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The Measure of a Man Collection #1
The Measure of Love: A Pride & Prejudice Variation
Bound by duty; saved by love.
When tragedy leaves Mr. Darcy clinging to life, Elizabeth sacrifices her dreams to repay the debt owed to her family's damaged savior. But can her compassion penetrate his bitter heart and spark hope again?
Beneath Darcy’s aloof bitterness smoulders a broken, vulnerable man stripped of his mobility and purpose. While Elizabeth grapples with this unexpected fate—a marriage of convenience that is proving to be decidedly inconvenient—they discover that they might just be more alike than they are different. As mutual dependence awakens a deep, trusting affection between two defiant hearts, can their blossoming care withstand not only Darcy’s demons, but pressure from a society still expecting them to produce an heir?
What fates decree as a marriage of cold duty has the power to transform two contrary souls and lead them to discover the truest liberation—of laughter and joy; partnership and understanding. And above all, the freedom found when true minds and hearts decide to throw off their armour for one another.
When tragedy leaves Mr. Darcy clinging to life, Elizabeth sacrifices her dreams to repay the debt owed to her family's damaged savior. But can her compassion penetrate his bitter heart and spark hope again?
Beneath Darcy’s aloof bitterness smoulders a broken, vulnerable man stripped of his mobility and purpose. While Elizabeth grapples with this unexpected fate—a marriage of convenience that is proving to be decidedly inconvenient—they discover that they might just be more alike than they are different. As mutual dependence awakens a deep, trusting affection between two defiant hearts, can their blossoming care withstand not only Darcy’s demons, but pressure from a society still expecting them to produce an heir?
What fates decree as a marriage of cold duty has the power to transform two contrary souls and lead them to discover the truest liberation—of laughter and joy; partnership and understanding. And above all, the freedom found when true minds and hearts decide to throw off their armour for one another.
14 pages, Audible Audio
Published June 7, 2024
414 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Alix James
60 books129 followersSatisfying romance with a happy ending
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations
Alix James is a best-selling Jane Austen romance author. #janeaustenfan #janeaustenfans #janeaustenfanfiction #mrdarcy #austenadapations #austenvariations
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 16, 2024
This long story is one you will find difficult to put down but life does have its demands. Being so long there is no way I can even hint at all that occurs in this tale. It is part of a series by one of my favorite authors.
Basically, we have ODC, again, in a marriage of convenience. Colonel Fitzwilliam brings them together as the Bennets need help recovering from Lydia's elopement and Darcy needs a wife for several reasons. One reason is that Pemberley is entailed in this story so he needs an heir. His sister's encounter with Wickham resulted in her pregnancy. So to cover that up ODC will hide away, with her, in Scotland and pretend that the child is theirs. Oh, did I not mention...Darcy is paralyzed from the waist down after confronting Wickham and falling down some stairs.
Much of the story relates the progress and even setbacks in the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. Plus Wickham plays a much bigger role in this story...one I cannot hint at as it is so different but yet pivotal to the storyline.
Bingley's friendship with Darcy does not progress as in canon. Nor does his romance with Jane. Thus we read just a little about him.
I highly recommend this story. I loved reading about how Darcy and Elizabeth grow in their attraction and even the steps with his condition. I received an ARC copy of this story and am freely leaving a review.
Basically, we have ODC, again, in a marriage of convenience. Colonel Fitzwilliam brings them together as the Bennets need help recovering from Lydia's elopement and Darcy needs a wife for several reasons. One reason is that Pemberley is entailed in this story so he needs an heir. His sister's encounter with Wickham resulted in her pregnancy. So to cover that up ODC will hide away, with her, in Scotland and pretend that the child is theirs. Oh, did I not mention...Darcy is paralyzed from the waist down after confronting Wickham and falling down some stairs.
Much of the story relates the progress and even setbacks in the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. Plus Wickham plays a much bigger role in this story...one I cannot hint at as it is so different but yet pivotal to the storyline.
Bingley's friendship with Darcy does not progress as in canon. Nor does his romance with Jane. Thus we read just a little about him.
I highly recommend this story. I loved reading about how Darcy and Elizabeth grow in their attraction and even the steps with his condition. I received an ARC copy of this story and am freely leaving a review.
March 12, 2024
Falling in love, despite all the odds stacked against them!
Immerse yourself in the trauma of the Bennet's and Darcy's lives. Tragedy and Ruination has struck both families. Only with courage and compassion can two people hold it all together to save them all. Their reward - a deep love that literally transcends the physical.
Darcy has much to overcome, emotionally and physically. Elizabeth has much to sacrifice, but kindness and humor are her best tools to see it through.
The writing is so good. In fact the writing is so good I couldn't tell I was reading, as I got so involved with the Darcy character, through practically the whole book, at times I forgot to breath.
Elizabeth had just that bit more warmth and just that bit less prejudice, making her perfect for the roll she agreed to take on and all its challenges. She was kind and used her good humor, yes, but she was soft and warm and this elicited (eventually) warmth from Darcy in return.
Amazing read, absolutely loved it. I would read it again in a heartbeat!
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Also- this is the beginning of a series-standalones seemingly-and it looks like there will be at least 2 more. Yay!!
Immerse yourself in the trauma of the Bennet's and Darcy's lives. Tragedy and Ruination has struck both families. Only with courage and compassion can two people hold it all together to save them all. Their reward - a deep love that literally transcends the physical.
Darcy has much to overcome, emotionally and physically. Elizabeth has much to sacrifice, but kindness and humor are her best tools to see it through.
The writing is so good. In fact the writing is so good I couldn't tell I was reading, as I got so involved with the Darcy character, through practically the whole book, at times I forgot to breath.
Elizabeth had just that bit more warmth and just that bit less prejudice, making her perfect for the roll she agreed to take on and all its challenges. She was kind and used her good humor, yes, but she was soft and warm and this elicited (eventually) warmth from Darcy in return.
Amazing read, absolutely loved it. I would read it again in a heartbeat!
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion.
Also- this is the beginning of a series-standalones seemingly-and it looks like there will be at least 2 more. Yay!!
January 23, 2025
The only disability in life is a bad attitude. ~ Scott Hamilton
Wow! What a story!
We begin measuring love with an act of revenge, leading to violence.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has finally located his nemesis, George Wickham, in a brothel. Verbal confrontation leads to physical attack and counterattack. In the end, Darcy is pushed down a staircase and seriously injured.
We soon learn that canon P&P has not happened, except for Georgiana Darcy’s encounter with Wickham. The Bingley/Hurst/Darcy party has never visited Hertfordshire. Darcy has never met any of the Bennets.
Next, we learn that Wickham was not alone in the brothel but was living with young Lydia Bennet, who had fled from Brighton with the rogue.
Eventually, Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, returns the runaway girl to her home. As Jane Austen said, “Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy and fearless.”
Quote from the book: Each foolish boast twinged painfully in Elizabeth’s breast as she watched the stoic Colonel Fitzwilliam bristle. Lydia’s childish antics were an added trial after his evident ordeal — and by all appearances, their father’s worried prayers and London’s finest investigators had done far less to recover her than this weary soldier.
The upside of the Colonel’s journey is the respect he develops for the second Bennet daughter. Elizabeth Bennet might be the answer to his cousin’s situation.
Disability need not be an obstacle to success. ~ Stephen Hawking
Darcy’s injuries are serious — paralysis — and from several doctors’ opinions, permanent.
As if the family needed a further complication, Georgiana discovers she is pregnant from her encounter with Wickham. Darcy will probably never be able to father a child, so he intends to pass his niece or nephew off as his. Of course, for this, he will need a wife.
Elizabeth Bennet re-enters the story.
Disability is the inability to see ability. ~ Vikas Khanna
All this is only to establish the premise. A trip to Scotland (with a disabled man traveling in a carriage); a drafty, deteriorating castle; a pregnant teenager; and a husband whose disability turns his temperament sour are only a few of the challenges Elizabeth must face.
The newlywed couple must find common ground to endure a marriage of convenience. Can they hope for more?
The love story is beautifully told and believable. Loved it!
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure despite overwhelming obstacles. ~ Christopher Reeve
I received a free copy of this book with no promise of a review.
Wow! What a story!
We begin measuring love with an act of revenge, leading to violence.
Fitzwilliam Darcy has finally located his nemesis, George Wickham, in a brothel. Verbal confrontation leads to physical attack and counterattack. In the end, Darcy is pushed down a staircase and seriously injured.
We soon learn that canon P&P has not happened, except for Georgiana Darcy’s encounter with Wickham. The Bingley/Hurst/Darcy party has never visited Hertfordshire. Darcy has never met any of the Bennets.
Next, we learn that Wickham was not alone in the brothel but was living with young Lydia Bennet, who had fled from Brighton with the rogue.
Eventually, Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, returns the runaway girl to her home. As Jane Austen said, “Lydia was Lydia still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy and fearless.”
Quote from the book: Each foolish boast twinged painfully in Elizabeth’s breast as she watched the stoic Colonel Fitzwilliam bristle. Lydia’s childish antics were an added trial after his evident ordeal — and by all appearances, their father’s worried prayers and London’s finest investigators had done far less to recover her than this weary soldier.
The upside of the Colonel’s journey is the respect he develops for the second Bennet daughter. Elizabeth Bennet might be the answer to his cousin’s situation.
Disability need not be an obstacle to success. ~ Stephen Hawking
Darcy’s injuries are serious — paralysis — and from several doctors’ opinions, permanent.
As if the family needed a further complication, Georgiana discovers she is pregnant from her encounter with Wickham. Darcy will probably never be able to father a child, so he intends to pass his niece or nephew off as his. Of course, for this, he will need a wife.
Elizabeth Bennet re-enters the story.
Disability is the inability to see ability. ~ Vikas Khanna
All this is only to establish the premise. A trip to Scotland (with a disabled man traveling in a carriage); a drafty, deteriorating castle; a pregnant teenager; and a husband whose disability turns his temperament sour are only a few of the challenges Elizabeth must face.
The newlywed couple must find common ground to endure a marriage of convenience. Can they hope for more?
The love story is beautifully told and believable. Loved it!
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure despite overwhelming obstacles. ~ Christopher Reeve
I received a free copy of this book with no promise of a review.
March 13, 2024
excellent story
The author often writes an excellent story but this one is very original and hard to not finish in one sitting. I shan’t give any of it away except it’s absorbing from start to finish. Goes onto the rereading list for me.
The author often writes an excellent story but this one is very original and hard to not finish in one sitting. I shan’t give any of it away except it’s absorbing from start to finish. Goes onto the rereading list for me.
April 13, 2024
“The measure of a man is not how much he suffers in the test, but how he comes out at the end.” –Neal Shusterman, UnWholly
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: MATURE: listen carefully: mature: smarmy vulgar comments from the SBRB, sexual innuendo, language, British cursing, violence, descriptions of a fight with consequences, medical discussions not appropriate for young readers, trigger for anyone having suffered a disappointment. The list goes on and on.
>>Angst Level: The doctor assures me the twitching will subside, eventually. My beautician says not to worry about my hair. Bald is the new beautiful. I can only hope.
>>Tissue Alert: I wanted to cry at times
>>Source: Purchase. Honestly, I was trying to click the KU button and hit purchase instead. Not sorry. 40 chapters + epilogue: Book 1 of 3: excerpt from book 2 [The Measure of Trust] followed the story and had me adding it to my wish list. Book 3: The Measure of Honor
>>Trope: [1] MOC (Marriage of Convenience) [2] Injury [3] The timeline was off a bit so be prepared for changes with surprises that will shock and horrify.
Alix James is known for grabbing the reader by the throat and not letting go. I was stunned and shocked at the open salvo. OMG! How on earth could our hero survive that? I wanted to scream, NO! I have a love/hate relationship with Alix James’ stories. They tear up my nerves. It takes me weeks to recover. If you love angst, this is your story. Man, it was wave after wave of shocking surprises. I would think surely nothing else could happen. Then something else would happen and I would be shocked out of my senses. Good Grief. It was amazing. I can’t say enough about this book. It was a story about survival through the darkest days in the lives of our characters. There is too much to say in a review.
I had read an excerpt on one of the blogs and was horrified at the direction our author was taking this story. Once I had the thing in my grimy little hands, I was stunned at the raw emotional journey I would take with our characters. I wanted to cry and to rage along with our Darcy. Bless his heart. That boy suffered you know what throughout this story along with his sister. Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet stood right along with them. She was the glue that held together the shattered pieces of their lives. I adored her.
Our resident evil, the SBRB, was worse than ever. I wanted to pull his hair out along with mine. OMG! Did I say that I hate that guy? Well, I do. This piece of scum was awful with his vile taunting words. I wanted to cry as he described… dang, I can’t say.
“Love is made up of three unconditional properties in equal measure:
1. Acceptance
2. Understanding
3. Appreciation
Remove any one of the three and the triangle falls apart.
Which, by the way, is something highly inadvisable. Think about it—do you really want to live in a world of only two dimensions?
So, for the love of a triangle, please keep love whole.” –Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
>>Rating: MATURE: listen carefully: mature: smarmy vulgar comments from the SBRB, sexual innuendo, language, British cursing, violence, descriptions of a fight with consequences, medical discussions not appropriate for young readers, trigger for anyone having suffered a disappointment. The list goes on and on.
>>Angst Level: The doctor assures me the twitching will subside, eventually. My beautician says not to worry about my hair. Bald is the new beautiful. I can only hope.
>>Tissue Alert: I wanted to cry at times
>>Source: Purchase. Honestly, I was trying to click the KU button and hit purchase instead. Not sorry. 40 chapters + epilogue: Book 1 of 3: excerpt from book 2 [The Measure of Trust] followed the story and had me adding it to my wish list. Book 3: The Measure of Honor
>>Trope: [1] MOC (Marriage of Convenience) [2] Injury [3] The timeline was off a bit so be prepared for changes with surprises that will shock and horrify.
Alix James is known for grabbing the reader by the throat and not letting go. I was stunned and shocked at the open salvo. OMG! How on earth could our hero survive that? I wanted to scream, NO! I have a love/hate relationship with Alix James’ stories. They tear up my nerves. It takes me weeks to recover. If you love angst, this is your story. Man, it was wave after wave of shocking surprises. I would think surely nothing else could happen. Then something else would happen and I would be shocked out of my senses. Good Grief. It was amazing. I can’t say enough about this book. It was a story about survival through the darkest days in the lives of our characters. There is too much to say in a review.
I had read an excerpt on one of the blogs and was horrified at the direction our author was taking this story. Once I had the thing in my grimy little hands, I was stunned at the raw emotional journey I would take with our characters. I wanted to cry and to rage along with our Darcy. Bless his heart. That boy suffered you know what throughout this story along with his sister. Elizabeth Darcy née Bennet stood right along with them. She was the glue that held together the shattered pieces of their lives. I adored her.
Our resident evil, the SBRB, was worse than ever. I wanted to pull his hair out along with mine. OMG! Did I say that I hate that guy? Well, I do. This piece of scum was awful with his vile taunting words. I wanted to cry as he described… dang, I can’t say.
“Love is made up of three unconditional properties in equal measure:
1. Acceptance
2. Understanding
3. Appreciation
Remove any one of the three and the triangle falls apart.
Which, by the way, is something highly inadvisable. Think about it—do you really want to live in a world of only two dimensions?
So, for the love of a triangle, please keep love whole.” –Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration
July 21, 2024
A tragic accident leaves Darcy as a shadow of his former self, struggling for purpose in life and unable to move out of his bed. Meanwhile Elizabeth and her family are publicly shunned because of Lydia's tried elopement. To save her family's name Elizabeth consents to a marriage to Darcy. They don't know each other but they nevertheless vow to care for each other. What begins as a marriage of convenience soon becomes something more when both discover the comfort they receive because of the union and they understand that they really need one another to mend their broken hearts. But is mutual affection enough for a marriage? Will Elizabeth be able to lift Darcy's depressed spirits? Is there a chance for Darcy to recover enough to sire the needed heir to break Pemberley's entail?
This book is a story about a marriage of convenience and very well written by the author Alix James. The story captivated me right from the start and I was hardly able to put it down. I suffered with Darcy and Elizabeth, was relieved for every improvement and sad for each setback. I hoped with them, I laughed with them, I cried with them. I really loved this book and I'm sure that I will carry this lovely story for quite some time with me.
This version of Darcy is a very special one because he is really vulnerable and not really himself. Before this tragic accident occurred he was an active man and a man of action and now he is dependent on others. I can understand his frustration and hopelessness. But I'm so glad that he lets Elizabeth brighten his days and help him out of his melancholy. I must confess I like books in which Darcy has some struggles to fight and needs Elizabeth to be successful with this endeavour. This means this book is definitely perfect for me 😉
I'm very much impressed by this version of Elizabeth in this story. She is such a strong, compassionate and caring woman. The perfect counterpart for Darcy. I like her way to draw him out and to make him rise above his abilities.
Another favourite of mine in this story is definitely Richard. I like the brotherly bond between the Colonel and Darcy and in this story it is even closer because Darcy needs to be cared for and it is the Colonel who fights for him. I like the way he cares about Darcy and does the most unlikely things to help him. And I like him for being the matchmaker for Darcy and Elizabeth.
Because the marriage takes place at the beginning of the book there is much page time for Darcy and Elizabeth. There is also much tragedy in the book because of the accident and the consequences of it and also much love because Darcy and Elizabeth discover that they first like and later love each other. I like the development of this relationship because I get the feeling that they truly get to know each other with all the depth, faults, strength and lovable qualities. I like that they love each other for the person they are and not because of external appearances.
In this story one of the usual villains plays an important and even more prominent role, but fortunately in the end this person gets what they deserve.
If you like to follow Darcy and Elizabeth on their way to discover love in a marriage of convenience and discover how they fight with the consequences of Darcy's tragic accident you should definitely read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
________________
Addition for the audiobook:
The book is narrated by Stevie Zimmerman. Stevie Zimmerman is definitely one of my favourite narrators and as always she has done an incredible job in making an excellent book even better with her narration. When I first read the book I often had her voice in my head reading the scenes to me. Therefore a dream has come true with her narrating this story.
As always she gives every person a different voice. This means one is at every part of the story able to hear who is talking to whom. I like that very much. Besides, if she is narrating a story, it is to me like spending the day with good friends, you know their voices all by heart and it is comfortable and cosy to be with them.
This book is a story about a marriage of convenience and very well written by the author Alix James. The story captivated me right from the start and I was hardly able to put it down. I suffered with Darcy and Elizabeth, was relieved for every improvement and sad for each setback. I hoped with them, I laughed with them, I cried with them. I really loved this book and I'm sure that I will carry this lovely story for quite some time with me.
This version of Darcy is a very special one because he is really vulnerable and not really himself. Before this tragic accident occurred he was an active man and a man of action and now he is dependent on others. I can understand his frustration and hopelessness. But I'm so glad that he lets Elizabeth brighten his days and help him out of his melancholy. I must confess I like books in which Darcy has some struggles to fight and needs Elizabeth to be successful with this endeavour. This means this book is definitely perfect for me 😉
I'm very much impressed by this version of Elizabeth in this story. She is such a strong, compassionate and caring woman. The perfect counterpart for Darcy. I like her way to draw him out and to make him rise above his abilities.
Another favourite of mine in this story is definitely Richard. I like the brotherly bond between the Colonel and Darcy and in this story it is even closer because Darcy needs to be cared for and it is the Colonel who fights for him. I like the way he cares about Darcy and does the most unlikely things to help him. And I like him for being the matchmaker for Darcy and Elizabeth.
Because the marriage takes place at the beginning of the book there is much page time for Darcy and Elizabeth. There is also much tragedy in the book because of the accident and the consequences of it and also much love because Darcy and Elizabeth discover that they first like and later love each other. I like the development of this relationship because I get the feeling that they truly get to know each other with all the depth, faults, strength and lovable qualities. I like that they love each other for the person they are and not because of external appearances.
In this story one of the usual villains plays an important and even more prominent role, but fortunately in the end this person gets what they deserve.
If you like to follow Darcy and Elizabeth on their way to discover love in a marriage of convenience and discover how they fight with the consequences of Darcy's tragic accident you should definitely read this excellent book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
________________
Addition for the audiobook:
The book is narrated by Stevie Zimmerman. Stevie Zimmerman is definitely one of my favourite narrators and as always she has done an incredible job in making an excellent book even better with her narration. When I first read the book I often had her voice in my head reading the scenes to me. Therefore a dream has come true with her narrating this story.
As always she gives every person a different voice. This means one is at every part of the story able to hear who is talking to whom. I like that very much. Besides, if she is narrating a story, it is to me like spending the day with good friends, you know their voices all by heart and it is comfortable and cosy to be with them.
March 19, 2024
My Rating: 5+ Stunning Stars!
My poor heart…Alix James’ Muse was at her peak when she came up with this highly dramatic, heart wrenching, soul searing, incredible variation!
“He was now fully at the mercy of his traitorous body and the kindness of others! Like a helpless babe…or a cripple. Was this to be his life now under others care?” (quote from the book)
Take one proud honourable man, Mr. Darcy, seeking justice against one despicable degenerate of a man, Mr. Wickham. Finally locating and confronting his nemesis in a brothel for the seduction of his beloved sister a month earlier, he finds him with another young girl. He hadn’t planned on losing complete control fighting, but the degenerate’s taunts soon lead to an assault. An assault that leaves Mr. Darcy gravely injured. But the consequences of all their actions don’t end there. More dire news is to come. Scandal, ruin and a marriage of convenience soon follow.
“She had a way of looking at him that made him feel as if she had captured something inside…as if she could sway even his heart with just a glance, and she seemed perfectly innocent of the power she held.” (quote from the book)
Elizabeth Bennet is glorious in this novel. Her courage rises, and at times so does her temper. But at her core is compassion, resiliency and her humanity. Darcy barely stands a chance against her. Two stubborn souls locked in a battle of wills that must come together to fight against the odds. What a journey they go through. One that wrapped around my heart and wouldn’t let go.
There is much, much more to this unique story that I cannot do justice to in my review. I will leave it to others and you, dear Reader, to be enthralled by the imagination of Ms. James. I assure you; you will not be disappointed.
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 8, 2025
Drama, raw emotion, and heart-breaking twists.
If you haven’t had the chance to dive into Alix James’ latest novel, ‘The Measure of Love’, it is a definite must-read. The opening chapter begins in full drama and action mode, as Darcy discovers George Wickham and Lydia Bennet in London. A confrontation leads to a physical altercation, resulting in a devastating injury for Darcy, leaving him paralysed.
The Bennet family is ruined because of Lydia’s elopement, and Georgiana has a secret that must remain hidden. Darcy is in no condition at present to do anything except pray that his body heals. In the early days of Darcy struggling to come to terms with these life-changing circumstances, Colonel Fitzwilliam steps in and presents him with a plan to unite him with Elizabeth Bennet—a woman he has never met before—in a marriage of convenience. His well-intentioned goal is to preserve not only Georgiana’s reputation, but the entire Darcy legacy, threatened by an entail, should there never be a Darcy heir. Now the colonel just has to convince them both.
The writing is brilliant, as Alix James takes the reader on the emotional and tumultuous journey of Darcy and Elizabeth, strangers who must come to know each other while Darcy faces the very personal issues that a paralysed man must deal with. Elizabeth is far removed from her family and struggles with the distance and secrets she must keep from them. Despite the weight of their circumstances, they still find humour, which is magnified by the author’s sharp dialogue and dry wit, injecting a semblance of joy into their beleaguered lives.
The book is entirely gripping from start to finish—filled with drama, raw emotion, and heart-breaking twists. It is one that will stay with me for a while. The author has promised an audiobook version too, which I definitely look forward to.
Highly recommend.
Personal note: It killed me to start this book, and only be able to read a chapter or so every few days because of personal commitments. I will definitely be reading it again when I have no interruptions!
June 8-9, 2024 - Audiobook
A brilliant narration by Stevie Zimmerman for a brilliantly-written book. Alix James’ story is even more poignant with Stevie’s narration. This book is a must read and listen.
If you haven’t had the chance to dive into Alix James’ latest novel, ‘The Measure of Love’, it is a definite must-read. The opening chapter begins in full drama and action mode, as Darcy discovers George Wickham and Lydia Bennet in London. A confrontation leads to a physical altercation, resulting in a devastating injury for Darcy, leaving him paralysed.
The Bennet family is ruined because of Lydia’s elopement, and Georgiana has a secret that must remain hidden. Darcy is in no condition at present to do anything except pray that his body heals. In the early days of Darcy struggling to come to terms with these life-changing circumstances, Colonel Fitzwilliam steps in and presents him with a plan to unite him with Elizabeth Bennet—a woman he has never met before—in a marriage of convenience. His well-intentioned goal is to preserve not only Georgiana’s reputation, but the entire Darcy legacy, threatened by an entail, should there never be a Darcy heir. Now the colonel just has to convince them both.
The writing is brilliant, as Alix James takes the reader on the emotional and tumultuous journey of Darcy and Elizabeth, strangers who must come to know each other while Darcy faces the very personal issues that a paralysed man must deal with. Elizabeth is far removed from her family and struggles with the distance and secrets she must keep from them. Despite the weight of their circumstances, they still find humour, which is magnified by the author’s sharp dialogue and dry wit, injecting a semblance of joy into their beleaguered lives.
The book is entirely gripping from start to finish—filled with drama, raw emotion, and heart-breaking twists. It is one that will stay with me for a while. The author has promised an audiobook version too, which I definitely look forward to.
Highly recommend.
Personal note: It killed me to start this book, and only be able to read a chapter or so every few days because of personal commitments. I will definitely be reading it again when I have no interruptions!
June 8-9, 2024 - Audiobook
A brilliant narration by Stevie Zimmerman for a brilliantly-written book. Alix James’ story is even more poignant with Stevie’s narration. This book is a must read and listen.
July 2, 2024
WOW!
Now I know why the book has mostly 5 Stars reviews.
Such a good story with twists you didn't think of. And most refreshing, no Lady Catherine De Bourgh. Thanks for that!!
I didn't mention Elizabeth and Darcy right? Their love story is so sweet, and Darcy's development in temper because of his injury was perfection.
Readers, I really do recommend the book, and if you love audiobooks as much as I do, then check out the audiobook narrated by the brilliant Stevie Zimmerman. As always very well done and enjoyable.
Was barely able to put it down.
-Angsty
-Around 13 hours and 40 minutes (Audiobook)
-mature content (no explicit love making scene though but because of other factors)
Now I know why the book has mostly 5 Stars reviews.
Such a good story with twists you didn't think of. And most refreshing, no Lady Catherine De Bourgh. Thanks for that!!
I didn't mention Elizabeth and Darcy right? Their love story is so sweet, and Darcy's development in temper because of his injury was perfection.
Readers, I really do recommend the book, and if you love audiobooks as much as I do, then check out the audiobook narrated by the brilliant Stevie Zimmerman. As always very well done and enjoyable.
Was barely able to put it down.
-Angsty
-Around 13 hours and 40 minutes (Audiobook)
-mature content (no explicit love making scene though but because of other factors)
March 11, 2024
I am lacking the words
Emotions come first and lead to thoughts which might be expressed in words.
With this book I am lacking the words to express my feelings and thoughts, at least for now as they are still raw. Words would feel flat. And therefore, I only feel, think and write “superb and worth of more than 5 stars”!
I was among the lucky-ones who got a copy in advance – thank you.
Emotions come first and lead to thoughts which might be expressed in words.
With this book I am lacking the words to express my feelings and thoughts, at least for now as they are still raw. Words would feel flat. And therefore, I only feel, think and write “superb and worth of more than 5 stars”!
I was among the lucky-ones who got a copy in advance – thank you.
March 15, 2024
Fitzwilliam Darcy needs a wife wick, but he is paralyzed from the waist down after an accident fighting Wickham. He is feeling beyond sorry for himself. Elizabeth Bennet volunteers for the job and becomes a ray of sunshine in the life of the Darcy siblings. They must all learn to communicate and be honest to overcome selfishness and find their happily ever after.
I loved the characters, banter, and emotions. I could not put it down.
I loved the characters, banter, and emotions. I could not put it down.
March 24, 2024
A Full Glass
I loved this story, and didn't want it to end. The book overview warned me to expect a certain level of angst. While I am wary of high angst stories, the author, the description and reviews induced me to give the book a chance. I am so happy that I did. The angst was acceptable to me because ODC are united through it. The interaction and relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is so deep, so soulful. The writing is so precise and inspires such emotion that I found myself fully immersed and empathetic to ODC's struggles. I caught some anachronisms, but they fit well into the dialogue. I have just purchased the hardcopy, and hope that an audiobook will be released. I recommend this book when you're in the mood for a variation that is more weighty.
I loved this story, and didn't want it to end. The book overview warned me to expect a certain level of angst. While I am wary of high angst stories, the author, the description and reviews induced me to give the book a chance. I am so happy that I did. The angst was acceptable to me because ODC are united through it. The interaction and relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth is so deep, so soulful. The writing is so precise and inspires such emotion that I found myself fully immersed and empathetic to ODC's struggles. I caught some anachronisms, but they fit well into the dialogue. I have just purchased the hardcopy, and hope that an audiobook will be released. I recommend this book when you're in the mood for a variation that is more weighty.
May 11, 2024
Brilliant!
April 19, 2024
Here is the author at her finest.
I am just about speechless with how much I loved this story. And I was shocked at how wonderful it was until I had to remind myself that this is the author who brought us These Dreams, Nefarious, and Nowhere But North, to name a few. I would give this ten stars if I could.
Rarely have we been so visually introduced to how horrible people treated the family members of someone who had ‘fallen.’ It was tormenting and I wanted Lizzy and Jane out of that town as fast as possible. We are introduced to the story’s secondary hero and Colonel Fitzwilliam devotees will fall for him all over again. As he says, he would ‘do anything under heaven or hell’ to make Darcy’s life better. (Imperfect quote from the book.)
We know that this set up the desperate need for Elizabeth to make a good marriage and quickly, but we also know that Elizabeth would not accept just being rescued and had to see into the heart of the situation and believe it was the right thing to do. Oh, but what a frightening prospect. This wasn’t just Beauty wandering into Beast’s castle accidentally, this was full out confronting a wounded Beast angry at the whole world.
Darcy, our Hero, even helplessly bedridden was remarkable in this tale. Wounded Hero yes, but as noble and heroic as if he was bodily whole. His struggle was an incredible journey.
The story is so grim in parts, it was heartbreaking. But Elizabeth brought blue skies and sunshine into the darkness surrounding Darcy and Georgiana in their individual torments over and over again. Until she was taken for granted and then, oh my gosh, the arguments! The scenes of their disagreements were so realistic, so intense and true yet they needed to happen.
The supporting characters, some new some familiar, were written so fascinatingly.
I loved the writing. The romance of ODC falling in love was beautiful. The dialogue is so so good. The inner dialogue was amazing. I’m trying deliberately not to spoil the actual story by giving a plot summary because I really believe it should be read without spoilers.
Beautiful beautiful story. I will be rereading this as often as I indulge in my other favorites from this author, which are many. I can’t wait for the audio and hope for a great narrator.
Highly recommended. JAFF readers are definitely in for one of the genre’s best authors at her finest.
I am just about speechless with how much I loved this story. And I was shocked at how wonderful it was until I had to remind myself that this is the author who brought us These Dreams, Nefarious, and Nowhere But North, to name a few. I would give this ten stars if I could.
Rarely have we been so visually introduced to how horrible people treated the family members of someone who had ‘fallen.’ It was tormenting and I wanted Lizzy and Jane out of that town as fast as possible. We are introduced to the story’s secondary hero and Colonel Fitzwilliam devotees will fall for him all over again. As he says, he would ‘do anything under heaven or hell’ to make Darcy’s life better. (Imperfect quote from the book.)
We know that this set up the desperate need for Elizabeth to make a good marriage and quickly, but we also know that Elizabeth would not accept just being rescued and had to see into the heart of the situation and believe it was the right thing to do. Oh, but what a frightening prospect. This wasn’t just Beauty wandering into Beast’s castle accidentally, this was full out confronting a wounded Beast angry at the whole world.
Darcy, our Hero, even helplessly bedridden was remarkable in this tale. Wounded Hero yes, but as noble and heroic as if he was bodily whole. His struggle was an incredible journey.
The story is so grim in parts, it was heartbreaking. But Elizabeth brought blue skies and sunshine into the darkness surrounding Darcy and Georgiana in their individual torments over and over again. Until she was taken for granted and then, oh my gosh, the arguments! The scenes of their disagreements were so realistic, so intense and true yet they needed to happen.
The supporting characters, some new some familiar, were written so fascinatingly.
I loved the writing. The romance of ODC falling in love was beautiful. The dialogue is so so good. The inner dialogue was amazing. I’m trying deliberately not to spoil the actual story by giving a plot summary because I really believe it should be read without spoilers.
Beautiful beautiful story. I will be rereading this as often as I indulge in my other favorites from this author, which are many. I can’t wait for the audio and hope for a great narrator.
Highly recommended. JAFF readers are definitely in for one of the genre’s best authors at her finest.
December 12, 2025
12/12/25 again I say, be still my heart.
this is an utter masterpiece. the character development, the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, chefs KISS
Richard’s character was hilarious especially in the beginning when the levity was really needed
And the epilogue omlllll it was so perfect.
if I could give this more than five stars I could, and I don’t say that often about books
1000% recommend, any content is tasteful and vague
3/14/24 BE STILL MY HEART
Perhaps another time I’ll have a moment to wax on eloquently and put to justice the work of art that this book is, but not today 😂
16+
this is an utter masterpiece. the character development, the relationship between Darcy and Elizabeth, chefs KISS
Richard’s character was hilarious especially in the beginning when the levity was really needed
And the epilogue omlllll it was so perfect.
if I could give this more than five stars I could, and I don’t say that often about books
1000% recommend, any content is tasteful and vague
3/14/24 BE STILL MY HEART
Perhaps another time I’ll have a moment to wax on eloquently and put to justice the work of art that this book is, but not today 😂
16+
March 20, 2024
Worth the read 3.5 stars
Overall, I like the story.
What I liked:
- Although not ideal, Darcy and Elizabeth come to an early understanding.
- The mood of the story. There was no shortage of emotional highs and lows. Every once in a while, it's nice to see what D&E is made of when faced with a bleak future (queue Darcy).
- Jane's HEA
What made my eye start twitching:
- Darcy is selfish in certain situations. I get it. Darcy deserves to have his pity party, but it becomes all about him when he decides to do whatever is necessary to enjoy his outdoor pleasures while unwilling to try to please his wife because he gets nothing from it.
- Georgiana can do no wrong. It doesn't matter if she lies, breaks the rules, seduces men, or whatever else. There is always a ready excuse for her behavior, and she is not to be blamed because she can't be anything but a perfect little angel.
- The ideas that the Matlocks come up with are head-scratchers.
Overall, I like the story.
What I liked:
- Although not ideal, Darcy and Elizabeth come to an early understanding.
- The mood of the story. There was no shortage of emotional highs and lows. Every once in a while, it's nice to see what D&E is made of when faced with a bleak future (queue Darcy).
- Jane's HEA
What made my eye start twitching:
- Darcy is selfish in certain situations. I get it. Darcy deserves to have his pity party, but it becomes all about him when he decides to do whatever is necessary to enjoy his outdoor pleasures while unwilling to try to please his wife because he gets nothing from it.
- Georgiana can do no wrong. It doesn't matter if she lies, breaks the rules, seduces men, or whatever else. There is always a ready excuse for her behavior, and she is not to be blamed because she can't be anything but a perfect little angel.
- The ideas that the Matlocks come up with are head-scratchers.
April 16, 2024
Intense!
Great challenges are presented to our beloved couple. This story is a compelling evidence of the power of love and determination. I can't wait to read the other books in this collection.
Great challenges are presented to our beloved couple. This story is a compelling evidence of the power of love and determination. I can't wait to read the other books in this collection.
March 18, 2024
I loved this book. It is a very different premise, but worked so well. I did not want to put it down. I highly recommend it.
March 25, 2024
Absolutely wonderful
My biggest gripe about this book is that it was released on a weekday & I preodered it so it just popped up in my kindle tempting me to foolishly start reading it immediately when I couldn't stay up all night to finish it. It was so engrossing and so well written. There was some angst, but no nonsense or melodrama. I think both Lizzy & Darcy's emotions were so real and so moving. I just loved this book and couldn't wait to find out if Darcy would recover & if Wickham would get his just desserts.
My biggest gripe about this book is that it was released on a weekday & I preodered it so it just popped up in my kindle tempting me to foolishly start reading it immediately when I couldn't stay up all night to finish it. It was so engrossing and so well written. There was some angst, but no nonsense or melodrama. I think both Lizzy & Darcy's emotions were so real and so moving. I just loved this book and couldn't wait to find out if Darcy would recover & if Wickham would get his just desserts.
Read
April 16, 2024Somewhat ableist
There are many things I enjoyed about this variation -- ODC have some great repartee, their bond is slowly developed and based on respect and shared humor.
What I couldn't help but cringe at is how sexual intimacy for the disabled is portrayed, and how quickly and simply the HEA comes after disability ends. I kept flashing back on scenes from Murderball https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/murd..., where the sexuality of quadriplegic men is briefly discussed, but in somewhat explicit detail, and how there's more ways to pleasure a female partner than just traditional intercourse. Yes, I realized Regency Era England didn't center female pleasure or think about disabilities the way we do today... but I felt really disappointed after a pivotal scene of Elizabeth trying to get intimate, followed by hysterical rejection and anger / self-loathing from Darcy. It's "resolved" by the couple just renouncing sexual acts, until the HEA.
I would've loved D making the effort to truly satisfy E and gaining some measure of self esteem and self satisfaction that way. But, I guess that is just a fantasy.
There are many things I enjoyed about this variation -- ODC have some great repartee, their bond is slowly developed and based on respect and shared humor.
What I couldn't help but cringe at is how sexual intimacy for the disabled is portrayed, and how quickly and simply the HEA comes after disability ends. I kept flashing back on scenes from Murderball https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/murd..., where the sexuality of quadriplegic men is briefly discussed, but in somewhat explicit detail, and how there's more ways to pleasure a female partner than just traditional intercourse. Yes, I realized Regency Era England didn't center female pleasure or think about disabilities the way we do today... but I felt really disappointed after a pivotal scene of Elizabeth trying to get intimate, followed by hysterical rejection and anger / self-loathing from Darcy. It's "resolved" by the couple just renouncing sexual acts, until the HEA.
I would've loved D making the effort to truly satisfy E and gaining some measure of self esteem and self satisfaction that way. But, I guess that is just a fantasy.
June 27, 2024
Squee! Yes, you heard that right. This was such a feel-good story! It was lovely to see Darcy & Elizabeth becoming friends & partners, despite an enormous obstacle.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the excellent Stevie Zimmerman.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by the excellent Stevie Zimmerman.
October 19, 2024
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars. In fact, I agree with other reviewers who extolled the book's power, honesty, heart-felt emotion, and exquisite writing. But I can't help but notice (and regret) that the book did not entirely avoid the pitfall of ableism that the plot set up for itself.
I downloaded the book and then stalled on reading it for several months because I feared what I would find: the angst of the story would be steeped in ableism. I do not have any personal experience with a devastating injury such as the one described in these pages, but I do believe it would be quite normal for a person to initially react with bitterness and hopelessness.
What's more, I do believe that Mr. Darcy as a character WOULD be ableist: his pride would mean that he would have immense difficulty accepting himself as anything other than physical, commanding, and powerful. An injury like this would totally mess with his conception of himself, and of course, a situation that makes a character question everything about himself can be an extremely fruitful and interesting character arc.
Darcy did somewhat come to peace with his disability, thanks to Lizzy's help--which was great, and I appreciated that the author managed that. But there were missed opportunities, as I wished that Lizzy might have pushed back a little more. When Lizzy tried the first time to become his lover and he rejected her, it would be appropriate for her to apologize if she felt she had not been careful enough to obtain his consent. But I wish that she had argued harder that no, it wasn't just that they needed a baby--she honestly desired him, as he IS, in a bath chair. That she sees him as wholly masculine and that she wants to share her body with him. That he doesn't need to feel he is being insulted or that he is less masculine if he has to be in a more passive role because of his disability. That he hurt her by rejecting her--that was insulting, too.
I did very much appreciate that when he saved Lizzy from Wickham, he did it from horseback. The author didn't make the melodramatic mistake of having him unexpectedly reaching deep down into some hitherfore untapped resolve and rising to his feet to confront the villain.
Yes, it was thrilling and joyous to have Darcy start to regain some feeling in his lower limbs toward the end of the book.
But the author undercut the message that I hoped that she was working toward--that Darcy could not only come to make peace with his new reality but could be HAPPY--by having him walking at the end of the book. I wanted Darcy's character arc to end with him able to feel fully masculine, fully himself, even if he didn't regain all the use of his limbs. I would have preferred him to have regained some of his faculties (enough that he could feel Lizzy's loving touch and also sire a child, because that was such a key part of the problem) but that he stayed in the chair.
It's a sad fact, however, that if the author had done so, she probably wouldn't have gotten so many five-star reviews. Our culture is so ableist that readers wouldn't be unable to accept that as a happy ending, because of COURSE it is assumed that a man who is unable to walk cannot be not fully masculine or able to be happy.
And that is such a shame for people who have to live with the reality of a devastating injury--the indignity of everyone around them believing that happy endings will never be true for them.
I downloaded the book and then stalled on reading it for several months because I feared what I would find: the angst of the story would be steeped in ableism. I do not have any personal experience with a devastating injury such as the one described in these pages, but I do believe it would be quite normal for a person to initially react with bitterness and hopelessness.
What's more, I do believe that Mr. Darcy as a character WOULD be ableist: his pride would mean that he would have immense difficulty accepting himself as anything other than physical, commanding, and powerful. An injury like this would totally mess with his conception of himself, and of course, a situation that makes a character question everything about himself can be an extremely fruitful and interesting character arc.
Darcy did somewhat come to peace with his disability, thanks to Lizzy's help--which was great, and I appreciated that the author managed that. But there were missed opportunities, as I wished that Lizzy might have pushed back a little more. When Lizzy tried the first time to become his lover and he rejected her, it would be appropriate for her to apologize if she felt she had not been careful enough to obtain his consent. But I wish that she had argued harder that no, it wasn't just that they needed a baby--she honestly desired him, as he IS, in a bath chair. That she sees him as wholly masculine and that she wants to share her body with him. That he doesn't need to feel he is being insulted or that he is less masculine if he has to be in a more passive role because of his disability. That he hurt her by rejecting her--that was insulting, too.
I did very much appreciate that when he saved Lizzy from Wickham, he did it from horseback. The author didn't make the melodramatic mistake of having him unexpectedly reaching deep down into some hitherfore untapped resolve and rising to his feet to confront the villain.
Yes, it was thrilling and joyous to have Darcy start to regain some feeling in his lower limbs toward the end of the book.
But the author undercut the message that I hoped that she was working toward--that Darcy could not only come to make peace with his new reality but could be HAPPY--by having him walking at the end of the book. I wanted Darcy's character arc to end with him able to feel fully masculine, fully himself, even if he didn't regain all the use of his limbs. I would have preferred him to have regained some of his faculties (enough that he could feel Lizzy's loving touch and also sire a child, because that was such a key part of the problem) but that he stayed in the chair.
It's a sad fact, however, that if the author had done so, she probably wouldn't have gotten so many five-star reviews. Our culture is so ableist that readers wouldn't be unable to accept that as a happy ending, because of COURSE it is assumed that a man who is unable to walk cannot be not fully masculine or able to be happy.
And that is such a shame for people who have to live with the reality of a devastating injury--the indignity of everyone around them believing that happy endings will never be true for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2024
5+ stars!
I’m starting off with some advice: Make sure you pick this up when you've got plenty of time, because once you start reading, you'll have trouble putting it down till the last page.
As it begins, an infuriated Darcy confronts Wickham in a brothel where his nemesis is in the process of bedding a naïve-looking girl. Their fight bursts out into the hallway at the top of a staircase, where Darcy loses his balance and tumbles down to the bottom. Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives in time to handle the aftermath, but the fall leaves Darcy paralyzed from the waist down.
Wickham is arrested and awaiting trial. The young lady Darcy saved is Lydia Bennet, but Darcy knew nothing about the Bennet family; he had been responding to Wickham's recent despoilment of his sister, Georgiana. When Colonel Fitzwilliam returns an unrepentant Lydia to Longbourn, the obviously dysfunctional Bennet family dynamics are in full display. Despite that, the colonel can’t help but note Elizabeth's forthright manner, intelligence, and wit.
Darcy suffers great pain and humiliation due to his paralysis, and he lashes out at everyone who tries to help him. Pemberley has an entail similar to Longbourn’s. If Darcy cannot father a son, the estate and all its holdings will go to a worthless cousin who, within a matter of years, would destroy everything the Darcy family has built. Even worse, Georgiana has become pregnant with Wickham’s child, and Darcy feels helpless to protect her reputation.
The solution, as devised by Colonel Fitzwilliam, is for Darcy to marry immediately, take his new wife and Georgiana on an extended “wedding trip,” keeping his injury a secret from the ton until they return, and pass Georgiana’s child off as their own. The colonel believes Elizabeth Bennet is exactly the kind of woman Darcy and Georgiana need for this scheme. It would also benefit Elizabeth’s family: marrying a man as wealthy and influential as Darcy would help lift the stain of scandal that still hangs over Longbourn after Lydia’s disappearance and recovery.
Elizabeth is not intimidated by Darcy’s black temper, so the first meeting between the two is a fiery exchange. They do get past that, and a marriage of mutual convenience is agreed upon.
…and the story’s just begun.
The plot goes on with unexpected twists and turns. Characters are well developed, and the way the partnership between Darcy and Elizabeth grows from grudging acceptance of each other to devoted love is masterfully done. Lovers of angst will enjoy how the tension continues to build, offering small hints that perhaps things might turn out well in the midst of heartbreaking setbacks.
Highly recommend!
Content is clean.
I received an advanced readers copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
I’m starting off with some advice: Make sure you pick this up when you've got plenty of time, because once you start reading, you'll have trouble putting it down till the last page.
As it begins, an infuriated Darcy confronts Wickham in a brothel where his nemesis is in the process of bedding a naïve-looking girl. Their fight bursts out into the hallway at the top of a staircase, where Darcy loses his balance and tumbles down to the bottom. Colonel Fitzwilliam arrives in time to handle the aftermath, but the fall leaves Darcy paralyzed from the waist down.
Wickham is arrested and awaiting trial. The young lady Darcy saved is Lydia Bennet, but Darcy knew nothing about the Bennet family; he had been responding to Wickham's recent despoilment of his sister, Georgiana. When Colonel Fitzwilliam returns an unrepentant Lydia to Longbourn, the obviously dysfunctional Bennet family dynamics are in full display. Despite that, the colonel can’t help but note Elizabeth's forthright manner, intelligence, and wit.
Darcy suffers great pain and humiliation due to his paralysis, and he lashes out at everyone who tries to help him. Pemberley has an entail similar to Longbourn’s. If Darcy cannot father a son, the estate and all its holdings will go to a worthless cousin who, within a matter of years, would destroy everything the Darcy family has built. Even worse, Georgiana has become pregnant with Wickham’s child, and Darcy feels helpless to protect her reputation.
The solution, as devised by Colonel Fitzwilliam, is for Darcy to marry immediately, take his new wife and Georgiana on an extended “wedding trip,” keeping his injury a secret from the ton until they return, and pass Georgiana’s child off as their own. The colonel believes Elizabeth Bennet is exactly the kind of woman Darcy and Georgiana need for this scheme. It would also benefit Elizabeth’s family: marrying a man as wealthy and influential as Darcy would help lift the stain of scandal that still hangs over Longbourn after Lydia’s disappearance and recovery.
Elizabeth is not intimidated by Darcy’s black temper, so the first meeting between the two is a fiery exchange. They do get past that, and a marriage of mutual convenience is agreed upon.
…and the story’s just begun.
The plot goes on with unexpected twists and turns. Characters are well developed, and the way the partnership between Darcy and Elizabeth grows from grudging acceptance of each other to devoted love is masterfully done. Lovers of angst will enjoy how the tension continues to build, offering small hints that perhaps things might turn out well in the midst of heartbreaking setbacks.
Highly recommend!
Content is clean.
I received an advanced readers copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
March 10, 2024
Stunning!
Ramsgate has dire consequences.
The book begins as Darcy, who has spent weeks furiously searching for Wickham, learns he is holed up in a brothel with yet another young girl (Lydia) and this avenging man has had enough. A fierce clash between them has Darcy in control until in a devastating instant, Darcy loses balance and falls down a staircase, his injuries leaving him paralyzed from waist down.
The Bennet’s are as yet unknown to Darcy in this variation. It falls to our Colonel to return an unrepentant, quite frankly infuriating and ridiculous Lydia home to her family at Longbourn. Here he meets Elizabeth, whose strength, intelligence and kindness give him thoughts of an unlikely plan. A marriage, desperately needed to salvage the wreckage that now threatens the Darcys and Pemberley’s survival.
When the Colonel returns to Longbourn and offers this plan as a way to redeem her shunned family from the ruin that Lydia has heaped upon them all, Elizabeth agrees only to travel to London to meet and at least gratefully thank the man who saved her sister. As can be imagined, her first meeting with Darcy does not go well. The Colonel is again called into the fray and ODC agree to attempt another try at civility. For many reasons time is of the essence and when a marriage of convenience is indeed settled upon, it is carried out with haste. Quite a beginning!
Darcy’s injuries have left him in great pain and agonized humiliation, angry and despairing he cannot care for himself, or protect the sister he loves. But soon, with frank and open communication and compassionate care, both Darcy and Elizabeth come to realize a need and respect for each other. Together from here, they face the trials to come.
I enjoyed Alix James’ excellent writing, so descriptive and vivid! This story has angst galore, but soothes the bite with a gorgeous and believable coming to love journey for Darcy and Elizabeth.
Highly recommend!
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily offer my review.
Ramsgate has dire consequences.
The book begins as Darcy, who has spent weeks furiously searching for Wickham, learns he is holed up in a brothel with yet another young girl (Lydia) and this avenging man has had enough. A fierce clash between them has Darcy in control until in a devastating instant, Darcy loses balance and falls down a staircase, his injuries leaving him paralyzed from waist down.
The Bennet’s are as yet unknown to Darcy in this variation. It falls to our Colonel to return an unrepentant, quite frankly infuriating and ridiculous Lydia home to her family at Longbourn. Here he meets Elizabeth, whose strength, intelligence and kindness give him thoughts of an unlikely plan. A marriage, desperately needed to salvage the wreckage that now threatens the Darcys and Pemberley’s survival.
When the Colonel returns to Longbourn and offers this plan as a way to redeem her shunned family from the ruin that Lydia has heaped upon them all, Elizabeth agrees only to travel to London to meet and at least gratefully thank the man who saved her sister. As can be imagined, her first meeting with Darcy does not go well. The Colonel is again called into the fray and ODC agree to attempt another try at civility. For many reasons time is of the essence and when a marriage of convenience is indeed settled upon, it is carried out with haste. Quite a beginning!
Darcy’s injuries have left him in great pain and agonized humiliation, angry and despairing he cannot care for himself, or protect the sister he loves. But soon, with frank and open communication and compassionate care, both Darcy and Elizabeth come to realize a need and respect for each other. Together from here, they face the trials to come.
I enjoyed Alix James’ excellent writing, so descriptive and vivid! This story has angst galore, but soothes the bite with a gorgeous and believable coming to love journey for Darcy and Elizabeth.
Highly recommend!
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily offer my review.
October 27, 2024
I loved it!
Warning: The author has provided a list of potential trigger warnings for this content. https://eagle-creek-press.myshopify.c...
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. Bound by duty; saved by love. When tragedy leaves Fitzwilliam Darcy clinging to life, Elizabeth Bennet sacrifices her dreams to repay the debt owed to her family's damaged savior. But can her compassion penetrate his bitter heart and spark hope again? Beneath Darcy’s aloof bitterness smoulders a broken, vulnerable man stripped of his mobility and purpose. While Elizabeth grapples with this unexpected fate, a marriage of convenience that is proving to be decidedly inconvenient, they discover that they might just be more alike than they are different. As mutual dependence awakens a deep, trusting affection between two defiant hearts, can their blossoming care withstand not only Darcy’s demons, but pressure from a society still expecting them to produce an heir? What fates decree as a marriage of cold duty has the power to transform two contrary souls and lead them to discover the truest liberation, of laughter and joy; partnership and understanding; an above all, the freedom found when true minds and hearts decide to throw off their armour for one another. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
Warning: The author has provided a list of potential trigger warnings for this content. https://eagle-creek-press.myshopify.c...
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. Bound by duty; saved by love. When tragedy leaves Fitzwilliam Darcy clinging to life, Elizabeth Bennet sacrifices her dreams to repay the debt owed to her family's damaged savior. But can her compassion penetrate his bitter heart and spark hope again? Beneath Darcy’s aloof bitterness smoulders a broken, vulnerable man stripped of his mobility and purpose. While Elizabeth grapples with this unexpected fate, a marriage of convenience that is proving to be decidedly inconvenient, they discover that they might just be more alike than they are different. As mutual dependence awakens a deep, trusting affection between two defiant hearts, can their blossoming care withstand not only Darcy’s demons, but pressure from a society still expecting them to produce an heir? What fates decree as a marriage of cold duty has the power to transform two contrary souls and lead them to discover the truest liberation, of laughter and joy; partnership and understanding; an above all, the freedom found when true minds and hearts decide to throw off their armour for one another. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone.
April 13, 2024
I really loved this story. The character and relationship growth between E&D is phenomenal. I think the Earl and Colonel overstepped their bounds even if they meant well. I don't know if I can agree with those who say Darcy was selfish not trying to be lovers with Elizabeth before he was well enough. She never asked him just to please her (if she had,that would be a different story and he would have been selfish to refuse), she wanted him to try to make love to her just because he became aroused at times without even feeling it, and if he could not feel or control his body at all, is that really selfish? I don't think it is fair to call Darcy's character selfish because of that. I would think it would have to be downright scary for a man to be in such a condition, and to try something like that. Think about having to use the facilities but not being able to have control over your bodily functions or feel anything. How is that possibly selfish? =
March 13, 2024
good, however…
I have a general tendency to downgrade a story for nuanced portrayals of Elizabeth Bennet that leave me unsatisfied. This is one such story. Despite the numerous plot changes (and some hanging threads), the plot was generally good and captivating. Fitzwilliam Darcy is more or less a blank canvas so there is a lot of freedom to extend his character from canon. Additionally, his portrayal here was very poignant. I normally however, tend to “feel” a variation from how Elizabeth feels “true” and when she steps into the realm of “perfect Lizzy” the story loses the appeal. She becomes stodgy, loses agency and individuality and becomes a bit overdone and boring. Thus instead of five stars, the story gets four. Which is still high but good authors, such as this one, can and should nuance protagonists, especially the heroine better.
I have a general tendency to downgrade a story for nuanced portrayals of Elizabeth Bennet that leave me unsatisfied. This is one such story. Despite the numerous plot changes (and some hanging threads), the plot was generally good and captivating. Fitzwilliam Darcy is more or less a blank canvas so there is a lot of freedom to extend his character from canon. Additionally, his portrayal here was very poignant. I normally however, tend to “feel” a variation from how Elizabeth feels “true” and when she steps into the realm of “perfect Lizzy” the story loses the appeal. She becomes stodgy, loses agency and individuality and becomes a bit overdone and boring. Thus instead of five stars, the story gets four. Which is still high but good authors, such as this one, can and should nuance protagonists, especially the heroine better.
March 14, 2024
5 big stars :-D
Another great story by Alix James
This variation is almost totally different the original.
When the story starts Bingley has nevet leased Netherfield. So neither Mr Darcy nor Mr Bingley have been to Hertfordshire and have not met the Bennet family.
Darcy is seriously injured during a fight with Mr Wickham and is render lame in his lower torso. Georgina is absolutely heartbroken after her encounter with Wickham. Richard is an invaluable help to the two and senses that Elizabeth can help the two. The Bennet family’s reputation is in ruins after Lydia run away with Wickham, and they do not marry. So she and her family can benefit from her marrying Mr Darcy.
I give the story my warmest recommendations. I was totally gripped by the story and stayed up way too late to finish the story. Enjoy! :-D
Another great story by Alix James
This variation is almost totally different the original.
When the story starts Bingley has nevet leased Netherfield. So neither Mr Darcy nor Mr Bingley have been to Hertfordshire and have not met the Bennet family.
Darcy is seriously injured during a fight with Mr Wickham and is render lame in his lower torso. Georgina is absolutely heartbroken after her encounter with Wickham. Richard is an invaluable help to the two and senses that Elizabeth can help the two. The Bennet family’s reputation is in ruins after Lydia run away with Wickham, and they do not marry. So she and her family can benefit from her marrying Mr Darcy.
I give the story my warmest recommendations. I was totally gripped by the story and stayed up way too late to finish the story. Enjoy! :-D
April 14, 2024
Get you Kleenex out
The characters are the same in tone, texture, and core personalities. However the story changes from beginning to end. No rich men move into the neighborhood or insult from a dance.
The change begins after Ramsgate. Here Georgianna is not so pure but still so very innocent and guilt ridden.
Colonel Fitzwilliam is commanding, bossy and Loves the Darcys.
Wickham shows up to attempt to cause his bile to run wild.
Darcy and Elizabeth begin as individuals and merge as a couple should without sexual intimacy but a different kind of intimacy.
The reason for 4 stars is the repetition of saying a point — to many times.
While this book is sad —goodness and love prevailed. I recommend this book for 15 years olds and older. There is adult themes that are discussed.
The characters are the same in tone, texture, and core personalities. However the story changes from beginning to end. No rich men move into the neighborhood or insult from a dance.
The change begins after Ramsgate. Here Georgianna is not so pure but still so very innocent and guilt ridden.
Colonel Fitzwilliam is commanding, bossy and Loves the Darcys.
Wickham shows up to attempt to cause his bile to run wild.
Darcy and Elizabeth begin as individuals and merge as a couple should without sexual intimacy but a different kind of intimacy.
The reason for 4 stars is the repetition of saying a point — to many times.
While this book is sad —goodness and love prevailed. I recommend this book for 15 years olds and older. There is adult themes that are discussed.
June 9, 2024
Another hit and so worth reading!
Things you learn right away: Bingley doesn’t lease Netherfield until later than canon thus Darcy hasn’t met Elizabeth. Lydia still runs away with Wickham and Darcy finds them as he’s trying to deal with Wickham after Ramsgate. An accident happens and it leaves Darcy vulnerable. Col Fitzwilliam comes up with a plan that involves Elizabeth (he met her when escorting Lydia home). This is a marriage of convenience story that blooms with two strong willed individuals who need each other but sparks will fly.
The audiobook being narrated by Stevie Zimmerman brought the book to life with the emotion pouring from the characters. You can just feel the grief especially from Darcy as he is learning to deal with his new situation. This is a story that I will re-read and listen to again!
Things you learn right away: Bingley doesn’t lease Netherfield until later than canon thus Darcy hasn’t met Elizabeth. Lydia still runs away with Wickham and Darcy finds them as he’s trying to deal with Wickham after Ramsgate. An accident happens and it leaves Darcy vulnerable. Col Fitzwilliam comes up with a plan that involves Elizabeth (he met her when escorting Lydia home). This is a marriage of convenience story that blooms with two strong willed individuals who need each other but sparks will fly.
The audiobook being narrated by Stevie Zimmerman brought the book to life with the emotion pouring from the characters. You can just feel the grief especially from Darcy as he is learning to deal with his new situation. This is a story that I will re-read and listen to again!
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