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Darcy in Want of a Wife: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Darcy seeks a wife.
Elizabeth requires love.
Elizabeth Bennet has an unexpected opportunity to participate in a London Season. Her wealthy new friends invite her to lavish parties, and she is surprised to garner the attention of eligible gentlemen.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is in want of a wealthy and well-connected bride, a woman truly worthy of the Darcy name, but can he find one who reminds him of the lady he admires? As he continues his search, he realizes that he cannot forget Elizabeth Bennet’s fine eyes ... and he is alarmed when he learns he has competition for her affections.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is absolutely determined that Darcy must marry her only child, Anne de Bourgh. He is not particularly interested in what she wants, but she unearths an all-too-willing accomplice who will force Darcy’s hand. When one of Elizabeth’s sisters goes missing, Elizabeth must rely on Mr. Darcy to avoid scandal and preserve their chance at happiness.
This novel is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
Elizabeth requires love.
Elizabeth Bennet has an unexpected opportunity to participate in a London Season. Her wealthy new friends invite her to lavish parties, and she is surprised to garner the attention of eligible gentlemen.
Fitzwilliam Darcy is in want of a wealthy and well-connected bride, a woman truly worthy of the Darcy name, but can he find one who reminds him of the lady he admires? As he continues his search, he realizes that he cannot forget Elizabeth Bennet’s fine eyes ... and he is alarmed when he learns he has competition for her affections.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh is absolutely determined that Darcy must marry her only child, Anne de Bourgh. He is not particularly interested in what she wants, but she unearths an all-too-willing accomplice who will force Darcy’s hand. When one of Elizabeth’s sisters goes missing, Elizabeth must rely on Mr. Darcy to avoid scandal and preserve their chance at happiness.
This novel is a sweet and clean, low angst Pride and Prejudice variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings, with a satisfying epilogue.
590 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2024
173 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Laraba Kendig
45 books108 followersI am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 1, 2024
Mr. Darcy is at an age he should be married
Darcy is drawn to Lizzy but she isn’t of the aristocracy. He “works” at finding a proper woman of the tonne. Much angst accrues. Pretty good story but not many surprises. A good read once novel.
Darcy is drawn to Lizzy but she isn’t of the aristocracy. He “works” at finding a proper woman of the tonne. Much angst accrues. Pretty good story but not many surprises. A good read once novel.
November 8, 2024
Intricately plotted, but oh, the editing.
I enjoy Laraba Kendig’s novels, but from the beginning I noted incorrect punctuations. Throughout the novel there were egregious editing errors. In one sentence we are told Georgiana and her companion have retired and a few lines later, that Darcy and his sister have remained with guests in the drawing room. In the Epilogue, a parish is named as Hunsford in one paragraph and Kympton in the next. Hence, I removed one star. The characters are well drawn and the dialogue, whilst not brilliant, is good.
I enjoy Laraba Kendig’s novels, but from the beginning I noted incorrect punctuations. Throughout the novel there were egregious editing errors. In one sentence we are told Georgiana and her companion have retired and a few lines later, that Darcy and his sister have remained with guests in the drawing room. In the Epilogue, a parish is named as Hunsford in one paragraph and Kympton in the next. Hence, I removed one star. The characters are well drawn and the dialogue, whilst not brilliant, is good.
November 14, 2024
Wonderful, but the title?!?
After the Netherfield ball, after the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield for London, Jane goes to London with the Gardiners after Christmas, broken hearted about Bingley's desertion. Elizabeth, at Longbourn, learns in a disturbing way that Wickham is a bad person, and that maybe everything he said about Darcy isn't true. Bingley, by accident, learns that Jane is in London and immediately seeks her out and proposes, and this is the start of a Bingley with a backbone. Darcy, meanwhile, is struggling with his strong attraction to Elizabeth, and begins a campaign to attend events of the London Season, and find a wife. Elizabeth comes to London to live with the now married Bingleys, and makes fast friends with several intelligent and well read ladies, who also happen to be ones that Darcy is considering for a wife.
This premise is nothing new, but this author has such a way with storytelling that infuses many of these old themes with new life. Many interesting and engaging new characters are introduced. The villains are the same, but use different methods, and are given very satisfying comeuppances. The romance is lovely once Darcy gets his head screwed on straight. It's a swoon worthy Darcy, and a vibrant Elizabeth, just the way we like to see them. Jane has more sense and backbone, which is nice.
This is the second book by this author whose title makes me think she's getting a little lackadaisical, and just settling for the working title. "Darcy In Want Of A Wife" and "Elizabeth Is Not A Bennett" are not at all inspiring titles, and show a lack of imagination, which is clearly not true of this author. I don't want to be nitpicky, but even I could come up with something better. However, the book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
After the Netherfield ball, after the Bingleys and Darcy abandon Netherfield for London, Jane goes to London with the Gardiners after Christmas, broken hearted about Bingley's desertion. Elizabeth, at Longbourn, learns in a disturbing way that Wickham is a bad person, and that maybe everything he said about Darcy isn't true. Bingley, by accident, learns that Jane is in London and immediately seeks her out and proposes, and this is the start of a Bingley with a backbone. Darcy, meanwhile, is struggling with his strong attraction to Elizabeth, and begins a campaign to attend events of the London Season, and find a wife. Elizabeth comes to London to live with the now married Bingleys, and makes fast friends with several intelligent and well read ladies, who also happen to be ones that Darcy is considering for a wife.
This premise is nothing new, but this author has such a way with storytelling that infuses many of these old themes with new life. Many interesting and engaging new characters are introduced. The villains are the same, but use different methods, and are given very satisfying comeuppances. The romance is lovely once Darcy gets his head screwed on straight. It's a swoon worthy Darcy, and a vibrant Elizabeth, just the way we like to see them. Jane has more sense and backbone, which is nice.
This is the second book by this author whose title makes me think she's getting a little lackadaisical, and just settling for the working title. "Darcy In Want Of A Wife" and "Elizabeth Is Not A Bennett" are not at all inspiring titles, and show a lack of imagination, which is clearly not true of this author. I don't want to be nitpicky, but even I could come up with something better. However, the book is very well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
November 4, 2024
Enjoyable
It is always interesting to see what new ways this plot can be redone anew. I found the unofficial courting of Darcy and Lizzy in London to be slow and steady -building on their knowledge and understanding of each other. Wickham as always is a rogue while Lady Catherine revealed some not so ladylike tendencies. I also enjoyed seeing all the characters several years into the future —a heartwarming HEA indeed!
It is always interesting to see what new ways this plot can be redone anew. I found the unofficial courting of Darcy and Lizzy in London to be slow and steady -building on their knowledge and understanding of each other. Wickham as always is a rogue while Lady Catherine revealed some not so ladylike tendencies. I also enjoyed seeing all the characters several years into the future —a heartwarming HEA indeed!
April 8, 2025
A Pride and Prejudice variation which starts after the Netherfield party have left, with Jane in London. Soon to be joined by Elizabeth. But Darcy has decided to get over Elizabeth he must find a wife, but not Anne. How will events affect the Bennet family
An entertaining variation
An entertaining variation
November 22, 2024
A low-angst P&P variation in which all the Bennet sisters end up with their happily ever after (as do pretty much all the side characters--except the villains).
November 9, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. You will see the most beloved characters in a whole new way. This is a Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice variation. This is a sweet and clean, low angst variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings. Darcy seeks a wife and Elizabeth requires love. Elizabeth Bennet has an unexpected opportunity to participate in a London Season. Her wealthy new friends invite her to lavish parties, and she is surprised to garner the attention of eligible gentlemen. Fitzwilliam Darcy is in want of a wealthy and well-connected bride, a woman truly worthy of the Darcy name, but can he find one who reminds him of the lady he admires? As he continues his search, he realizes that he cannot forget Elizabeth Bennet’s fine eyes, and he is alarmed when he learns he has competition for her affections. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is absolutely determined that Darcy must marry her only child, Anne de Bourgh. He is not particularly interested in what she wants, but she unearths an all-too-willing accomplice who will force Darcy’s hand. When one of Elizabeth’s sisters goes missing, Elizabeth must rely on Mr. Darcy to avoid scandal and preserve their chance at happiness. 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.
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 sweet and clean, low angst variation where all of the Bennet sisters have happy endings. Darcy seeks a wife and Elizabeth requires love. Elizabeth Bennet has an unexpected opportunity to participate in a London Season. Her wealthy new friends invite her to lavish parties, and she is surprised to garner the attention of eligible gentlemen. Fitzwilliam Darcy is in want of a wealthy and well-connected bride, a woman truly worthy of the Darcy name, but can he find one who reminds him of the lady he admires? As he continues his search, he realizes that he cannot forget Elizabeth Bennet’s fine eyes, and he is alarmed when he learns he has competition for her affections. Lady Catherine de Bourgh is absolutely determined that Darcy must marry her only child, Anne de Bourgh. He is not particularly interested in what she wants, but she unearths an all-too-willing accomplice who will force Darcy’s hand. When one of Elizabeth’s sisters goes missing, Elizabeth must rely on Mr. Darcy to avoid scandal and preserve their chance at happiness. 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.
November 15, 2024
Much of the first half of this variation follows the outline of JA's canon. Darcy insults Elizabeth but then as he decides he must find a wife compares all he is considering to Elizabeth and, finally, with the encouragement of the Colonel, realizes that she is the only one for him. He doesn't hold back from informing Elizabeth of his feelings and she, although surprised, agrees to allow him to spend time calling on her as she gets to know him better.
Things change for the Bennets and Darcy as Wickham, who had been finally thrown into gaol due to his debts, has his debts paid off and now seeks revenge against Darcy. Obviously, someone has not only paid those debts but also provided W. with the means to "ruin" the Bennets and SURELY turn Darcy away from marrying into that family.
Lady Catherine and Anne take up many pages, with attention to Anne's health and her relationship with her mother plus Lady C.'s determination to get her own way. There is a twist here not as in canon.
Lydia has been sent away to school but not before she acts out in a daring way. Mary is a prominent character as scandal touches her and as she makes changes in her life.
By the end of this book, all the Bennets sister have found mates as does Georgiana. We have several epilogues which relate their lives and relationships.
Editing is needed, however.
Things change for the Bennets and Darcy as Wickham, who had been finally thrown into gaol due to his debts, has his debts paid off and now seeks revenge against Darcy. Obviously, someone has not only paid those debts but also provided W. with the means to "ruin" the Bennets and SURELY turn Darcy away from marrying into that family.
Lady Catherine and Anne take up many pages, with attention to Anne's health and her relationship with her mother plus Lady C.'s determination to get her own way. There is a twist here not as in canon.
Lydia has been sent away to school but not before she acts out in a daring way. Mary is a prominent character as scandal touches her and as she makes changes in her life.
By the end of this book, all the Bennets sister have found mates as does Georgiana. We have several epilogues which relate their lives and relationships.
Editing is needed, however.
November 19, 2024
A Pleasant Surprise
It's been a while since I read one of Kendig's stories, and now I feel the need to go back and see what I missed in the previous books.
What I liked:
- Darcy and Elizabeth, both individually and as a couple.
- Jane and Bingley. This is surprising since I'm usually not a fan of theirs individually or as a couple.
- A different outcome for Lydia.
There wasn't really anything I disliked. Well, the three-chapter epilogue felt excessive; it could have easily been condensed into one chapter. Other than that, everything was great!
It's been a while since I read one of Kendig's stories, and now I feel the need to go back and see what I missed in the previous books.
What I liked:
- Darcy and Elizabeth, both individually and as a couple.
- Jane and Bingley. This is surprising since I'm usually not a fan of theirs individually or as a couple.
- A different outcome for Lydia.
There wasn't really anything I disliked. Well, the three-chapter epilogue felt excessive; it could have easily been condensed into one chapter. Other than that, everything was great!
January 18, 2025
Darcy chooses love
Creative story starting with Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley reuniting. The process has Bingley learning to be more assertive then moves on to Darcy. The roles are flipped as Bingley is settled and watches Darcy try to achieve the same. In true Darcy fashion he makes a list of potential brides and forces himself to attend social events. Of course there is Elizabeth and her sisters to embrace or overcome.
I would have rated the book higher but it needs editing. No one says backyard, it is garden. Sentences contain too much repetition.
Creative story starting with Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley reuniting. The process has Bingley learning to be more assertive then moves on to Darcy. The roles are flipped as Bingley is settled and watches Darcy try to achieve the same. In true Darcy fashion he makes a list of potential brides and forces himself to attend social events. Of course there is Elizabeth and her sisters to embrace or overcome.
I would have rated the book higher but it needs editing. No one says backyard, it is garden. Sentences contain too much repetition.
November 4, 2024
An engaging tale
Some nice twists and turns as ODC come to terms with themselves and each other. Two villains in cahoots deserve what comes to them. I always enjoy the unexpected, but choose to provide no spoilers. Some small editorial matters distracted me at the beginning, but improved as I read on. The multiple epilogues provide satisfying answers to what happens next. Highly recommend along with Ms Kendig’s other works.
Some nice twists and turns as ODC come to terms with themselves and each other. Two villains in cahoots deserve what comes to them. I always enjoy the unexpected, but choose to provide no spoilers. Some small editorial matters distracted me at the beginning, but improved as I read on. The multiple epilogues provide satisfying answers to what happens next. Highly recommend along with Ms Kendig’s other works.
Read
November 21, 2024Didn't gel with the writing style and pacing right at the start. DNF at 3% (haha)
Why zoom through Jane and Bingley's side plot with so little ceremony and an implausible, unannounced and unsolicited visit from Mr Bingley to Mr Gardiner's warehouse to see about investing in his company, not knowing that he's related to Jane?
Can't picture Bingley dressing down his sister in front of Jane at her uncle's house either.
Why zoom through Jane and Bingley's side plot with so little ceremony and an implausible, unannounced and unsolicited visit from Mr Bingley to Mr Gardiner's warehouse to see about investing in his company, not knowing that he's related to Jane?
Can't picture Bingley dressing down his sister in front of Jane at her uncle's house either.
April 18, 2025
Another Delightful Retelling
I choose 5 Star ratings because I find the books written by Lara a to be wonderful. Don't remember er that I have read one I couldn't admire. She is very prolific and has written at least 33 volumes to date. Always wonderful characters from the original story with friends. Great stories with action and romance. I believe a truly fine story involves all my emotions are evoked. Great job. Found one error of character.
I choose 5 Star ratings because I find the books written by Lara a to be wonderful. Don't remember er that I have read one I couldn't admire. She is very prolific and has written at least 33 volumes to date. Always wonderful characters from the original story with friends. Great stories with action and romance. I believe a truly fine story involves all my emotions are evoked. Great job. Found one error of character.
November 5, 2024
A lovely story
This is a book you'll enjoy reading, it does have some angst but the culprits are dealt with appropriately. Wickham appears as do Lady C. Miss B. and Mr Collins. Mr Gardiner is able to get the story off to a lovely start which, apart from the usual villains' attempts, all makes a very good read.
This is a book you'll enjoy reading, it does have some angst but the culprits are dealt with appropriately. Wickham appears as do Lady C. Miss B. and Mr Collins. Mr Gardiner is able to get the story off to a lovely start which, apart from the usual villains' attempts, all makes a very good read.
November 6, 2024
Very Beautiful!
As she usually does Laraba has given us another beautiful story where the only true angst is all on Darcy. I enjoy it when Lydia is not allowed to get far in her attempt to ruin herself, Mary gets to shine on her own, and the love that grows between Darcy and Elizabeth is organic and believable.
As she usually does Laraba has given us another beautiful story where the only true angst is all on Darcy. I enjoy it when Lydia is not allowed to get far in her attempt to ruin herself, Mary gets to shine on her own, and the love that grows between Darcy and Elizabeth is organic and believable.
abandoned
July 28, 2025Dnf at 61%
Well written but not for me. At this point Darcy and Elizabeth are in love and engaged but on page we only had 2,3 short conversations between them. All other interactions are paraphrased like - Darcy took Elizabeth on numerous outings and Elizabeth got to know him well - and such. The writing also feels a bit dry and lacks emotion. Not sure if I'll read authors other books
Well written but not for me. At this point Darcy and Elizabeth are in love and engaged but on page we only had 2,3 short conversations between them. All other interactions are paraphrased like - Darcy took Elizabeth on numerous outings and Elizabeth got to know him well - and such. The writing also feels a bit dry and lacks emotion. Not sure if I'll read authors other books
November 8, 2024
Another great story
You can always guarantee a good read from Laraba Kendig. Hope this never changes.
Read on unlimited, now to return this and purchase.
What an amazing ride. Love Mary! Think she always makes a great diversion!
Lots of hea's.
You can always guarantee a good read from Laraba Kendig. Hope this never changes.
Read on unlimited, now to return this and purchase.
What an amazing ride. Love Mary! Think she always makes a great diversion!
Lots of hea's.
November 11, 2024
I am going to marry that girl.
This was a great story! It was very diversified, It was entertaining, it was funny, it was the circle of !I've. Darcy finally meets his match and he wants to marry her.
This was a great story! It was very diversified, It was entertaining, it was funny, it was the circle of !I've. Darcy finally meets his match and he wants to marry her.
November 7, 2024
A really fabulous read , no surprise but it was so good
One of those books you want to finish but when you do you are sad to put it down.
Excellent
One of those books you want to finish but when you do you are sad to put it down.
Excellent
December 21, 2024
very engaging book
Even though this was a very long i stayed interested the whole time. The story is excellent. I appreciated the grammar.
Even though this was a very long i stayed interested the whole time. The story is excellent. I appreciated the grammar.
January 25, 2025
A fun time with everything I expect out of a Pride and Prejudice variation, but like kinda poorly done lol.
February 7, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable
A sweet, engaging story with all my favorite P & P characters. I loved the variations from the original plot.
A sweet, engaging story with all my favorite P & P characters. I loved the variations from the original plot.
February 14, 2025
Not cannon
I really enjoyed the journey Elizabeth and Darcy took to get to a happily ever after. It was good to see Mary get a good life and Lydia becoming a lady.
I really enjoyed the journey Elizabeth and Darcy took to get to a happily ever after. It was good to see Mary get a good life and Lydia becoming a lady.
May 1, 2025
Enjoyable but then drags
Characters were faithful to cannon, but towards the end it was almost too little angst/ too little tension for my attention span.
Characters were faithful to cannon, but towards the end it was almost too little angst/ too little tension for my attention span.
September 24, 2025
3.95⭐️
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews