mother will stop at nothing to see their plans carried to fruition, and Mr Darcy is her only chance of salvation. Can she learn to trust him quickly enough to discern which of the choices before her will lead to happiness?
A Case of Some Urgency by Mary Smythe
When Lydia Bennet elopes with George Wickham it seems certain that the fledging second chance at love between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy has been destroyed. Dashing home from her visit to Pemberley, Elizabeth Bennet re-reads Darcy’s letter and regrets what surely can never be, not now. Desperate times often call for desperate measures, as Mr Bennet is soon to discover under the most painful of circumstances.
His search for Lydia and Wickham is proving unfruitful and still worse, he has discovered signs of a secret romance between his most sensible second daughter and none other than Mr Darcy. Seeing an opportunity to both avoid ruination and perhaps have some redemption of the family name, Mr Bennet is quick to visit Mr Darcy with a proposed solution, but every solution provides a new set of challenges for Darcy and Elizabeth in this tale of romance lost and found.
So with all that and more these two stories will pull you in and hold you tight. They are a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
July 11, 2025
3.5 stars
I had read the first of these two stories some months ago but didn't realize it was the same book until I was already into listening to this audiobook and I decided to keep listening. I think I enjoyed it more the second time. But the following is my original review.
Mr. Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper
I enjoyed a lot of this story but wanted more of Darcy & Elizabeth in a relationship, time for courting, or something to develop their love more than just physically. While I enjoy a novella length story, this is one case where I would have appreciated a longer story.
There are some good humorous moments in the story and I really think that the scene with Lady C and Aunt Gardiner was fantastic. That could have been longer too, just so I could enjoy it longer.
A good deal of the humor is based on innuendo between married couples (or those that have been drugged and think they are married). The medication has some side effects, one of which is becoming amorous. While I don't personally love that set up, it is the whole basis of why the story works without Mrs. B being just plain evil. Mostly she was just stupid in her desperation to see to her own future and was willing to sacrifice Lizzy to do it. I think she probably should have had some consequences for her actions. 4 stars
A Case of Some Urgency by Mary Smythe
I am not sure that I loved this story that much. I liked Darcy and Elizabeth but can't quite make heads or tails of Lydia. I could see Wickham doing what he did on his own but I had a hard time with Lydia using it as her way of punishing Elizabeth & Darcy. It was too shocking. However, the letter at the end was not remotely shocking. I could totally believe Lydia writing those words.
3 stars
Sex: implied, innuendo
Violence: Drugging, attempted forced marriage, abduction of sorts, fisticuffs, attempted sexual assault etc
I had read the first of these two stories some months ago but didn't realize it was the same book until I was already into listening to this audiobook and I decided to keep listening. I think I enjoyed it more the second time. But the following is my original review.
Mr. Darcy's Abducted Bride by Julie Cooper
I enjoyed a lot of this story but wanted more of Darcy & Elizabeth in a relationship, time for courting, or something to develop their love more than just physically. While I enjoy a novella length story, this is one case where I would have appreciated a longer story.
There are some good humorous moments in the story and I really think that the scene with Lady C and Aunt Gardiner was fantastic. That could have been longer too, just so I could enjoy it longer.
A good deal of the humor is based on innuendo between married couples (or those that have been drugged and think they are married). The medication has some side effects, one of which is becoming amorous. While I don't personally love that set up, it is the whole basis of why the story works without Mrs. B being just plain evil. Mostly she was just stupid in her desperation to see to her own future and was willing to sacrifice Lizzy to do it. I think she probably should have had some consequences for her actions. 4 stars
A Case of Some Urgency by Mary Smythe
I am not sure that I loved this story that much. I liked Darcy and Elizabeth but can't quite make heads or tails of Lydia. I could see Wickham doing what he did on his own but I had a hard time with Lydia using it as her way of punishing Elizabeth & Darcy. It was too shocking. However, the letter at the end was not remotely shocking. I could totally believe Lydia writing those words.
3 stars
Sex: implied, innuendo
Violence: Drugging, attempted forced marriage, abduction of sorts, fisticuffs, attempted sexual assault etc
December 7, 2024
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero dulogy. Two in one.
The first is startlingly and humorous. Poor Mrs B. She us desperate.
The second shows a very disturbing Lydia. Shakes head. Lydia us definitely jealous.
Nice clean read for ages.
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Hero dulogy. Two in one.
The first is startlingly and humorous. Poor Mrs B. She us desperate.
The second shows a very disturbing Lydia. Shakes head. Lydia us definitely jealous.
Nice clean read for ages.
December 22, 2024
Two very different stories, both enjoyable.
August 23, 2025
I liked the first book but hated the second
I started skimming near the end of the second book to get it over with. Who wants to read about the bad behavior of Lydia and Wickham?
I started skimming near the end of the second book to get it over with. Who wants to read about the bad behavior of Lydia and Wickham?
October 26, 2025
OK for novellas
There isn’t time or room for plot or character expansion in novellas, so I can’t complain. I do find these dissatisfying nonetheless.
There isn’t time or room for plot or character expansion in novellas, so I can’t complain. I do find these dissatisfying nonetheless.
November 28, 2025
Book 1: "Pride & Prejudice - The Roofie Edition"
Book 2: "Pride & Prejudice - Valmont Edition"
Book 2: "Pride & Prejudice - Valmont Edition"
April 1, 2025
Premise: Two bubbly humorous novellas in which Darcy plays the hero. First up is "Mr Darcy's Abducted Bride". Mrs Bennet is freaking the eff out over Mr Bennet's health and decides the best plan is to drug Lizzy with Mr Bennet's heart medicine (some kind of boozy/opiumy tonic) and force her to the altar. Amusingly, Mr Collins is so dim he can't see what's going on. Mr Darcy catches wind of the plan, and steps in to the rescue. A drugged out road trip ensues!
Next is "A Case of Some Urgency", in which Darcy and Elizabeth (and Jane and Bingley) get engaged before the Wickhams visit to Longbourn. Mrs Bennet is WAY more excited about the two rich gentlemen than she is about Wickham, and Lydia is JELLY.
What I liked: These were very funny little bite sized slices of fun, with some lovely romance and hero!Darcy, delivering beat downs if necessary.
Characterization: Mr Collins is way dumber and Mrs Bennet is both more conniving (her plan had several complicated steps!) and more ridiculous in the first novella. Lydia is heightened (but is she really?) in the second.
Spice level: Barely hinted at. A passionate kiss or two.
Any non-canon parings: Nope.
Other notes or issues: As with good novellas, I always want just a little more. Ha.
Next is "A Case of Some Urgency", in which Darcy and Elizabeth (and Jane and Bingley) get engaged before the Wickhams visit to Longbourn. Mrs Bennet is WAY more excited about the two rich gentlemen than she is about Wickham, and Lydia is JELLY.
What I liked: These were very funny little bite sized slices of fun, with some lovely romance and hero!Darcy, delivering beat downs if necessary.
Characterization: Mr Collins is way dumber and Mrs Bennet is both more conniving (her plan had several complicated steps!) and more ridiculous in the first novella. Lydia is heightened (but is she really?) in the second.
Spice level: Barely hinted at. A passionate kiss or two.
Any non-canon parings: Nope.
Other notes or issues: As with good novellas, I always want just a little more. Ha.
January 18, 2025
A wonderful couple books both which were a re read for me but none the less really enjoyed them both again.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews