In a world of manners and matrimony, one man's secret could upend all.
Longbourn is abuzz with the arrival of Mr. Collins, a clergyman who will one day inherit the estate. But his true intention—to secure a wife—is complicated by a hidden he is the secret author of popular romance novels. His sights are set on the beautiful Jane Bennet, whose gentle nature and family obligations make her the perfect target.
Elizabeth, ever protective of her sister, senses that something is amiss with Mr. Collins. Her suspicions lead her on a path of discovery, drawing the attention of wealthy, reserved Mr. Darcy. As Elizabeth delves deeper, she finds herself caught between uncovering the truth and a growing affection for a man who she knows is unattainable.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is in Hertfordshire on an errand for his aunt, nothing more. The last thing he wants is to fall in love. But when he encounters lovely, intriguing Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy’s carefully constructed defenses begin to crumble. As he becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Mr. Collins, Darcy must decide who he can trust. Should he risk his heart in a world where appearances can be deceiving?
Laura Hile's Pretty in Print is a joyous Regency romp, blending your friends from Pride and Prejudice with a lighthearted mystery. Be swept away into a world of secrets, romance, and the so-called power of the written word.
Readers are loving Laura Hile's joyous Austenesque Regency novels. Her signature style---intertwined plots, cliffhangers, and laugh-out-loud humor---keep them coming back for more.
The comedy Laura comes by as a teacher. There's never a dull moment with teen students!
All of Laura's books are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
NEW! Laura is currently having novels and novellas produced as audiobooks.
These are available at most audio distribution outlets, including public libraries. Laura Hile Audiobooks, her channel at YouTube, offers her audiobooks for your enjoyment, FREE.
Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and sons. Her fiction is for everyone, even teens.
Awards:
SO THIS IS LOVE: From Pemberley to Milton: Favorite Reads of 2020
A VERY AUSTEN ROMANCE: Austenprose: Best Austenesque & Historical Books of 2020 (Short Story Anthology)
A VERY AUSTEN VALENTINE: More Agreeably Engaged: Favorite Anthology 2018
CIR STRONG AWARD September, 2018: For outstanding service to independent authors
DARCY BY ANY OTHER NAME: * Babblings of a Bookworm My Top 10 Favorite Books of 2017 * Just Jane 1813 Reviewer's Favorite, 2016, Darcy By Any Other Name * 2016 Favorites, Austenesque Reviews * Top Ten Favorites, 2016, From Pemberley to Milton * Best Books I Read in 2016, The Book Dragon * Favorite Books 2016, More Agreeably Engaged
MERCY'S EMBRACE novels: * Austenprose.com's 2012 Debut Author Award * Mercy's Embrace as a series, AustenesqueReviews.com's Top Ten (Minor Character)
Fun Read A good romp now and then is good for the spirit, especially when Laura Hile pens it. Mr. Collins is trying to hide a secret as he endeavours to win Jane’s heart—like that’s ever going to happen—after Lady Catherine sends him to Longbourn in search of wife. She also sends Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam to spy on him. Mr. Darcy’s chance meeting with Elizabeth exposes him as just a tad rakish in that he’s talkative and flirtatious, which I loved. My favourite part of this novella is the teasing banter between him and Elizabeth, that eventually leads to a very civil proposal. Very enjoyable and fun read.
4.5* rounded down. Ms. Hiles' books always make me smile. This one is no different, and I only wish it was a longer experience to savour! Darcy is literally knocked off his high horse, and his subsequent encounters with strangers are, for him, quite amicable. There are only two of the usual JAFF "villains" here, as there are only mentions of Miss Bingley and Wickham. I wonder, though, how Collins is able to write such popular novels when his drafts and correspondences are so silly and prosaic. The audiobook is vividly narrated by Harry Frost, and also available on the author's YouTube channel.
I usually like Ms Hile Books, but this one was confusing. Mr. Collins was a fortune hunter in my opinion, which put me off with his earlier speech about the girl, and about the poorer one.
Also, I think ODC (Elizabeth and Darcy) did not had enough speeking to fall in love. They had screentime, but if there‘s no talking or not enough to have chemistry. At least more than Jane and Bingley.
So to Elizabeth‘s parents.. what the f*ck? Mr Bennet is worse and Mrs Bennet, I can‘t stand her. Matchmaking her girls with all the men. 🤦♀️
Well one question about Collins new novel, there are questions left unanswered..
Mr Collins is secretly an author of romance novels, as well as being the parson at Hunsford. He and two of his university buddies travel to Meryton so that Collins can view the property he'll one day inherit, but also to find a wife among Mr Bennett's daughters. Lady Catherine sends Darcy to check up on Collins, since she's suspicious of his friends. Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanies him to Meryton, and they scout out Netherfield Park on Bingley's behalf. Bingley eventually shows up to view the property, and quickly falls for Jane Bennett, much to Mr Collins' chagrin. Darcy, meanwhile, finds himself losing the battle over his strong attraction to Elizabeth.
I like this author, but I don't think that this is one of her better efforts. The premise is nice, although Collins is such a nervous wreck that it's hard to imagine that he would be capable of creating a book, and a successful one at that. He always acts like a quivering mess, not like someone who could string together an entire story. The reason for Darcy to go to Meryton for Lady Catherine is lame at best. Elizabeth and Darcy have a few interactions, but not enough to develop a love for the ages, IMHO. I didn't feel the chemistry between them, although I did like Darcy's more relaxed character. The various relationships were more confusing than romantic.
The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it, bot only half heartedly.
Many of the reviews I read said this book was laugh out loud funny with an engaging plot and well developed characters. I will admit I chuckled a couple of times but that was hard fought after much irritation with storylines that don't make sense and then end up going nowhere. Unfortunately I find this authors writing about as enticing as Mr. Collins' in this book which is to say not very enticing at all. On top of all this the ending feels like the author got bored with their own story and decided just to end it in less than 10 pages.
- I hoped to catch some of the banter between Elizabeth and Darcy that I read in some of the reviews. At the 70% mark, I gave up. They didn't have much screen time up to this point. Maybe those conversations were further in the story.
Definitely a romp, with a character writing romances under a pen name, and not wanting anyone to discover they are that writer. The characters are not true to the originals, but it's definitely a fun and different way to view Pride and Prejudice, and all in good fun. It's short enough to be just that quick, lighthearted read you need to forget about other things for a while.
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 joyous Regency romp, blending our beloved characters from Pride and Prejudice with a lighthearted mystery. Be swept away into a world of secrets, romance, and the so-called power of the written word. In a world of manners and matrimony, one man’s secret could upend all. Longbourn is abuzz with the arrival of Mr. Collins, a clergyman who will one day inherit the estate. But his true intention, to secure a wife, is complicated by a hidden identity: he is the secret author of popular romance novels. His sights are set on the beautiful Jane Bennet, whose gentle nature and family obligations make her the perfect target. Elizabeth, ever protective of her sister, senses that something is amiss with Mr. Collins. Her suspicions lead her on a path of discovery, drawing the attention of wealthy, reserved Mr. Darcy. As Elizabeth delves deeper, she finds herself caught between uncovering the truth and a growing affection for a man who she knows is unattainable. Fitzwilliam Darcy is in Hertfordshire on an errand for his aunt, nothing more. The last thing he wants is to fall in love, but when he encounters lovely, intriguing Elizabeth Bennet, Darcy’s carefully constructed defenses begin to crumble. As he becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Mr. Collins, Darcy must decide who he can trust. Should he risk his heart in a world where appearances can be deceiving? So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I highly recommend to everyone.
Mr. Collins became a novelist to help pay his costs at Oxford. It's a secret he must keep at all costs because of his position at Hunsford parish. Ordered by Lady Catherine to find a wife, he heads for Longbourn in the company of two of his Oxford friends. Upon first glance, Collins is smitten with Jane and spends a great deal of time trying to court her. At this point Bingley has not yet arrived on the scene, but when he does, he gets all of her attention, much to Collins's chagrin.
Lady Catherine interrupts Darcy's vacation in Brighton, ordering him to spy on Collins. Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanies him, but doesn't have much of a role in the effort. Darcy is intrigued by Elizabeth. There is no insult this time, no initial dislike to overcome. They both feel a magnetic pull.
Mrs. Bennet at first shoves Jane at Collins, then Elizabeth, then Mary. But Collins has other plans, surprising everyone. There's no Wickham in this variation. I did wonder about Morland and Tripp's inclusion in the story. What happened to them in the end? It's a lighthearted and amusing tale. Very enjoyable. 4.5 stars
I wasn’t quite sure about this one when I started, but I generally like Laura Hile’s books so I gave it a try. I’m so glad I did. This book could easily be called a romp. I laughed all the way through, thoroughly enjoying being inside Mr Collins’ head as his friends manage him into all sorts of things he finds uncomfortable, from spending money to wearing a corset. Caroline Bingley and George Wickham are not missed, James Morland’s appearance is fun and using Lady Catherine as the McGuffin is brilliant. I did find the ending abrupt, but I appreciated that even those who don’t explicitly have a happy ending at least have an implied one. If you are looking for happy and amusing, with the most angst being Mr Collins’ fear of discovery, give this a read. You’ll be glad you did.
4.5 stars I've been thinking about what I think about this book. I listened to the audiobook which was well done but there are such oddities that I couldn't quite decide if I just liked it or loved it or something in between. I know I loved Darcy since he was really quite charming and no one knew of his wealth so he didn't feel the need to be so taciturn. I decided that I quite enjoyed Mrs. Bennet's fickle behavior that was indeed baffling to poor Collins. I kinda felt sorry for him, but not that much. I just enjoyed all the switches in Mrs. B. And knowing that this was enjoyable in its silliness made me realize that this is a story that one has to just enjoy for itself. Does everything have to make sense? No. Just enjoy the story for what it is.
I enjoyed this story. Mr. Collins is secretly a romance writer. His friends from school come to visit him, and one is a Morland. Following advice from Lady Catherine, he goes to Meryton to find a wife, but his friends decide to help him out. Lady Catherine is suspicious of Collins, and she sends Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam to check up on him.
Let the fun ensue.
I really enjoyed the interactions between Collins and his friends. There were also some fun Darcy and Elizabeth scenes that used P&P quotes in creative ways.
If you're looking for a fun and light hearted visit with beloved Austen characters, give this one a try!
Witty story where Mr Collins has become a popular romance writer. Even though he doesn't alway get his references right. He started writing during his university days, because his father would not support him. Two of his university friends talk him into going to London and on to Hertfordshire to find a wife. Lady Cathrine is suspicious of the trip and send Mr. Darcy to Hertfordshire to look after Collins. Later Bingley joins him. I listen to the story on the author's youtube story. Harry Frost the narrator is always great.
A low angst romance with a charming Darcy for Lizzy. Mr Collins takes a central role and an amusing, ironic eye is turned on the popular romances of the day. It doesn’t plunge deep into the issues of the day, but it is perfect for when you want to be entertained for an afternoon.
What was the purpose of this thing (for I cannot in all my life call it a novel)? It just stopped...it did not end, it just stopped! But before that, the characters were disjointed, silly, and extremely boring! No rhyme or reason to their characters or to the supposed flow of the story. God what of waste of time! AI?
This is an excellent idea that I feel could have been pushed a bit more. There is tons of comic potential. I wish it had been developed more because the story could have really been special. It ended abruptly for me with hanging threads. I would give it 3 stars except that the idea of what it could have been makes me bump it to four but really 3.
The author wrote this story with some humor. It was short and a quick read. It revolved around Mr. Collins. I totally enjoy P&P variations with ODC falling for each other quickly.
It was barely a few pages into the story before it became a page turner. It is a comedy, and well done, too! No cuteness here. Rather: total entertainment. I loved it!
In print and in life. Nicely put, and actually ironic to know who the writer is. Still never understood why Lady C wanted Darcy to investigate, but we do get drama and entertainment.
This book was formatted very odd and I found I couldn't finish it. Each chapter felt like it started out as if there should have been several chapters leading up to them, like information was missing.
Mr. Collins becomes the lead! He arrives in Meryton with 2 friends from seminary and a secret. He is a romance novelist! Jane and Lizzy escape him but he does find a fiancée with a dowry. Yes Bingley and Darcy are there too.
I liked this book! Full of humour and romance with inference of dashing heroes and villains, instant romantic attractions as all good romance novels should have.
Too many stories centering on Mr Collins by this author. Irrelevant details and characters padded the length of this story. This is a good author but I look forward to future books
Poor Mr Collins! Things do seem to haver a habit of going wrong for him and this is particularly apparent in this variation.
This is a generally pleasant book if a little choppy at times. The flow is not quite as smooth as it could be and it came to something of a juddering halt.